leica Archives - Page 11 of 14

LEICA M8 REVIEW

The Leica M8 is a digital rangefinder camera that has been around for almost twenty years. It’s not just a technological marvel for me, but also a great emotional support and creative partner. Whenever I pick it up, it’s like I’m embarking on a special photographic journey, and every click of the shutter is a part of my deep connection with the world. The Leica M8 is more than just a classic camera to me – it’s an indispensable companion and a constant source of inspiration in my photographic career.

I just love the M8 because it’s so reliable and pure, and it never goes out of style. In this day and age, where cameras are getting more and more advanced with each new generation, the M8 stands out for sticking to the traditional manual operation and rangefinder linkage. I really admire this return to the essence of photography! It made me realise that the value of photography doesn’t depend on whether it’s technologically advanced or not. It’s about how the photographer captures and conveys their emotions and thoughts through the lens.

I find that using the M8 to shoot black and white photos is a kind of emotional catharsis and artistic pursuit that I really enjoy. The world in black-and-white shades, fading away the noise of colour, leaving behind pure light and shadow and deep emotions. The M8 with its excellent control of shadow, so that each photo is full of power and infectious. They are not only visually enjoyable, but also touching the heart. It was such a wonderful feeling, like I was travelling through time and space! I felt connected to those classic black-and-white photographs and I could really feel the eternal charm of the art of photography.

Do you remember that gorgeous black and white ad for the Leica M8 by Wim Wenders?

When I first saw Wim Wenders’ beautiful black-and-white ad for the Leica M8, I was really moved. It was so much more than just a display of images. It touched my heart and resonated with me deeply, as if it truly understood the art of photography.

The black-and-white images unfolded slowly, and every detail seemed to have been carefully crafted over time, revealing an indescribable purity and depth. I was completely captivated by the moments of light and shadow, feeling the emotions and stories behind each frame. Wim Wenders has done an amazing job! He has such a unique perspective and exquisite skills. He has brought out the charm of the Leica M8 in the best possible way. I’m now yearning for and loving this camera like never before!

I know that black-and-white photography is all about playing with light and shadow to create something really special. It lets the photographer focus more on the composition of the image, the layers of light and shadow, and the emotion in the picture. The Leica M8 is a fantastic camera for black and white photography. It has excellent image quality, precise focusing ability and unique German colours. I would absolutely love to have a camera like that so I can capture every single moment of my life and record all those beautiful, heart-melting moments that just seem to pass by in the blink of an eye.

That advertisement just fills my heart with so much longing and love for the Leica M8 whenever I think of it! It’s not just a camera, it’s my best friend! It helps me pursue my passion for photography and express my inner feelings. I truly believe that in the days to come, I will grow with the Leica M8. I will explore the infinite possibilities of photography together with it and interpret the beauty and sorrow of the world with black and white images.

CCD Advantages of the Leica M8

Let me tell you about the amazing CCD sensor in the Leica M8! This digital rangefinder camera has a CCD sensor that offers some truly unique advantages. CCD sensors are a type of image sensor that have been used in early digital cameras for a long time. They have some great features that really make a difference, and you can see all of that in the Leica M8!

Produces high-quality images: The APS-H format CCD sensor used by the Leica M8 has 10 million pixels, but thanks to the high sensitivity and low noise characteristics of the CCD, it still produces great images. In bright light, the M8 can capture more details and reduce noise, producing a purer, more delicate image.
Ideal for black and white photography: You were right about the Leica M8 performing well when shooting black and white photos. This is down to the CCD sensor’s ability to capture light accurately and restore it effectively, which makes black and white photos look richer in tone and more contrasty. It can even capture infrared light.

Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron Rigid Is The Second Choice

Sound:

I just love the satisfying sound that comes from turning the aperture ring of the Leica Rigid lens! It’s a quiet, clean sound, similar to the ticking of a mechanical clock. It’s such a shame that newer Leica lenses don’t make that sound.

On CMOS and CCD:

The Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron Rigid is a great lens that works well on both film and digital cameras. On CMOS and CCD sensors, it produces a softer image with less contrast.

Condition:

It’s not easy to find a Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron Rigid in good optical condition. It’s not unusual for a lens of this age to be in perfect condition.

Rigid vs V4:

I’ve switched to the Summicron-M 50mm V4 as my 50mm lens. It has better coatings and may be sharper.

Rigid DR:

Rigid has a cousin who wears glasses and adds “DR” after the name. The Rigid DR lens is great but heavy. It’s best for black and white photography, while the V4 is amazing for color. The Rigid DR isn’t compatible with a digital Leica camera.

Minox MB (ML) 35mm Film Camera

Compact Camera, Gear

Minox MB (ML) 35mm Film Camera

I have always considered the Minox 35mm camera to be a younger version of the Leica.

Leica Youth Edition

I have always considered the Minox 35mm camera to be a younger version of the Leica. It operates similarly to a Leica, with adjustments to the aperture, distance settings, picture composition, and shutter pressing. I have used it with ease since childhood, and even decades later, I still find it easy to use.Once you master its operation, like the Leica camera, you never forget it.In contrast, I always forget how to use the Rollei 35.

Plastic

Minox was originally known for producing spy cameras and designing excellent small pocket cameras. However, the Minox 35 has a special plastic body. Similarly, smaller cameras such as the Contax TVS III and the Minolta TC-1 use a higher grade of titanium. Minox’s greatest strengths are their affordable prices and excellent German lenses. I don’t dislike plastic bodies; the lightness of plastic is a plus. The Minox MB is very durable and can be used in any harsh environment.

Backlight

However, in my opinion, the Minox mb does not have good image quality in backlight. Its anti-glare capability is not as good as the Leica CM and Contax TVS. The later Minox gt-e and gt-x models used more advanced coatings, resulting in improved backlighting performance. In fact, I rarely use the Minox for backlit photos. Early morning sunlight is dramatic. I turned around, found a good angle, pressed the shutter, and took an early morning street photo. I felt great.

carrying it in my dream

Is it possible to develop photos taken in a dream? In my dream, I was a child taking pictures with my Minox camera. When I woke up, I found a Minox MB next to my pillow, which I had been holding in my dream.

Brand: MINOX
Series: Minox 35 MB
Type: Rangefinder
Format: 35 mm
Focus Type: Manual
Color: Black
Model: Minox 35
Features: Auto Exposure
Country/Region of Manufacture: Japan

Minox 35 wiki

Minox 35 manual

Pages: 12

In my world, film photography has not gone out of style.

street photography

In my world, film photography has not gone out of style.

November 1, 2023

I still prefer to use film for my photographs. Images are carved out of solid material by light, just as our planet is carved out of time. The layers of grain remind me of what the human world looks like.
In today’s digital age, in the eyes of the average person, we photographers who use film are an apathetic bunch. However, indifference is not our true colors.
Tonight, in the fall rain, I am looking through old photos under the lamp, exploring time, the world, and myself.

Leica CM a Compact Camera

Compact Leica M

The Leica CM camera is an absolute gem of a camera! Released in 2003, it’s a top-of-the-line compact film camera that has become a high-end pocket camera thanks to its excellent quality and features. The Leica CM camera is so small and lightweight that you can easily fit it in your pocket! This lovely little camera is equipped with a 40mm F2.4 Leica SUMMARIT lens, which gives it very high contrast and excellent resolution even at full open aperture.

40mm lens

Leica has a long history with 40mm lenses! The compact and portable film camera Leica CL of the 1970s was equipped with the Summicron-C 40mm f/2. While the Leica Summicron-C 40mm f/2 lens and the 40mm f/2.4 lens on Leica CM cameras are similar in focal length, they belong to separate camera systems and product lines.

Why is the 40mm lens always included with compact cameras, and why is it so popular with photographers? Simply put, it produces images that look like what we see with our own eyes, especially natural and real. It’s not as wide as a super wide-angle lens, and it’s not as narrow as a telephoto lens. It’s just right for everyday use and for photographing people.

This 40mm lens is small, lightweight, and has a compact design, making it a great match for a portable camera. It’s perfect for traveling, shopping, or capturing life on the go. You can easily stow it in your pocket or bag and shoot when the moment strikes. For photographers who love to capture travel photos, street scenes, or human stories, the convenience of being able to shoot anywhere, anytime is a huge advantage.

Manual Focus

In manual mode, the Leica CM is similar to the Leica M system. If you’re an experienced shooter, you can estimate the focal length, which is great! But since it’s a point-and-shoot camera, I think it’s more convenient to use the automatic mode.

Fluorite Lenses

If you’re looking for something truly special, look no further than the CM! Its Summarit lens is a real game-changer. Using fluorite lenses, it delivers outstanding image quality that’ll take your breath away. Someone had the great idea of modifying this 40mm lens to resemble the Leica M mount and using it on a Leica M camera! It’s still absolutely amazing!

E02 error

I’m really sorry to say that the Leica Minilux has a few issues with focusing. You might see an E02 error on the screen, but don’t worry! I’m happy to say that I didn’t notice this problem when I reviewed the CM! Don’t fret! In most cases, these issues are caused by a minor problem with the lens cable. If you’re lucky enough to have a repairman in your area, you can solve this problem by replacing the cable. Just be sure to factor in the cost of the repair, as it’ll likely require a fee.

Titanium

It’s so sad! Today’s digital machines are updated so quickly that their workmanship is no longer so refined. In the film era, Leica in particular made the most exquisite and beautiful cameras. They were truly works of art! It’s so sad – using titanium, which is only used in top-end cameras, is no longer a standard feature in most cameras.

Camera, Artwork

I have a number of small pocket cameras, and there’s no doubt that this Leica cm is one of the most luxurious of them all. I don’t use it very often, though, and I think it’s probably more appropriate to enjoy it as an artifact rather than as a photographic tool. Of course, this is just my personal opinion, but I love it either way!

Have you ever seen a photography book without pictures?

street photography

Have you ever seen a photography book without pictures?

Walking Around

I just heard about an awesome photographer moving to NYC. Unexpected, but it makes sense. I like his work, they are interesting and you can see an independent thinker. His favorite camera is the Fuji x100 and I love the Leica Summilux 35mm f/1.4 and take my Leica everywhere I go. And I’m not going to New York, I’m in Beijing.

Interesting photography is more than just good looking photos. The photograph is just the medium. The personality of the photographer is deeply imprinted in the work. We think about life through photography and photography through life.

Photography Book Without Pictures

In short, don’t think that street photographers only have time to take pictures and get lucky. In fact, when not taking pictures, photographers are reading and thinking. One more thing, many photographers have never read a text-only photography book. Can a photography book be without photos? Yes, a good photographer must have read picture books without words and photography books with only words. Have you ever seen a photography book without pictures?

Compact Camera

Many street photographers prefer to use Fuji x100 cameras, while I like to use Leica film cameras. Of course, whether the photos are interesting or not depends mainly on the photographer, not the equipment. But one thing we have in common is that we both use small, quiet rangefinder cameras, which are actually more conducive to street photography. Cameras that don’t disturb other people are more advantageous in street photography. Therefore, sometimes the choice of equipment is also very important for the photographer. the Leica m3 and the Leica Summilux 35 f/1.4 pre-asph are my favorites. I learned this from a photography book without pictures, which was an interview with a photographer. Many street photographers choose cameras for street photography that are compact and don’t interfere with passersby.

Leica 180-degree Flash Bracket CTOOM/15545

CTOOM/15545 (19531964) describes an adjustable bracket that is designed to be fitted to the base of a camera, allowing the flash gun to be positioned at any angle through 180 degrees. Initially, this accessory was manufactured using white plastic; however, by the mid-1950s, it was being produced using black painted metal.

I must say, I am impressed with the German design. It is both simple and effective, allowing for a 180-degree adjustment of the flash position. The quality of German craftsmanship is also remarkable, as the texture is solid and gives a sense of sophistication when held. It makes for a perfect paperweight while reading. However, it is important to note that it is not just a mere decoration, as it is fully functional.

Xiaomi 13 Pro street photography

Sure, I can help you polish the translation. Here’s the refined version:

These days, capturing photos of flowers and plants with a smartphone is no longer a challenge. Achieving background blur is also not a difficult feat, thanks to the advancements in chip algorithms. Additionally, smartphones have made significant progress in HDR capabilities. The Xiaomi 13 Pro is undoubtedly among the top performers in these aspects. As a street photographer, my focus is on the user experience when capturing photos in this setting.

In street photography, lighting conditions tend to be variable, and contrasts are often high. As a result, relying solely on the metering function is not sufficient, and the photographer must rely on their judgment. Experienced Leica players often use full manual settings for aperture and shutter speed, while SLR and mirrorless camera players will typically use aperture priority or shutter priority modes and adjust the exposure compensation accordingly.

I discovered that if the Xiaomi 13 Pro is exposed normally, the resulting photos tend to resemble the style of Sony mirrorless cameras. The color palette reminds me of Sony’s first APS mirrorless camera, the Nex5. However, by setting the exposure compensation to around -1.3 stops, the “leica taste” (a Leica term referring to the unique and subtle aesthetic quality of Leica cameras) is evident in the resulting photos.

It’s unfair to compare the Xiaomi 13 Pro to a Leica M, but finding “leica taste” in a smartphone camera is a rarity. Xiaomi’s collaboration with Leica has produced remarkable results, including a stylized master lens option in the software, allowing for quick and easy switching between the 35mm black and white, 50mm focusing, 75mm portrait, and 90mm soft focus lenses. This design is very user-friendly for photography veterans who prefer fixed focus styles and is a valuable educational tool for beginners.

Despite these features, I prefer to use the professional mode when shooting street photography, with the wide-angle lens, EV -1.3, and all other settings on auto. I shoot everything in color and convert to black and white during post-processing on the computer.

In terms of image clarity, smartphones have made great strides, particularly when paired with the Leica-certified vario-summicron 14mm-75mm lens. The Xiaomi smartphone’s clarity surpasses that of many early APS-C format SLRs with kit lenses. Moreover, the backlit CMOS sensor performs exceptionally well in low light conditions. These two features alone are enough to render many older cameras obsolete.

Moreover, I have found that the Xiaomi 13 Pro’s display screen enhances the vibrancy of photos, particularly when viewed on the phone itself. The colors appear more vivid compared to viewing them on an Apple computer. I attribute this to the high level of color space matching between the phone’s color correction process and the display screen.

Typically, I am able to capture the same emotive power with any camera – the photo feels like it’s coming right at you. Even with a smartphone, that feeling is present, and you can get up close and personal. I used a wide-angle lens at a distance of about 1.5 meters. I have noticed that many people do not mind when you get close with a smartphone, and some don’t even notice. However, the phone does emit a “click” sound when taking a photo, which often prompts a smile from the subject. It wasn’t until later that I discovered that there is no shutter sound in silent mode, but I still prefer the sound, as it lets me know which moment I captured and gives me a sense of accomplishment.

Typically, smartphone cameras have slow response times when it comes to capturing photos, be it focusing or shutter response speed. However, the Xiaomi Pro3 is very fast and boasts a high success rate.

Rollei RPX100 black and white film

For those who enjoy shooting with Leica lenses at wide apertures, ISO 100 film remains a popular choice that offers greater convenience than ISO 400, particularly when using large apertures like f/0.95 or f/1.4. Furthermore, ISO 100 film can produce much finer image quality than ISO 400 film. The Rollei RPX film boasts a remarkably flat base, which allows for easy scanning without the need for flattening. This is a feature that I personally love.

However, while ISO 100 film is generally considered to be fine-grained, the grain may still be noticeable to some extent. Established brands such as Kodak, Ilford, and Fuji have invested considerable efforts in fine-grain technology. Nevertheless, the RPX film has several advantages: it is affordable, easy to develop, and has good tolerance. By contrast, many ISO 100 films have poor tolerance, particularly the Fuji Acros 135 and Ilford Pan 100. Rollei RPX, on the other hand, has a level of tolerance that is more commonly associated with ISO 400 films. The contrast of RPX 100 is also medium to high.

So why has Rollei resumed film production, offering various types of film including ISO 25, ISO 50, and ISO 100, all produced in Europe? According to the packaging of MACO PHOTO PRODUCTS, the company is located in Stapelfeld, Germany and is a subsidiary of Hans O. Mahn Gmbh & Co. KG, with a 36-year history of producing film. Interestingly, it comes from the same factory as Ilford and Kentmere in the UK, with only different formulations.

Rollei RPX100 ＋ leica m6 ＋ noctilux 50mm f/0.95 asph

Rollei RPX 100 is a traditional medium-speed black and white film.
This film is suitable for a wide range of photographic and scientific applications.
Particularly portrait and landscape photography, architecture and product photography.
The popularity of this film confirms its high quality.
It is a fine grain film that enables good sharpness and a broad tonal range with good contrast.