Street photography is like an impromptu movie you watch for free in the real world. As you walk down the street, you see everyone as the star of their own story. The photographer captures all those little moments, like the way people move, what they look like, and the way they bump into each other. It’s as if the director never said “cut.” The drama of life has been captured on camera, and you are the audience and recorder.
You don’t need a script or an actor to rehearse because the most real and touching moments often happen in the most unconscious moments. People walking, talking, smiling, frowning, and every subtle change of expression and natural twist of the body are like the invisible director’s interpretation of their plot for you. All you need to do is stand back, use your own unique perspective and keen perception to capture those fleeting images, as if you were using someone else’s body to tell a colorful story of theirs and the world.
Leica M8 with Summicron 35mm f2 v4 King of Bokeh (7-element)Leica M8 with Summicron 35mm f2 v4 King of Bokeh (7-element)
I really like the Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 V4 King of Bokeh (7-element). If I had to guess, it’s probably the one I’ve used the most. It works with both digital and film cameras. With 2-meter focusing, street photography is a breeze. While many street photographers like to shoot at f/8, I prefer f/2. What’s more, the gradient blur this lens produces at f2 is very three-dimensional.
Classic Leica
This lens really shines at f/2.8, with great contrast and clarity. When you zoom out to f/5.6, the image quality is already as good as the modern Summicron 35 f/2 asph at f/5.6. Classic Leica lenses have their own unique characteristics. The maximum aperture is really beautiful, and the smaller aperture has excellent optical quality. It can take great portraits and sharp landscapes. Even today, lots of people still like this lens.
Why is it called the King of Bokeh?
The photos you take with this lens are really special. A lot of people say they have an artistic concept after reading them. When you set the aperture to f/2 in street photography, you get a gradual blur from the near focus to the distant background. The bokeh from near to far is layered. It’s similar to how we perceive things.
The most beautiful Leica lenses
This small lens looks especially good on a Leica M body. It’s a bit smaller than the modern aspherical version, and in my opinion, the Leica M2 fits perfectly. The hood of this lens is made of plastic, and the shape isn’t very appealing. I’m not too keen on it. I often use the Leica Summilux 35 1.4 pre-asph lens hood (12504) with it, and it works really well.
Production period: 1979-1996
Code: 11310(black), 11311(chrome) Serial#:2,974,251-n/a
Total production: n/a
Maximum aperture: 1: 2.0
Focal length(nominal): 35mm
Angle:64
Minimum distance: 70cm
Weight: 190 grams, later 160 gram
chrome version 250 grams
Filter: E39
Recorded sales figures: n/a
