Leica KE-7A

​Leica KE-7A with 50mm F2 Elcan Lens

The Leica KE-7A was manufactured in Canada for US Army in the 1970s and this M4 special model can withstand temperatures down to -20 degrees with dust sealed. Only 505 units were produced and 460 were acquired by the US military, identifiable as Army issue due to engravings and the rest were sold to the civilian market.

To make the military KE-7A, the company took their standard M4 beefed it up with weather sealing and a burlier shutter that could function in subzero temperatures, finished it in black chrome and removed the red dot from the front.

The Leica KE-7A was most often paired with the high performance resolving 50mm f/2 Elcan Lens. The 50mm Elcan f/2 lens uses infrared-absorbing glass made with lanthanum, a radioactive element that helps achieve an exceptionally high refractive index for heat control in making the optics. Also the 50mm Elcan lens was designed and manufactured to withstand a blast using special gaskets, which helped absorb the shock of an explosion.

Leica M6J

Leica M6J with Elmar 50mm f/2.8

The M6J is a rare special edition Leica M released in 1994 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Leica M series. The "J" stands for "Jubilee" and was manufactured to celebrate the 40 years passing since the M3 was first released. The M6J was a homage to the M3, the first model of the M series. The special edition was produced with total number of only 1640 units with 40 cameras for each year of the 40 years of M production.

They are a hybrid of the M3 and the M6 and new M6J was built into the camera body of the M3. It has the heft and solid feel of the M3 as mainly due to the fact that the M6J was actually built with a lot of the original M3 components. The M6J's viewfinder magnification was increased to 0.85x – bringing it very close to the 0.91x magnification of the popular viewfinder of the M3. Its illuminated framelines were borrowed from the M4, with the viewfinder being adapted to the focal lengths of 35, 50, 90 and 135 mm.

Som Berthiot Flor 50mm F1.5 Lens

Som Berthiot was one of the most famous French lens manufacturer in the 20th Century and it competed with Angenieux in making Cine lenses. In 1964, SOM Berthiot merged with OPL and became SOPELEM.

Som Berthiot made series of famous lenses named:

• Flor
• Angulor
• Olor
• Cinor 

The Som Berthiot Flor 50mm F1.5 produces extraordinary colours with excellent sharpness and renders with oil painting brush style for its out of focus areas. The Lens offers Som Berthiot signature look with strong French romantic mood. It is a Legend among Cine Lenses and rarely seen or found, even more so than it’s already extremely rare little brother the Som Berthiot Flor 55mm F1.5 Lens. 

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Som Berthiot 50mm F0.95 Rank Taylor Hobson Monital

Som Berthiot was one of the most famous French lens manufacturer in the 20th Century and it competed with Angenieux in making Cine lenses. In 1964, SOM Berthiot merged with OPL and became SOPELEM.

The Som Berthiot 50mm F0.95 is one of the most mysterious and anticipated cine lens. They were finished in either Chrome or Black Chrome and produced under series named Cinor, Rank Taylor Hobson and Monital. Som Berthiot named their lens “Cinor” and made the same lens for Taylor Hobson named “Sopelem Monital” 

The Som Berthiot 50mm F0.95 produces extremely creamy bokeh when shooting wide open with high sharpness at the same time. The Lens is a myth and a legend, which is extremely rarely seen and fetches astonishing prices at auctions.

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Dallmeyer Speed Anastigmat 2inch 50mm F1.5 Lens

Dallmeyer is an English Lens Company made by J.H. Dallmeyer. Their cinematic lenses are famous for its out of focus rendering and oil-painting quality bokeh. Dallmeyer can be graded from Kinematogrph, Super-Six, Dallac, Speed and Septac. This is Speed, which falls between Dallmeyer most well known Super-Six and Highest graded Septac.

The Speed is in fact even rarely seen than both and it is a mix of characteristics from the Super-Six and Septac. The Lens renders with oil painting style but integrated with swirl bokeh background, which makes the rendering truly unique and one of a kind.

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Futura Freiburg BR. Frilon 50mm F1.5 Lens

The Frilon Freiburg BR. Frilon 50mm F1.5 Lens was produced briefly in the Freiburg Factory Germany during the 1950s and it was the Fastest of all the Standard FL Lenses available for Futura 35mm Cameras.

The Futura 50mm F1.5 lenses have a unique M34 mount with the focussing mechanism part of the camera body rather than on the lens. There were a few examples available in Leica M39 Screw Mount and the rest could be modified to be used on Leica M Cameras.

It is a Rare Cine Lens due to its short production run and Seldomly Seen on the Market. 

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Dallmeyer Septac Anastigmat 2inch 50mm F1.5 Lens

Dallmeyer Pre-Septac Anastigmat 50mm f/1.5

Dallmeyer is an English Lens Company made by J.H. Dallmeyer. Their cinematic lenses are famous for its out of focus rendering and oil-painting quality bokeh. The Septac Lens composition is Seven elements in Four groups with Double Gauss Type Glass Design. Due to its extremely limited numbers that generally demands astronomical prices on the market.

Dallmeyer can be graded from Kinematogrph, Super-Six, Dallac, Speed and Septac. This belongs to the “Pre-Series,” which is before everything and the earliest Septac. This is much rarer than Septac and offers better rendering with oil-painting style bokeh. The lens been uncoated, making it perhaps the Rarest Dallmeyer Lens.

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Dallmeyer Super-Six 2inch 50mm F1.9 Lens

Dallmeyer is an English Lens Company made by J.H. Dallmeyer. Their cinematic lenses are famous for its out of focus rendering and oil-painting quality bokeh.

Due to its limited production numbers that demands very high prices on the market. It’s cine lenses can be graded from the following series: Kinematogrph, Super-Six, Dallac, Speed and Septac, which is the ultimate and the rarest. However, Dallmeyer is most well-known for its Super-Six series, which offers strong 3D image quality, unique colour rendering, swirly and oil-painting like bokeh.

Although Dallmeyer Super-Six 50mm f1.9 is famous as the standard lens of Witness Camera which has been manufactured by the British Ilford Corporation, the Lens shown here is very early production lens that is later converted to Leica mount. The Lens composition is Six elements in Four groups with Double Gauss Type Glass Design. They were made with extremely expensive rare earth elements that earned them the name “Super Six.”

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Konica Hexanon 60mm F1.2 Lens (Compared with Konica 50mm F1.2)

Konica Hexanon 60mm F1.2 LTM 

The Konica Hexanon 60mm F1.2 has always been one of my dream lenses. It is a very rare lens with a limited production number of only 800 units worldwide. The unique focal length of 60mm with a large aperture of f/1.2 making this lens very special, which is the only 60mm f/1.2 lens ever made for any rangefinder cameras.

The Konica Hexanon 60mm F1.2 lens is offered in the original version with L-Mount back in 1955 or the revised modern version with LTM Mount in 1999. Both versions can be easily adapted to Leica M or other mounts using the right adapter.

Build Quality

The build quality of the Konica Hexanon 60mm f/1.2 lens is excellent and on par with some of Leica lenses. The build quality is very similar to its little brother, the Konica Hexanon 50mm F1.2 lens but it is finished in matte black paint barrel with a chrome front rim.

The Konica Hexanon 60mm f/1.2 lens is relatively smaller size and light weight compared to other similar ultra fast lenses. The lens weights almost the same as the Konica Hexanon 50mm F1.2 at just over 400 grams for such large aperture lens. The focus ring feels buttery smooth when turning and the aperture ring clicks solidly in place with half stop increments.

Image Quality

The Image Quality of Konica Hexanon 60mm f/1.2 is nothing short of amazing. The lens produces medium to high contrast, excellent colour saturation with very smooth and pleasant bokeh. When shooting wide open, it is extremely sharp with great three dimensional image pop.

This Lens has Dual Characters

1) Under Normal or Not Ideal Lighting Conditions: It renders just like the Konica Hexanon 50mm F1.2 Lens with similar signature especially in low light or cloudy environment.

2) Under Great or Ideal Lighting Conditions: It renders like Oil Painting with vivid colours and extremely pleasant background under sunny or well-lit environment.

Specifications

Lens Mount: L39 | LTM

Production Year: 1955 | 1999

LTM Mount

Construction: 7 Elements / 6 Groups

Diaphragm: 10 Aperture Blades

Maximum / Minimum Aperture:  F1.2 - F16

Closet Focusing Distance: 0.8m

Filter Size: 58mm

Weight: 410g

The Full Set Includes:

• Konica Hexanon 60mm F/1.2 LTM
• Chrome Auxiliary Viewfinder (KONICA 60)
• Chrome Konica UV Filter
• Black Vented Lens Hood (KONICA HEXANON 1.2/60 JAPAN)
• Black Front Cap and Rear Cap (HEXANON)

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Angenieux Type S5 50mm f/1.5 Lens

Angenieux Type S5 50mm F1.5 

This is the Overview of the rarer version of the Angenieux S5 50mm f/1.5 Lens named the Kodak Cine Ekton 50mm f/1.5 Lens made by Angénieux, which essentially has very similar optical qualities to the regular Angenieux S5.

Angénieux Paris are famous for their still and cine lenses and some of them are traded at extremely high prices. The Type S5 tends to be most popular in the Angenieux Type S lineup, which it is crowned with the Double Gauss Optical configuration. That is the reason why the Angenieux 50mm f/1.5 Type S5 lens is so expensive and very difficult to obtain.

The Angenieux 50mm f/1.5 Type S5 Lens comes in different versions and all can be modified to Leica M mount to cover full frame. Once converted, the lens can be used on Leica Rangefinders as a all-purpose 50mm lens, which is capable of handling strong glare or shoot in low-light conditions. The Angenieux S5 50mm f/1.5 lens produces extremely high resolution and saturated colour images.

Rendering

• Produces “Movie-Like” Images
• Original Cinematic Effects
• Smooth and Unique Bokeh
• High Contrast
• Rich Colour Saturation
• Film Grain Qualities (Night Scenes)
• One-of-Kind Cine Lens

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Kodak Cine Ekton 50mm f/1.5 Lens

Kodak Cine Ekton 50mm f/1.5 Lens Gallery

Kodak Ekton 50mm f/1.5 Lens

Kodak Cine Lens Made By Angenieux

My Pathway to Document this Incredibly Rare Cine Lens (Regular Update)

Kodak Cine Ekton 50mm f/1.5 lens is the ultra rare “Kodak” edition of the Angenieux Type S5 50mm f/1.5 lens. It is the Kodak Cine Lens Made By Angenieux Paris. This Cine Lens produces cinematic rendering with strong movie mood and rich colour saturation. It offers even better bokeh and colour tone than the normal Angenieux S5.

The Kodak Ekton produces incredibly sharp images when shooting wide open just like modern aspherical lenses and renders film like qualities under extreme low light conditions.

Rendering:

• Produces “Movie-Like” Images
• Original Cinematic Effects
• Smooth and Unique Bokeh
• High Contrast
• Rich Colour Saturation
• Film Grain Qualities (Night Scenes)
• One-of-Kind Cine Lens

Angenieux M1 50mm F0.95 Lens

Angenieux is a French cinematic optics manufacturer founded in 1936. It has made lenses for still and movie cameras, and for military applications.

The ultra fast Angenieux 50mm F0.95 movie camera lens has increasing popularity in the past decade through the adaptability of cine lenses onto new digital camera systems including conversion to use on Leica M.

Comparable Lenses

Canon 50mm F0.95 (1961)

Schneider Xenon 50mm F0.95 (1970)

Leica Noctilux 50mm F1 (1975)

Leica Noctilux 50mm F0.95 (2008)

Rendering

The Angenieux 50mm F0.95 was originally designed as a Cine lens and it does not fully cover the 35mm full frame. It offers signature Angenieux colour and bokeh, which is vividly romantic with a strong movie mood. It is sharp wide open as all other pre-aspherical ultra fast lenses without visible glow or prone to flares. The lens produces medium contrast with high cinematic rendering.

Modification

The Angenieux 50mm F0.95 can be adapted to be used on modern digital camera systems such as Micro Four Third and Sony NEX. It can also be physically converted to Leica M Mount through the additions of an aperture ring, diaphragm blades to control apertures, focusing barrel and a new heilcoid to allow full functionality on Leica Rangefinders.

Leica M Modifications can be done by the following skilled technicians:

-Miyazaki San (Japan)

-Traditional Master (Hong Kong)

-Hawks Factory (Taiwan)

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Alpa Kern Macro Switar 50mm F1.8/F1.9 Lens

Introduction

The Alpa Kern Macro Switar 50mm was exclusively made for Alpa cameras by Kern Aurau in Switzerland. Alpa is a precision Swiss watchmaker combined forces with Kern who was famous for making optical glass at the time to produce this legendary lens. The Kern Switar 50mm F1.8 was firstly introduced in 1951 and replaced by Macro Switar in 1958 with close focusing capability of 28cm for macro photography. The Kern Macro Switar 50mm F1.9 was introduced in 1968 with revised lens design and newer coatings for improved optical performance.

Build Quality

Alpa is known as the precision watchmaker thus no surprise that the Alpa Kern Switar 50mm lenses were extremely well engineered. The build quality is excellent and on par with well-known cinematic lens makers such as Angenieux or Schneider at the time. The Kern Switar 50mm lenses were hand assembled and finished in either chrome, black paint or combination of both. 

Image Quality

Image quality from the Alpa Kern Switar 50mm lenses are exceptional and the lens excels at macro photography. Images produced are extremely sharp with high contrast and vivid colour saturations. Alpa claimed that this is an apochromatically corrected lens of unequalled quality, which is found to be true in most situations.

The Kern Macro Switar 50mm Lenses have close focusing capability when used with liveview for macro photography. The details retained by this lens is incredible with extreme sharpness and pleasant rendering, which is an amazing achievement on modern rangefinders.

Practical Use

Unlike Modern lens design, when the aperture ring is turned that the yellow dots appeared indicating the visifocus depth-of-field scale for the selected aperture stops. The focus ring has an extremely long throw and takes several turns to reach the minimum focusing distance of 28cm equivalents to 1.8x magnification, which is extremely useful for close-up work.

Modern photography technological aids such as live-view or high resolution electronic viewfinder, which allows to maximise the ability of the Kern Macro Switar 50mm Lenses to reach its full potential for macro photography.  

Alpa Kern Macro Switar 50mm F1.8

VS

Alpa Kern Macro Switar 50mm F1.9

The Kern Switar 50mm F1.9 Lens was introduced later with revised lens design and newer optical coatings compared to the Kern Switar 50mm F1.8 Lens for improved performance. The Kern Switar 50mm F1.8 has golden yellow colour coating whereas the Kern Switar 50mm F1.9 has golden yellow with purple coloured coatings.

The Kern Switar 50mm F1.9 has updated lens design with an additional element with 8 elements in 5 groups compared to 7 elements in 5 groups of the Kern Switar 50mm F1.8 Lens. The Diaphragm blades also have been moved forward in position. The improved lens design resulted better optical performance for the newer Kern Switar 50mm F1.9 Lens.

Lens Versions

 Nekogahora Camera Collection (Clockwise)

1. Macro Switar 50/1.9 (Surgical 81)
2. Macro Switar 50/1.9
3. Macro Switar 50/1.9 (Gold Plated)
4. Kern Aarau Switar (Automatic Diaphragm)
5. Macro Switar 50/1.8 (Black Paint)
6. Macro Switar 50/1.8

Adapters

There are three popular Alpa to Leica M adapter options on the current market and the price is reflected in it’s materials & build quality. The finish of the adapters are mostly in either Chrome or Black and most adapters are Rangefinder Coupled. However, during actual use might require manual calibration to work perfectly on Rangefinders.

I will rank the adapter brands from most to the least expensive:

1. Shogun
2. Metabones
3. Kipon

Specifications

Lens Mount: Alpa

Production Year:  1951 (F1.8) | 1968 (F1.9)

Construction:

7 Elements / 5 Groups (F1.8) 

8 Elements / 5 Groups (F1.9)

Diaphragm:  9 Blades

Maximum Aperture:  F1.8 | F1.9

Minimum Aperture:  F22

Closet Focusing Distance:  0.28m

Filter Size:  48mm

Weight:  280g

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Voigtlander Nokton 50mm F1.5 Aspherical VM Lens

50mm is my favourite focal length as it best represents human eye perspective for street photography. The Leica 50mm F1.4 Summilux ASPH Lens is my favourite out of them all and I have tried similar fast 50mm lenses offered in Leica M mount, which includes the Zeiss 50mm F1.5 Sonnar ZM and Voigtlander Nokton 50mm F1.5 Aspherical VM Lens.

The Voigtlander Nokton 50mm F1.5 Aspherical has a classic barrel design  with all metal construction finished in either black aluminium or chrome brass. The lens is inspired by the original LTM version made in the 1950s and specifically manufactured the modern version with classic looks. It uses the same basic lens design as the classic version with modern performance by incorporating an aspherical element into the optical design to reduce aberration and distortion with improved sharpness. When shooting the lens wide open at its maximum aperture allows it to generate shallow depth of field with pleasant smooth bokeh. It is the best combination of modern and classic world.

Specifications

Lens Mount: VM | Leica M Mount

Construction: 6 Elements / 5 Groups

Diaphragm: 10 Blades

Maximum / Minimum Aperture:  F1.5 - F16

Closet Focusing Distance: 0.7m

Filter Size: 49mm

Weight: 220g / 293g (Black | Silver)

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Leica Noctilux-M 75mm F1.25 ASPH Lens Review (Compared with 50mm F0.95 Noctilux)

Leica is known to make some of the best lenses in the world with Noctilux been their flagship lens. The Leica Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25 ASPH Lens is a significant milestone for Leica Camera AG, as it is Leica’s first attempt to produce the Noctilux for another focal length apart from the world renowned Leica 50mm F0.95 Noctilux ASPH Lens. The Noctilux has always been the King of all Leica lenses and it symbolises an object of desire that will remains a dream for most photographers.

First Impressions

The Leica Noctilux-M 75mm F1.25 ASPH Lens is the most expensive on-going production lens by Leica with a staggering price of $12,795. I am lucky to be the first customer delivered with this amazing lens in Australia.

The Leica Noctilux-M 75mm F1.25 ASPH Lens is not as large or heavy as I would expect. It shares the same lens design as the Leica 50mm F0.95 Noctilux ASPH M Lens, it is basically the taller and bigger version of the 50mm Noctilux.

The 75mm Noctilux has similar black anodised finish but is larger in diameter and longer in length in comparison. It is only when you put the lenses together side by side that you can see the size and weight differences. The build quality is impeccable just like the 50mm Noctilux, which represents one of the most well made lens by Leica. The built in hood design is different, it has the twisting hood on the 50mm Summicron APO rather than the sliding hood on the 50mm Noctilux, which allows it to lock in position better.

Lens Design

The Leica Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25 ASPH Lens incorporates the latest optical design elements to maximise image performance. The complicated optical composition involves two aspherical elements to ensure maximum sharpness and low dispersion. The use of low dispersion glass along with anomalous partial dispersion helps with the reduction of chromatic aberration (CA), which has been a common issue with the Leica 50mm F0.95 Noctilux Lens. The floating lens element system also assists with maintaining consistent high image quality throughout the entire focus range. Lastly, the optical design consists of 11 diaphragm blades allows smooth and pleasant bokeh to be produced.

Build Quality  

The Leica Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25 ASPH Lens is an enlarged version of the Leica 50mm F0.95 Noctilux ASPH Lens with similar build quality. Both lenses are probably the best lenses ever made by Leica, with The 75mm Noctilux been the larger and heavier lens. The lens is longer in length and wider in diameter, which weights in at just over one kilogram that is exceptionally heavy for a rangefinder lens.

The Leica Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25 ASPH Lens is finished in black anodized with integrated hood that can be retracted or extended by twisting the hood. There is inner thread for a non rotating 67mm screw mount filter that can be applied.

Image Quality 

The Leica 75mm F1.25 Noctilux-M ASPH Lens has Modern Rendering similar to the The Leica 50mm F0.95 Noctilux-M ASPH Lens but with slightly less Contrast and Colour Saturation. Both lenses are Clinical Sharp but the the Leica 75mm F1.25 Noctilux-M ASPH has the edge in Sharpness when shooting wide open. The Leica 75mm F1.25 Noctilux-M ASPH produces shallower depth of field with exceptionally smooth and creamy bokeh, resulting stunning performance for portraits. 

There are less Optical issues with the Leica 75mm F1.25 Noctilux-M ASPH lens due to the Newer lens design. Chromatic aberration or Purple fringing is non existent and Vignetting is non visible when shot wide open, which is a significant optical improvement over the previous generations of Noctilux.

Rendering

After extensive use of this lens, it can be notice that the rendering is dependent on a combination of factors including the subject, the background and lighting conditions.

Dual Character: The Leica 75mm Noctilux can produce natural, smooth and pleasant renderings similar to fast 75mm lenses such as 75mm Summilux or 75mm Summicron APO. The lens can also produce three dimensional high contrast and colour saturated renderings similar to 50mm Noctilux ASPH or even 50mm Summicron APO. The only way to achieve the photographers “desired look” is by keep shooting under different variations or conditions whether it is for portraiture or street photography.

Practical Use 

The Leica Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25 ASPH Lens is an ultra fast telephoto lens with ability to produce shallow depth of field and unique rendering to isolate the subject even in low light conditions. The short telephoto focal length is perfect for portraiture and allows to take street photography without disturbing the subject.

Focusing with this lens is relatively easy with modern camera technology aids such as live view with focus peaking and high resolution electronic viewfinder. Traditional method of focusing through the rangefinder is also precise with a highly calibrated lens copy. The focus ring is exceptionally smooth with short focus throw and the aperture ring clicks in place half or full stops.

The Leica Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25 ASPH Lens is too heavy to be handheld for prolonged use, as it is extremely front heavy when mounted on Leica M Rangefinders. For the first time, there is a tripod mount on the lens body and it comes with a tripod adapter for mounting the lens directly onto tripods for maximum stability.

Leica 75mm F1.25 Noctilux-M

VS

Leica 50mm F0.95 Noctilux-M

Physical

The physical differences is obvious with the Leica 75mm F1.25 Noctilux-M ASPH been the larger and heavier lens of the two. The Leica 75mm F1.25 Noctilux-M ASPH measured at H91mm x W74mm, which is taller and slightly wider than the Leica 50mm F0.95 Noctilux-M ASPH measured at H75mm x W73mm. The 75mm Noctilux is about 300 grams heavier at 1055g compared to 700g weight of the 50mm Noctilux. The build finish for both lenses is black anodized but the retractable hood design is different, as the 75mm Noctilux has twisting out hood compared to the 50mm Noctilux with sliding out hood design. 

Imaging

The Leica 75mm F1.25 Noctilux-M ASPH has a maximum aperture of F1.25 whereas the Leica 50mm F0.95 Noctilux-M ASPH has a maximum aperture of F0.95. However, due to the longer focal length of the Leica 75mm F1.25 Noctilux-M ASPH and shorter minimum focusing distance at 0.85m resulting both lenses with similar shallow depth of field. Bokeh produced by both lenses are exceptionally smooth and pleasant with the 75mm Noctilux offers even smoother bokeh due to the design with 11 diaphragm blades, as the number of diaphragm blades is not specified for the 50mm Noctilux.

The Leica 75mm F1.25 Noctilux-M ASPH Lens released in 2018 has the benefit of the latest optical technology compared to the Leica 50mm F0.95 Noctilux-M ASPH designed almost a decade ago back in 2008. The Lens design is very similar for both Noctilux incorporating complicated optical composition with two aspherical elements to ensure maximum sharpness and optimal performance. As a result, the sharpness is equivalent but the chromatic aberration is significantly reduced on the 75mm Noctilux. Chromatic aberration or purple fringing was a common issue for the 50mm Noctilux and this has been solved with the newer lens design consisting of low dispersion glass and anomalous partial dispersion.

Justification 

Since I have been a long time user of the Leica 50mm F1.4 Summilux ASPH Lens that shared many similarities with it’s bigger brother, the Leica 50mm F0.95 Noctilux ASPH Lens. Whereas the Leica 75mm F1.25 Noctilux ASPH Lens is an entirely different focal length with improved lens design.

During practical use, the Leica 50mm F0.95 Noctilux Lens provides marginal improvement in optical performance over the amazing Leica 50mm F1.4 Summilux Lens but at a significant increase in size and weight. In contrast, the Leica 75mm F1.25 Noctilux Lens not only provides a different focal length to the Leica 50mm F0.95 Noctilux Lens but with improved sharpness and bokeh quality especially when shooting wide open. 

Sample Testing

(Bokeh vs Sharpness) 

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Summary 

Extremely fast maximum aperture of F1.25 with incredible control over shallow depth of field and benefit using in extreme low light conditions.

The short telephoto focal length of 75mm is suitable for people images and portraiture with the manipulation of extreme depth of field when shooting wide open.  

The lens design features allow extreme sharpness with minimum chromatic aberration or purple fringing. Rare design incorporating two large aspherical elements for improved sharpness and reduce distortion. The diaphragm with 11 blades allows smooth and pleasant bokeh to be produced.

Practical design with twisting extendable lens hood to reduce lens flares. A tripod mount is inclusive within the lens to compensate for the heavy weight and stability when shooting from a tripod.

Specifications  

Lens Mount:  Leica M

Production Year:  2018

Construction:  9 Elements / 6 Groups

Diaphragm:  11 Blades

Design Features: 

• Two Aspherical Elements
• Anomalous Partial / Low Dispersion Glass
• Floating Elements System

Maximum / Minimum Aperture:   F1.25 - F16

Closet Focusing Distance:  0.85m

Filter Size:  67mm

Dimensions (Length x Width):

91mm x 74mm

Weight:  1055g

Gallery 

STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

B&W PHOTOGRAPHY

NATURE

PORTRAIT

Zeiss 50mm F1.5 C-Sonnar T* ZM Lens

The Carl Zeiss 50mm F1.5 C-Sonnar T* ZM Lens is inspired by its predecessor from the 1930s with the Classic Sonnar lens design. It’s fast maximum aperture at F1.5 makes it suitable for portraiture and people especially in low light conditions. The C designation in the lens stands for compact lens design and classic optical performance with signature Zeiss colour rendering. The Classic Sonnar optical design produces high sharpness combined with modern Carl Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating to reduce flare and provides high contrast and clarity.

Build Quality

The Zeiss 50mm F1.5 Sonnar ZM has classic design that makes the lens compact in size. The Sonnar lens is relatively small and lightweight for its fast maximum aperture. The focus ring turns smoothly and the aperture clicks in place nicely. However, there presents focus shift with this lens design and it can be countered by keep the issue in mind when adjusting the focus or find a better lens copy less prone to focus shift.

Image Quality

The Zeiss 50mm F1.5 Sonnar ZM lens produces signature Zeiss colours with classic rendering. The separation between the subject and background manufactures that 3 dimensional pop effect to its rendering. In addition, the vintage sonnar lens design also offers unique soft glow and smooth creamy bokeh, which makes it perfect for portraits.

Comparison

The Leica 50mm F1.4 Summilux ASPH is bigger, heavier and more expensive than the Zeiss 50mm F1.5 Sonnar Lens. Both lenses produces amazing bokeh with shallow depth of field but the rendering is very different. The Leica 50mm Summilux is clinical sharp with modern rendering and the Zeiss 50mm Sonnar produces pleasant images with classic rendering. The Zeiss 50mm Sonnar is convenient to carry due to its compact size and weight with less viewfinder blockage than the Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH.

Specifications

Lens Mount: ZM | Leica M Mount

Production Year: 2004 - Present

Construction: 6 Elements / 4 Groups

Diaphragm: 10 Blades

Maximum / Minimum Aperture:  F1.5 - F16

Closet Focusing Distance: 0.9m

Filter Size: 46mm

Weight: 240g (Black | Silver)

Conclusion

The Zeiss 50mm F1.5 C-Sonnar T* ZM Lens is a great alternative to Leica 50mm lenses. It’s price to performance ratio is exceptional compared to similar lenses. The lens compact design and unique rendering is perfect for people portraits.

Leica 50mm F2.0 Summicron M Lens

This will be a summary review on the Leica 50mm F2.0 Summicron M lens as I have done extensive reviews on its bigger brothers, the Leica 50mm F1.4 Summilux M Lens and the Leica 50mm F0.95 Noctilux M Lens.

I have only had the 50mm Summicron for a short period before decided to upgrade to the faster 50mm Summilux lens. However, if you are on a budget and do not require very fast aperture to shoot wide open all the time, then the Leica 50mm F2.0 Summicron M lens will be sufficient 95% at all times. 

Build Quality 

The Leica 50mm F2.0 Summicron Lens has standard Leica build quality but not as well made or solid as the more expensive Summilux or Noctilux lenses.

The built in sliding hood is similar style to the 50mm Summilux lens but smaller and shorter in dimensions, which makes it more practical and convenient

Image Quality 

The Leica 50mm F2.0 Summicron lens is the sharpest lens out all Leica’s current lineup only inferior to the newer Leica 50mm F2 Summicron APO lens. It is arguably sharper than the faster Summilux lens with similar clinical sharpness. However, the rendering of the Summicron is more towards the classic side compared to the more modern rendering of the Summilux lens. The 50mm Summicron produces classic colours combined with lower contrast defines the character of this lens.

Practical Use 

The Leica 50mm F2.0 Summicron lens is probably the easiest and most convenient Leica 50mm lens to carry around for all purposes. It is relatively small and light weight lens with a fast enough maximum aperture at F2 also with great ergonomics in practical use. Overall, it is probably the best all-round 50mm lens for Leica M Rangefinders. 

Specifications

Production Year: 1979 - Present

Construction: 6 Elements / 4 Groups

Diaphragm: 8 Blades

Maximum / Minimum Aperture:  F2.0 - F16

Closet Focusing Distance: 0.7m

Filter Size: 39mm

Weight: 240g (Black)  |  335g (Chrome)

Conclusion 

The Leica 50mm F2 Summicron is a versatile all-purpose lens, which offers a relatively fast maximum aperture of F2 to benefit working in lower-light conditions with great control over depth of field.

Leica 50mm F0.95 Noctilux ASPH M Lens

Leica 75mm F1.25 Noctilux ASPH M 

Lens Review

The Leica 50mm F0.95 Noctilux ASPH is one of the legendary Leica M lenses, which is an ultra fast lens with unique rendering and the ability to isolate the subject with exceptional low light performance. 

Comparison

The Leica 50mm F0.95 Noctilux ASPH is best described as the Leica 50mm F1.4 Summilux ASPH on steroids. Everything about the Noctilux is enhanced from the Summilux including size, weight, bokeh and rendering. When shot wide open at F0.95, the lens produces amazing Leica pop and insanely shallow depth of field, which isolates the subject completely and provides almost three dimensional effect.

Build Quality

The build quality of the Leica 50mm F0.95 Noctilux ASPH lens is second to none. It is probably the most well made Leica lens of all time. The Noctilux is a large and heavy lens but it is so solid and densely constructed that sometimes make you forget its size or weight.

Image Quality

The Leica 50mm F0.95 Noctilux maintains the same rendering signature as the Leica 50mm F1.4 Summilux lens and if you are a fan of the Summilux then you will love the Noctilux as well. The rendering of the Noctilux is very modern with great colours and high contrast. When shooting wide open, the Noctilux lens offers shallower depth of field and enhanced bokeh than the Summilux lens, this will increase the image pop effect to achieve that desired Leica look.

Practical Use

The Leica 50mm F0.95 Noctilux is a big and heavy lens for Leica M Rangefinders. When mounted on camera, it tends to be front heavy and there is certain viewfinder blockage as well. During practical use, it will be difficult to carry the Noctilux for a prolong time due to its size and weight.

There is a built-in sliding lens hood which is convenient and practical. The aperture ring clicks in place nicely when selecting the aperture and the focus ring is exceptionally smooth. The Noctilux has a short focus throw which will be perfect for street photography.

Specifications

Production Year: 2008 - Present

Construction: 8 Elements / 5 Groups

Design Features: 

• Two Aspherical Elements
• Five Partial Dispersion Glass Elements
• Three High Refractive Index Elements
• Floating Elements System

Maximum / Minimum Aperture:  F0.95 - F16

Closet Focusing Distance: 1m

Filter Size: 60mm

Weight: 700g

Conclusion

The Leica 50mm F0.95 Noctilux ASPH offers extremely fast maximum aperture with shallow depth of field for selective focus shooting and allows to be handheld in low light conditions. If you don’t mind the size or weight of the lens and desire that maximum aperture of F0.95 then this will be the perfect lens for you.

Leica 50mm F1.4 Summilux ASPH M Lens

The Leica 50mm Summilux is my favourite lens of all time. It offers amazing image rendering and that signature Leica look. The optical performance on this lens is simply stunning and the physical design of the lens is almost perfection.

Image Quality

The Leica 50mm F1.4 Summilux ASPH produces my favourite image renderings out of all Leica lenses. The images are sharp and contrasty with that signature Leica look. The rendering is very modern and dramatic as the lens offers high contrast and extreme sharpness. When shot wide open, the shallow depth of field and smooth bokeh making the subject stands out. The Aspherical element design resolves all the issues normally associate with lenses, which in turn made the optical performance of this Leica 50mm Summilux almost flawless.

Build Quality

The Leica 50mm F1.4 Summilux ASPH Lens is built to last. It is constructed solidly and designed to be used on daily basis. The build quality is what you would expect from top of the Leica range with stunning German craftsmanship. The Lens is offered in either black anodised or silver chrome version, with the chrome made from brass been slightly heavier. There is also a built-in sliding hood which making this lens convenient and practical. The hand build workmanship with all metal solid construction making this lens among one of the best lenses ever built.

Practical Use

The Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH Lens is designed to be used on daily basis. The size is compact for a fast lens and the weight is perfectly balanced on Leica M Rangefinders. Everything is convenient hands on including the built in lens hood making it without any external interferences.

The aperture clicks in place solidly when selecting the aperture and the focus ring is exceptionally smooth when turning. Every design on this lens is very intuitive to use and once you get familiar with it, the Leica 50mm F1.4 Summilux ASPH will become an extension of your eye.

Specifications

Production Year: 2004 - Present

Construction: 8 Elements / 5 Groups

Diaphragm: 9 Blades

Design Features:  One Aspheric Element and One Floating Group

Maximum / Minimum Aperture:  F1.4 - F16

Closet Focusing Distance: 0.7m

Filter Size: 46mm

Weight: 335g (Black)  |  460g (Chrome)

Conclusion

If you want a faster lens than the Leica 50mm F2 Summicron and a smaller lens than the Leica 50mm F0.95 Noctilux ASPH then the Leica 50mm F1.4 Summilux ASPH is the perfect lens in between offers nothing short of breathtaking performance yet practical for daily usage.

Fujinon 5cm f/1.2 | Fujinon 50mm F1.2 LTM Lens

The Fujinon 5cm f1.2 lens is an urban myth in the world of ultra fast lenses. It is seldomly seen and there is little information written on this highly collectible and ultra rare beauty.

This lens is commonly known as the Fujinon 50mm F1.2 LTM lens that is capable of competing against the Legendary Japanese ultra fast lenses such as the Canon 50mm F0.95, Zunow 50mm F1.1 or Nikkor 50mm F1.1 LTM lens.

Production Versions

• LTM Mount in Black & Chrome Version (Less than 800 units)
• Nikon S Mount (Less than 50 units)

Most of the Fujinon 5cm f/1.2 lens was offered in Leica Screw Mount in either Chrome or Black finishes. Fujinon also produced a few in Nikon S Mount for Nikon Rangefinders, which is reviewed here but they are never seen on the market and hidden away in cabinets by true collectors.

Build Quality 

The Fujinon 50mm F1.2 LTM is a compact lens for its fast aperture and the weight of the lens is relatively light. It is solid all metal construction but subpar compared to modern Leica lenses build quality. It balances well on Leica M Rangefinders due to its compact and solid lens body.

Image Quality

The Fujinon 5cm f/1.2 offers spectacular image performance for a vintage ultra fast lens. When shooting at maximum aperture  of F1.2, the bokeh is exceptionally smooth and the rendering is very pleasant. The colour rendition of the Fujinon is towards the natural side with typical Fujifilm signature and the contrast produced is excellent as well.

There is no present chromatic aberration but the lens exhibits slight vignetting when shooting wide open due to been a vintage lens design. However, the sharpness increases significantly and vignetting goes completely away when reaching aperture of f4 or greater. Overall, the Fujinon 5cm f/1.2 provides stellar optical performance and produces eye-pleasing images. 

Practical Use

The Fujinon 5cm f/1.2 lens reviewed here is in Nikon S Mount originally designed to be used on Nikon Rangefinders. However, through a custom made Nikon S to M Mount adapter by Amedeo, the lens will work flawlessly on Leica M Rangefinders. The Amedeo adapter is made with full brass and six bit coded with capability for rangefinder coupling.

The focus ring is very smooth when turning during practical use. The aperture ring does not have clicks when selecting the aperture like modern Leica lenses and turning feels towards the loose end. 

Specifications

Lens Mount: LTM | Nikon S

Production Year: 1954

Construction: 8 Elements / 4 Groups

Diaphragm: 12 Blades

Maximum / Minimum Aperture:  F1.2 - F16

Filter Size: 58mm

Weight: Nikon S / 305g | LTM / 403g

Conclusion

The Fujinon 5cm f/1.2 lens is another legendary lens made in Japan by Fuji back in the 1950 to 1960s during the competition to produce world’s fastest lens along with Zunow, Canon and Nikon. It is even more rarer and seldom seen, which makes the lens most desirable among the world of ultra fast lenses.