Wide Aperture Lenses
An F-stop of 1.5 is considered to be a large aperture in photography, resulting in a shallow depth of field. Typically, shallow focus is used for the background or foreground, rather than the subject itself. However, the Leica 5cm f/1.5 Summarit produces a blur that softens the subject, creating a dreamy, ethereal effect. While many photographers prefer sharp, clear images, this lens produces warm, soft tones that can easily minimize shadows and imperfections on a person’s face.
Three Reasons
There are three reasons why you might consider using a Leica 5cm f/1.5 Summarit lens: faster shutter speeds, a shallower depth of field, and an affordable price. While images may not be sharp at the widest aperture, they reach their optimal sharpness at f/4, with fine details appearing sharp across the entire frame. Additionally, the aperture of f/2 is particularly well-suited for portraits.
Why It Is Not Popular
The Leica 5cm f/1.5 Summarit lens produces good image quality considering its price, although the images may be slightly soft when the aperture is set at f/1.5. This lens is considered a more affordable option, but its lack of popularity is due to its poor bokeh. Good bokeh is smooth and aesthetically pleasing, whereas poor bokeh creates a jagged and discordant effect. Unfortunately, each lens has its own unique physical characteristics, and while the Leica 50mm Summilux and Noctilux lenses have superb bokeh, the older Summarit lens does not. Specifically, its bokeh can be intrusive and distracting when used wide open. One solution to this issue is to avoid having trees and lights in the background of the shot.
As for the quote “It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not,” it means that it’s better to be true to oneself and be disliked for who you truly are, rather than pretending to be someone else just to be liked by others.
Leica has a reputation for high quality, and if you want a fast lens for a 35-millimeter film camera, this SUMMARIT model would be a great addition to your gear.Leica SUMMARIT 50-millimeter lenses were made in the 1940s and 1950s. Pre oduction period: 1949-1960 Code: SOOIA(screw mount) SOOlA-M(bayonet) Serial#:740,001-1,537,000 Total production: ca. 65.000 Maximum aperture: 1: 1.5 Focal length(nominal): 50mm Angle: 450 Minimum distance: 100cm Weight: 320 grams Filter: E41 or slip on 43mm
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