As I’m taking the photo, I suddenly realize that I’m about to bump into a group of people on the other side of the street. There’s a moment of tension in the air as we both move towards each other. In the blink of an eye, I took the photo, capturing the moment when we were about to meet but had never really touched each other.
Leica M8 with Summicron 35mm f2 v4 King of Bokeh (7-element)
This photo isn’t just a clever blend of light and color. It’s also a subtle capture of emotions and stories. It goes beyond the everyday look of things and captures the subtle sense of distance between people and the unknown stories that are about to happen. In the picture, the pedestrian’s expression might be with a hint of surprise, a hint of a smile, or immersed in their own world of calm. These real and natural moments are the essence of the “street feeling.”
Leica M8 with Summicron 35mm f2 v4 King of Bokeh (7-element)
These photos can make you forget the photographer is even there. It’s as if these moments were already in the world, waiting to be discovered and recorded. There’s no posing or fancy sets—just the raw, unfiltered reality of life and the simplest ways people interact.
When people enjoy these photos, they often find themselves entering into the scene, imagining they’re the one walking on the road or the photographer who pressed the shutter. They can feel the sudden surprise and warmth of a chance encounter in a busy city. Sharing this “street feeling” isn’t just about looking at pictures. It’s about connecting with people on a deeper level. It’s a way to find a little bit of peace and comfort in the midst of a fast-paced modern life.
This kind of photography can often transcend time and space, creating a bridge between the photographer and the audience. It allows people to find beauty in the everyday.
Leica M8 with Summicron 35mm f2 v4 King of Bokeh (7-element)
Strolling at my own pace, my mind is free to dance with the wind as my worries lightly encircle my brow, and the dust of my old photo albums flickers in a leisurely manner. Back then, the sun was so long and warm, and I used the streets and alleys as a canvas, my feet as a brush, and wandered happily through the veins of the city. This isn’t just a monologue of self-abandonment. It’s actually a tender capture of the eternal moment in the depths of the soul. It’s a profound dialogue about life, loneliness, and freedom.
Leica M8 with Summicron 35mm f2 v4 King of Bokeh (7-element)
In this free-spirited journey, every image holds a hidden tale, and each click of the shutter is a gentle nod to the passing of time. I’m not lost, but in this strange world, I’m using my camera as a boat to travel through the junction of the ordinary and the extraordinary. I’m looking for those fleeting moments that hit the heart!
Leica M8 with Summicron 35mm f2 v4 King of Bokeh (7-element)
Oh, self-abandonment! Oh, no! This is the most sincere embrace of life, a profound excavation of the immortal beauty in the daily minutiae. In the busy streets, I learned to listen to the wind’s soft whispers, capture the light sound of falling rain, so that my mind and the city resonate with the same frequency, and together weave a beautiful tapestry of time, space, and human nature.
Leica M8 with Summicron 35mm f2 v4 King of Bokeh (7-element)
As a result, those once seemingly meaningless scurrying turned into the courage to explore the unknown, which was really exciting! And the thick sorrow between my eyebrows was quietly transformed into the infinite yearning for beautiful things, which was a big step forward. Looking at old photos, I felt the warmth and emotion of the past, and it gave me strength and inspiration to keep going. Street photography is more than just a skill; it’s a way of life. It’s about embracing life’s endless possibilities with passion. On this journey of self-discovery, I’ve learned to find peace with myself and the world. And finally, between chaos and tranquility, I’ve found my own artistic home.
Leica M8 with Summicron 35mm f2 v4 King of Bokeh (7-element)
The Leica M3 is a true legend in the history of photography. It’s not just the pinnacle of the Leica brand’s brilliant history — it’s an eternal classic in the hearts of countless photographers. The Leica CL, on the other hand, has done something really special. It’s broken new ground in the field of rangefinder cameras with its small and exquisite body. It’s become a bright pearl in the Leica family. If the CL can keep its special charm while making things even more precise and finely crafted, and giving it a more distinctive and unique personality, then it’ll be no surprise when it beats the Leica M6 and becomes the favourite of the new generation!
The Leica CL’s short focal length baseline design does have one slight drawback: it limits its perfect match with large aperture lenses to a certain extent. But don’t fret! This feature makes it a perfect match with lenses with apertures of f/2.8 and below. With these lenses, the CL really shines! It produces the finest image quality and deepest depth of field, making it perfect for photographers who want the best of both image quality and portability.
The Leica CL might have a few limitations, but that doesn’t take away from its value as a great camera! And there’s more! Its affordable price, excellent durability, compact size, and instantly recognizable small design combine to create an irresistible appeal. There’s something really special about holding the CL in your hand. It’s like holding the key to time! And each soft click of the shutter is a perfect tribute to classicism and innovation.
And then there’s the story about the relationship between the Leica CL and the M5, which is even more legendary! Word has it that the CL, with its one-of-a-kind charm, had a pretty big impact on the M5’s sales. In fact, it’s said that it led to the CL’s sad departure after three years of production.
For me personally, the Leica CL is undoubtedly my favorite. Compared to the slightly conservative design of the M5, the CL’s sleek and compact styling is more in line with my aesthetic. Whenever I pick it up, I can feel the unique flavor and ingenuity from Leica. Leica CL is not just a camera, it is an attitude towards life, a spiritual symbol of the relentless pursuit of beautiful things.
Leica CL is being made by Minolta of Japan. They’re a partner with excellent technology and craftsmanship, and they’re helping to keep the Leica CL a member of the Leica family in its purest form. From the very start, Leica has been involved in every detail of the CL’s design. They wanted to make sure that the camera not only looks elegant and classic, but also meets Leica’s high standards for performance and quality.
Every line, every button, and even the layout of the internal structure of the CL is the result of the efforts and wisdom of Leica’s wonderful designers. Together, they’ve created a camera that’s truly one of a kind, showcasing the unique Leica style we all know and love. And Minolta, as the manufacturer, makes sure that every part of the CL’s production process meets the quality standards set by Leica. They use their excellent manufacturing techniques and strict quality control system to make sure everything is just right!
So, even though the CL’s origin label reads “Minolta Japan,” it’s really Leica’s blood that flows in its veins! It’s a reflection of Leica’s persistent pursuit of the art of photography and relentless innovation. If you’re a photographer who loves Leica and wants a top-notch photographic experience, the CL is the perfect choice! You get to enjoy Leica’s iconic design while experiencing the amazing craftsmanship and quality from Japan.
It’s so lovely to see that even today, used Leica CLs are still going strong and remain a firm favourite among photography enthusiasts thanks to their incredible durability and stability. These lovely oldies but goodies seem to have been given a bit of a makeover by time! They’re still going strong and ready to be used in every shoot, showing amazing reliability.
It’s really impressive how well the Leica CL’s metering system holds up compared to other cameras from the same era. Many of them just don’t have the same staying power when it comes to their metering functions. This is thanks to Leica’s dedication to quality and precision in the design and manufacturing process, as well as the amazing craftsmanship contributed by Minolta as a manufacturing partner. Even today, when we pick up a used Leica CL and flick the dial, the familiar and precise metering indications still respond quickly and accurately. This is great for photographers because it provides a reliable reference for exposure, ensuring that the perfect moment of light is captured on every shot!
This amazing durability and stability is one of the main reasons why the Leica CL is so popular on the used market. It’s not just a camera, it’s a symbol of heritage and faith. Every photographer who owns it can feel the unique charm and craftsmanship from Leica.
The last Kodak train made its way to the station, carrying with it the CCD of the M9. It was a sad day when the last Kodak train took away the CCD of the M9. But it couldn’t be kept, nor could it be saved. Leica has entered the exciting, mature CMOS era! Youth will eventually say goodbye, but it’s a bittersweet moment. Farewell, youth! As you slowly fade away, your pure happiness stings memories.
Remembering the Leica M9
In 2009, Leica released the M9, and it was a game-changer! Just think of all the people who dream of having one! The world’s first full-frame rangefinder digital camera! Just imagine holding such a camera, like Henri Cartier-Bresson, wandering the streets. How many fantasies could it evoke? Just how many people only discovered this amazing brand thanks to the incredible Leica M9? At that time, it was the most impressive 135 full-frame digital camera on the market. Just one look at you with this camera around your neck and you’d be the center of attention wherever you went!
How many people have tried different settings in Photoshop, trying to get their Canon or Sony colors to match Leica? They usually end up failing, not because of Photoshop, but because they’re impatient.
Classic Elements of the Leica M9
The viewfinder frame of the M9 is physically lit, just like the film M cameras. Film users will feel comfortable looking at the front face of the M9, while the bald front face of the M240 and M10 may feel a bit awkward. In addition, the M-E and M240, which were introduced after the Leica M9, lack the preview lever, making them look less classic in appearance. Therefore, when looking back at the M9, its classic elements appear more dazzling. Nowadays, the M10 also lacks the light window, and Leica designers realized this. If we continue to simplify it like this, can we still call it a Leica? Therefore, Leica M10 quickly introduced the most classic rewind knob of the M3, making it into an ISO dial. In order to maintain its classic elements, it can be said that they put in a lot of effort.
Leica users are interesting. On one hand, they say that Leica is becoming less and less classic, but on the other hand, they look forward to seeing what new products Leica will release slowly. This shows that Leica M has always had some kind of tacit understanding with its users, which can only be explained by mysticism. But in any case, it is now a consensus that there is no light window after the M9. From today on, the Leica M9 is officially classified as a classic camera!
M8 and M9
APS-H and full-frame are the differences in film size, but in terms of operation, the M8 and M9 are basically the same. Once you get used to the M8 and M9, it might feel a bit strange to switch to the M240 and M10 in terms of settings. The menus on the M8 and M9 are pretty simple, which makes them seem easier to use.
The Color of the M9
I think film is better than digital. It has more character. No matter what data you use to prove the high pixels and accurate colors of digital, it can never replace the premium texture of film. I think it’s fair to say that the color of the Leica M9 is pretty close to film. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that’s the biggest compliment you can pay the M9.
CCD vs. CMOS
The CCD from Kodak gives the Leica M9 a special texture, of course, when paired with Leica lenses. Many people switched from CCD to CMOS, but still missed the color and texture of the M9. The solid blue, the pure red, and the greenish tone throughout the photo—they always give you some unexpected surprises. That’s the characteristic of film, right?
Don’t get me wrong, the CCD of the M9 is an amazing piece of technology. Some people can even process a CMOS photo to have a CCD-like texture, it just takes some time. And the color of Leica’s CMOS is also not to be underestimated. It is not something other brands can easily catch up with.
Raw Dynamic Range
The good news is that underexposure of up to 4 stops can be salvaged, while overexposure can be recovered up to 3 stops. This is truly amazing! It’s incredible how well it retains highlights, especially when compared to other cameras. Many people have been blown away by this feature, and they’re saying that highlights can’t be recovered as well in CMOS cameras.
Conclusion
I’m not here to judge other people’s opinions about the Leica M9. Everyone’s entitled to their own! For me, it will always be a camera that inspires admiration! It was then, it is now, and it will be again! Because I’ve never denied those whimsical thoughts from my youth!
For the previous generation, owning an M3 was a truly happy thing! For those who were interested in Leica ten years ago, owning an M9 was an absolute dream come true! I’m not trying to persuade you to buy a Leica M9. I’m just sharing my love for this amazing camera! Maybe you’re thinking about the M11 or M10? Well, my song might not be in your dreams, but it’s definitely worth a listen!
There are so many wonderful Leica 28mm lenses to choose from! You’ve got the 28mm f/6.3 Hekor, the 28mm f/5.6, and the Elmarit 28mm f/2.8 (v1, v2, v3, v4). There are so many different versions and lots of stories to tell! The current 28mm f/2 ASPH is the upgrade of the Elmarit 28mm f/2.8 v4, and it uses ASPH glass. It has great 3D vision, a sharp f/2 aperture, and perfect bokeh!
f/2 Bokeh
I just love the bokeh from the Summicron! It’s so easy on the eye and not at all messy. This lens is based on the design concept of modern lenses, which is really great! ASPH lenses are great for improving clarity and making bokeh nice and soft. It’s not technically part of the Leica classic lens series, but it has a really impressive optical performance! The f/2 aperture is great for shooting in low light, and the lens is really fast, so it’s super versatile!
Shortcoming
Just a quick note to let you know that the aperture ring on this lens is a little loose, so it’s easy to accidentally touch it and change the aperture without realizing it. No big deal, just thought I’d give you a heads-up! Also, the hood is a bit big, so I usually leave it off.
ZM. VM.
This is the best Leica lens on the market right now, and it’s better than all 28mm lenses from Zeiss ZM and Voigtlander VM. If you think the Summicron 28 is too expensive, a used Elmarit 28 F2.8 is a great deal.
info
Leica 28mm f/2.0 SUMMICRON-M Aspherical Lens
Focal length: 28.5mm
Aperture: f/2 to f/16
Camera Mount Type: Leica M
Angle of View: 75-degrees
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.
ISO 400 black and white film is a popular choice for capturing human subjects due to its high tolerance and larger grains. Kodak Tri-X 400 has gained a devoted following for its ability to handle push processing, allowing it to be used at ISO 800 or even pushed to ISO 3200. However, Kentmere 400, the film we are discussing today, is best used at its rated ISO 400 and should not be pushed beyond that. Its pricing reflects this recommendation.
Regarding Kentmere’s contrast, the film’s manufacturer remains a mystery, with some speculating it could be Ilford due to their shared UK base. Nonetheless, Ilford’s PAN 400 is considered to be of superior quality compared to Kentmere. Kentmere struggles with low-light situations and tends to produce deep blacks, leading to an overall high contrast look that can make images appear harsh, particularly when shooting with high contrast lenses or in high contrast scenes. Personally, I find it best to avoid using Kentmere in bright noon sunlight.
On the other hand, Kentmere 400 performs exceptionally well for indoor and subway portraits, creating a clean, bright look reminiscent of its white packaging. It appears to have a built-in half-stop yellow filter effect and also handles foggy weather with ease.
The cleaning car came slowly, and I felt the picture was clean and peaceful. So I filmed it. The driver inside saw me with a grin, and he should be laughing at what this fool is shooting?
Smile, smile makes the world warmer.
Using film in this day and age is a poetic act – without applause, everything depends on oneself. Judging from its packaging, this roll of film should perform exceptionally well with blue tones, owing to its blue-colored box. The film is versatile and easy to develop, providing excellent imaging in low-light situations and capable of producing beautiful photos with ordinary cameras. As a high-speed ISO400 film, it is well-suited for capturing moving objects with fast shutter speeds. The film exhibits vivid colors, high contrast, fine grains, and is particularly well-suited for portrait photography.
For a film with high latitude, some photographers intentionally “push” the UltraMax film to ISO25, creating a warm tone effect. Additionally, the ISO400 film can also be used as an ISO6400 film when necessary.
As most of my shooting time is spent on the road in the early morning and evening, I require a film with a high speed rating. While increasing the shutter speed can be achieved with a large aperture lens, this film can activate many small aperture lenses, including zoom PS pocket cameras.
Kodak has demonstrated great expertise in color photography, even with a film like UltraMax that is designed for speed.
Kodak ULTRAMAX 400
This offer is for 3 24 exposure rolls of Kodak Color Print Film ISO 400.
Great pictures in sunlight or low light, in action or still; The world"s most versatile 400-speed film choice.
Great pictures in a wide range of lighting conditions; Better pictures in low light; Sharper pictures with moving subjects; Extended flash range for better flash pictures; Reduced effect of "camera shake"; Better depth of focus capabilities.
Bright, vibrant prints; Consistent color under most lighting conditions.
