Zhao Zhenguo, Author at i35mm

Leica MP Black Paint Never Grow Old

I am in love with the black-painted version of this Leica MP, which is not just a photographic tool, but a work of art that transcends time and space. This deep black, as if it were the embodiment of night, is both mysterious and solemn. It is not just a choice of color, but an insistence and commitment to timeless quality. Underneath the black lacquer lies Leica’s relentless pursuit and respect for the art of photography, and every soft click of the shutter is a firm response to that commitment.

The rarity of Leica Black Lacquer lies in the fact that it is not available at will, but is limited to those special models with exclusive configurations. This limited availability and exclusivity makes every Leica MP Black Finish version a dream object in the minds of photography enthusiasts. Over time, the black finish will gradually fade, revealing the warm and textured brass color underneath. This naturally occurring “trace of age” not only doesn’t detract from the beauty of the camera, but adds a bit of unique flavor and a sense of storytelling, as if every scratch and mottle is a whisper of time telling the story of the experiences it has shared with its owner. It is as if each scratch and stain is a whisper of time, telling of the experiences it has shared with its owner.

The Leica MP, a classic that was first introduced in 1956, was originally designed as a professional camera for small-scale news reporting, but over time it gradually became a legend in the field of photographic art. Today’s new Leica MP continues this tradition, stable and reliable, without the need for batteries, its batteries are used only for metering; it also inherits the M6’s metering system, which gives the photographer precise exposure instructions so that every shot captures the most perfect moments of light and shadow.

The Leica MP is a firm favorite among professionals for so many reasons! Its excellent technical performance is just the start. It truly understands the way photography works. Photography is about more than just showing off technology. It’s also about expressing emotions and thoughts. So, the Leica MP was designed with you in mind. We know how important it is for photographers to have a camera that reflects their personal style and emotional commitment to their craft. It’s not just a camera, it’s a faithful friend that will be there to cheer you on as you grow and create!

In this digital age, Leica has remained true to its love and dedication to film cameras. It has continued to launch classics like the MP, providing more choices and possibilities for professionals who love film photography and pursue a pure photographic experience. This is so much more than just a tribute to tradition. It’s also a sign of confidence and a peek into what the future of photography might hold. The Leica MP in black is the perfect embodiment of this unwavering belief and anticipation.

We know you’ve taken countless photos with this Leica MP, and we’d love to hear your honest opinion! This camera is so reliable! It’s super stable, and the smoother it feels the more you use it. It’s become a great companion on your photographic journey.
Every time you press the shutter, you can feel the precision and reliability of the classic Leica MP design. It’s as if the mechanical structure has been brought to life by time! The more you use it, the more it seems to know what you want it to do. It’s smooth and natural to use. This is the unique charm of a Leica camera! You’ll find it hard to let go once you start using it.

leica mp + summicron 35mm f2 asph + fomapan400 film

Leica M9 Review

The Adolescence of Leica Digital – Leica M9

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!

I love Leica M3

When I got my first film camera, a Leica M3, I was over the moon! I sold most of my DSLRs because I fell head over heels for the M3 and those cameras just weren’t doing it for me anymore. And that was just the beginning!

The M3 is a 60-year-old mechanical camera, but it was the start of something wonderful for me. “A street photographer without a film camera is like a body without a soul. Hahaha.” I think the Leica M3 has a special quality: the more time you spend with it, the better your photography becomes. This quality is transferred from the camera through your fingers, your skin, your nerves. This isn’t your typical objective camera review. It’s more like a heartfelt poem that expresses my emotions.

Real Classic

The Leica M3 is a real classic! It was the first film camera to adopt a bayonet-mounted interchangeable lens design, which is still used in interchangeable lens cameras today. Compared with the previous screw-rotating lens assembly method, this bayonet method allows for quick lens replacement.
But the Leica M3 is a great camera in so many other ways too! Its film advance wrench has also been widely used by other brand film cameras.

The story of buying a Leica M3

On a sunny afternoon, I strolled through the alleys of the old street, carrying in my heart the infinite love for the art of photography. I was on a mission to find the perfect second-hand Leica M3 camera! The old street was lined with all kinds of stores, but my eyes were always locked on an inconspicuous secondhand camera store that had a really charming vintage feel to it.

As I stepped inside, I was immediately drawn in by the unique atmosphere of age and metal luster. As I stepped inside, I was greeted by a soft light and a lovely display of old cameras on wooden shelves. Each one seemed to tell a story from the past, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder and admiration. I asked the shopkeeper in the gentlest way if he had a classic Leica M3.

The shopkeeper smiled and seemed to know exactly what I was looking for. He carefully took out a well-maintained Leica M3 from behind the counter. It was so shiny in the sunlight! You could see every detail, and it was clear that a lot of skill and time had gone into making it.

I took the camera and gently stroked the cool metal surface, feeling the weight and texture of it in my hands. As I looked through the viewfinder, it felt like I could see every single moment that had been captured by photographers in the past. I pressed the shutter, and even though it was just a little click, I fell in love with this camera right away. It has a unique mechanical beauty and a wonderful sense of ceremony.

The lovely shopkeeper was kind enough to tell me all about the camera’s history, how it performs, and all the people it’s been with over the years. As I listened to each story, I felt my understanding of this camera deepen and my emotional connection to it grow stronger. After a little back and forth, we finally struck a deal at a price that was just right for us.

As I walked out of the store, holding this precious Leica M3 in my hands, I was filled with so much excitement and anticipation! I knew that this wasn’t just a camera purchase, but a tribute to the legacy of photography and a promise to capture countless beautiful moments in the future. On this sunny afternoon, my encounter with the Leica M3 became a truly unforgettable experience.

Leica m2

Simple cameras make street photographers happy

Time is an amazing thing, isn’t it? It’s the invisible sculptor that quietly changes everything in the world in its own unique way. And nothing is more subtle and far-reaching than the changes in people’s hearts and the reshaping of aesthetics. Once upon a time, the Leica M3 was my absolute favorite. It was more than just a camera to me—it was a symbol of the pinnacle of photographic technology and the perfect camera that art seekers could only dream of. The classic body design, the smooth lines, and the iconic viewfinder all emphasized the unique charm and exquisite craftsmanship of the Leica brand, which I just loved! Over time, though, my perspective and state of mind have shifted a bit.

In recent years, I’ve noticed the Leica M2 popping up more and more in my field of vision. I’ve been really drawn to its unique minimalist aesthetics, and it’s slowly but surely become a more and more important part of my heart. The M2’s design language is inspired by the M3, but it’s stripped away a few things here and there, keeping the essential elements and removing any extra decorations. I just love this minimalist design style! It makes the M2 look so much lighter and more elegant, and it touches my deepest desire for purity and simplicity.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane! The Leica M3 made its grand entrance in 1954. It was a pivotal moment in Leica camera history and a true landmark in the annals of photography. Its advanced mechanical structure, precise metering system, and excellent image quality have won the hearts of countless photographers. Just three short years later, the Leica M2 was introduced as a simplified version of the M3. It was positioned as a more approachable model, but it showed its unique charm and advantages in certain aspects. It shows Leica’s deep understanding and love for photography in a really direct and pure way.

When I look at these two cameras again, I feel so many emotions! The Leica M3 will always have a special place in my heart. It represents a glorious past and endless memories.

Built-in 35mm Viewfinder Frame

The M2’s simple yet classic design is just the beginning of its charms. Its built-in 35mm viewfinder frame is a big part of why photography enthusiasts love it so much! The 35mm frame gives photographers a wider perspective, which is great for including more of the environment and story clues in your images. It’s also a great way to capture those fleeting moments of vividness!
35mm lenses have a unique perspective that can really inspire creativity. They’re also a great choice if you’re looking to include more of your surroundings in your images. In the wonderful world of photography, the combination of a Leica rangefinder camera and a 35mm lens is often praised as the “storyteller’s camera.” Together, they can tell a richer, more subtle, and more compelling story. So, as more and more people have fallen in love with 35mm lenses, it’s become clearer than ever that the M2’s viewfinder is one of its best features. It’s no wonder it’s held in such high regard!

Voigtlander Bessa R2a

Shrewd and capable indeed

The reason why Voigtlander is still alive is that it is smart not to directly compete for Leica users, but to make up for the low-end market that Leica does not want. Voigtlander is Leica’s entry-level product, because Leica itself does not produce entry-level products. Although many people say that second-hand Leica is the entry-level product for Leica, not everyone likes to buy second-hand lenses. But that’s where Voigtlander comes in! It’s the perfect solution for anyone looking for a great camera at an affordable price. After all, second-hand stuff may have unknown problems, but Voigtlander is targeting this market and they’re doing a great job of it!

The Voigtlander M-mount lens is similar to the Leica in terms of specs, but it costs about one-tenth as much. Plus, the Voigtländer Bessa has a bunch of limited editions in special colors that are pretty cool. A lot of people buy Voigtlander fuselages because of the colorful fuselages. My favorite is the gray painted version because the Bessa’s leather trim is black, and it goes well with gray.

The German Voigtlander Bessa II was a big hit back in the day, but it’s since faded into obscurity. These days, the Voigtlander brand is owned by Cosina in Japan, where all new products are made. Needless to say, Voigtlander products still have a lot going for them.

What sets the Voigtländer Bessa R2a apart from the Leica M?

The Leica viewfinder frame is controlled by a complex and precise mechanical system, which allows it to automatically select the frame according to the lens in use. In contrast, the Voigtlander frame is selected manually and does not have automatic adjustment functions, which allows the manufacturer to save costs.
The shutter speed is a crucial parameter in photography. The maximum shutter speed of the Voigtlander is twice that of the Leica, at 1/2000.
It is evident that the metal shutter utilized by Voigtlander is naturally louder than that of the Leica.
With regard to the issue of the focus baseline being shorter than that of the Leica and the resulting lack of accuracy, it is important to note that this is not a problem that is apparent in actual use.

The Voigtlander Bessa cameras, manufactured in Japan, are compatible with Leica L39 lenses and M lenses. The specific models of these fuselages are as follows:
Bessa-L, Bessa-T, Bessa-R, Bessa-R2, Bessa-R2S, Bessa-R2C, BessaR2A, Bessa-R3A, Bessa-R2M, Bessa-R3M, Bessa-R4M, Bessa-R4A, Rollei 35RF.

The nomenclature employed in the designation of the model allows us to discern its principal characteristics. The camera with the letter “A” is an electronic shutter camera with an A-speed aperture priority setting. The camera with the letter “M” is a fully manual mechanical shutter camera. Furthermore, it can be inferred that, in the absence of the letter “A,” the camera is fully manual and operates with a mechanical shutter. In addition, the following features are noteworthy:
Bessa-L, no viewfinder, L39 port,
Bessa-T, no viewfinder, M mount,
Bessa-R, with viewfinder, L39 port, wire frame 35, 90, 50, 75
Bessa-R2, with viewfinder, M-mount, wireframe 35, 90, 50, 75
Rollei 35 RF, R2 Rollei version M port, wireframe 40, 50, 80
Bessa-R2S, Nikon s rangefinder version S-mount, wireframe 35, 50, 85
Bessa-R2C, Contax rangefinder version C-mount, wireframe 35, 50, 85
Bessa-R2A, with viewfinder, M-mount, wireframe 35, 90, 50, 75
Bessa-R3A, with viewfinder, M-mount, wireframe 45, 50, 75, 90
Bessa-R2M, with viewfinder, M-mount, wireframe 35, 90, 50, 75
Bessa-R3M, with viewfinder, M-mount, wireframe 45, 50, 75, 90
Bessa-R4A, with viewfinder, M-mount, wireframe 21, 25, 28, 35, 50
Bessa-R4M, with viewfinder, M-mount, wireframe 21, 25, 28, 35, 50
Summarize

If you’re looking for a great deal on a high-quality lens and body, look no further than Voigtlander! Both the lens and the body are fantastic, and at such an affordable price, it’s a no-brainer.

Leica IIIG

Old Camera

The passage of time has made people forget about film photography, but I still enjoy using old cameras. They remind me to enjoy the present, which is the best day. I take photos on the streets with my Leica IIIG, a retro mechanical camera. When I hold it up, people recognize it for what it is and aren’t offended. Maybe this old camera will remind people that time flies and things change, and that they should enjoy what they have right now.

old-fashioned

These days, mobile phone photography is pretty impressive. Even the compact Leica M camera seems a bit outdated. But I still prefer using my Leica IIIG for its retro style. Even though photography isn’t as cutting-edge as it used to be, I still love it and appreciate the classic Leica. My Leica IIIG camera is in perfect condition, and I can only imagine how much its previous owner cherished it.

street photography

Street photography is all about having the right camera for the job. The equipment you use makes a big difference to the photos you take. People react differently to different cameras, which is an important part of street photography. The retro iiig style often gets a knowing smile from passers-by and is rarely rejected.

Leica IIIG

The Leica M3 came out in 1955, followed by the IIIG in 1956. The IIIG was in production until 1960. As Leica M-mount lenses were developed, Leica screw mounts gradually fell out of favor and were phased out of the market. The Leica L39 mount camera is a classic Leica.

The IIIG is the last Leica L39 mount camera. It has a lot in common with the M3. This camera has a lot of fans, and some people even use it with Leica M mount lenses. Some people even think that Leica should make a digital camera based on the iiig.

What’s the difference between iiig and m3?

The iiig has two observation windows: one for framing and the other for focusing. The Leica M3 puts the viewfinder and focus in one window.

The iiig has two shutter speed dials, one for high speed and one for slow shutter. The Leica M3 has a single dial for the shutter speed and slow speed settings.

But the IIIG is just as good as the M3. For many people, the IIIG also has some features that are pretty hard to beat:

The extra-large magnification focusing window makes it easy to focus with a 90mm lens.

It’s super lightweight and doesn’t feel heavy when you’re wearing it around your neck or in your pocket. This is what Leica is all about.

You can’t adjust the diopter on the M camera, but you can on the iiig, which is really useful when focusing on the macula.

90mm lens

I like to use it with the Elmar 90mm f/4 lens. The Leica M model isn’t as good as the iiig for focusing at 90mm.

50mm lens

I like to use the Leica iiig with the Leica Summaron 50 f/2 lens. They have a nice balance and fit in well with the overall design. This kind of camera makes you feel like you’re holding something special when you hold it in your hand.

Voigtlander Nokton Classic 35mm F1.4 II VM

Leica isn’t the only brand offering M-mount lenses. Some other companies have also launched lenses for the Leica M. In the days of film, some Japanese lens manufacturers would make their best lenses into Leica mounts. For instance, there’s the Konica Hexanon 28mm 2.8, the Konica Hexanon 50mm 2, the Konica Hexanon 28mm 2.8, the Konica Hexanon 50mm 2.4 limited edition, the Konica Hexanon 35mm 2 limited edition, the Konica Hexanon 60mm 1.2 limited edition, the Konica Hexanon 50mm 1.2 limited edition, the Konica Card Hexanon dual 21-35 3.4-4 dual focus head limited edition. Also, we have the Minolta M-RIKKOR 40mm 2, the Minolta M-RIKKOR 28 2.8, and the Minolta M-RIKKOR 90 2.8. There are also the Ricoh GR 28mm 2.8 L39 limited edition and the Ricoh GR 21mm 2.8 L39 limited edition. There are also Rollei Sonnar 40mm 2.8 L39 Limited Edition, Rollei Planar 80mm 2.8 L39 Limited Edition, Minolta G-Rokkor 28mm 3.5 Limited Edition, Pentax Pentax 43mm 1.9 L39 Limited Edition, and so on. Today, I want to talk about Voigtlander’s 35mm 1.4 lens.

The Voigtlander M-mount 28mm f2 lens I have used has distortion, and this 35 1.4 lens also has distortion, especially when compared with the original Leica 35mm lens. This kind of distortion will not always be noticed by you. It can only make you feel a little unnatural under certain circumstances. If you use Leica lenses for a long time, you will have a mental expectation of the photos you take. If the expectation of Leica lenses is 90 points, then if you switch to Voigtlander, I will adjust it to 60 points. Hey, this is the feeling, you can’t The standards for Leica require Voigtlander.

It’s not a Leica. The details in the dark areas aren’t as sharp, the grayscale isn’t as natural as the Leica, the highlights are easily uncontrollable, and the performance on a digital camera isn’t as good as on film. But the price of the Voigtlander vm35 1.4 is very attractive, and what’s even more attractive is its appearance. It looks exactly like the Leica summilux 35 1.4 first edition.

I’ve found that the multi-coated version of the Voigtländer vm35 1.4 mc doesn’t quite match the color quality of the Leica summilux 35mm and Zeiss zm 35mm 1.4. The color is a bit unnatural. The single-layer coated version of the Voigtländer vm35 1.4 sc is great for shooting black and white, and it’s really good for shooting black and white film.

I wouldn’t recommend that Leica M users start with the Voigtlander vm35 1.4 as their first lens. It doesn’t match up to any Leica 35mm lens, and you can’t appreciate the wide-angle advantage of Leica rangefinder cameras. On the other hand, if you already have a bunch of Leica 35mm lenses but like the way the Voigtlander VM 35mm f/1.4 Nokton Classic looks, then I think you can go for it.

Leica Summicron-C 40mm f2 / minolta m-rokkor 40 f2

This 40mm lens from Leica is one that gets overlooked a lot. I actually enjoy using it for photography. And its imaging is also in line with Leica’s color style.

This lens was designed by Leica for use with Leica CL film cameras and is designed to be portable. There are three versions in total, and the optics are basically the same. The 40mm viewfinder range is between 35mm and 50mm, which might seem a bit weird for some people.

The workmanship of this lens is average, whether it’s the Minolta version or the Leica version. It’s not as good as the Leica Summicron 35mm lens. The good news is that the price is pretty reasonable. People say this lens isn’t great in bright light. It’s not ideal to face the light directly in front of the lens.

The Minolta 40/2 Rokkor is basically the same as the Leica Summicron-C. You can use this lens just like you would use a Leica. In fact, it’s just as sharp in the center as the Leica Summicron 35, and the color is similar too. However, the sharpness of the image does decrease quite a bit at the corners of the maximum aperture. I’m not too concerned about the slight blurring at the corners. The blurring creates a special hazy atmosphere. However, it’s best to avoid leaves and branches when choosing a background, as the blur will look messy and unflattering.

The Leica CL is a unique addition to Leica history. Designed by Leica and produced in Osaka, Japan. It comes with two lenses: a 40mm and a 90mm, both of which are true to the Leica style. Unfortunately, the CL was only produced for three years before it was discontinued.

Normally, the Leica CL is also seen as part of the Leica M camera family. To keep the weight down, this 40/2 lens has a simplified thread pitch design, so the focusing accuracy isn’t as good as a normal M lens. But for a Leica lens with an f2 aperture, it’s definitely worth it.

LEICA SUMMAR 50mm f/2

This lens was designed by Berek, the first designer of Leica, back in 1933. At the time, it was mainly designed to go up against Zeiss’ Sonnar lens. Leica Summar 50/f2 is produced in quite a lot. Because they’re so old, these lenses almost all need some maintenance. The good news is that it’s a great deal.

The glass on Summar’s camera is pretty soft, so it’s prone to scratches, which will reduce contrast. The matte paint inside the lens is also peeling off, which will also reduce contrast, so it’s probably best to use Summary for black and white photos. If you don’t have this mindset, it’s probably best to avoid using Summary.

When the Leica Summar50 is set to f2, it produces a blurry light at the edge of the highlight ratio, but some people like this feature. They say it’s a hazy, romantic look. This kind of light diffusion and infiltration effect can’t be achieved with software. The Summar disperses intense light throughout the entire image without overexposing any area, giving it a warm, charming tone.

The summar have a surprisingly high center sharpness, but it’s not the kind of sharpness you’d expect in a modern lens. The details are very rich and delicate. This lens is great for capturing elegant and romantic portraits. It creates a soft, atmospheric effect, which means you’re not just capturing an image, but an emotion.

The double Gaussian structure of Summar 50 uses six pieces of glass, while the Tiansai structure of Elmar 50mm 3.5 uses four pieces of glass. Adding more glass will reduce contrast and make it easier to glare. The double Gaussian lens requires more coating than the Tiansai lens. It’s still too early for the Summar lens to be coated, so the contrast is smaller than with the Tiansai lens.

The 1933 non-retractable Rigid version was produced in fewer than 2,000 pieces. Agfa also made a custom version (the aperture ring is notched), a folding version, a nickel version, a chrome version, a black version (the front ring is black), and different versions in meters and feet.

The Summar50 f2 is a pretty unique lens. The in-focus shots have a warm quality, while the out-of-focus shots have a romantic feel. If you don’t mind the quality, try it on the digital Leica M11 and you won’t be disappointed.