nikon d700 Archives

Whenever I use a Leica lens, I just can’t help but switch to black and white

Whenever I use a Leica lens, I just can’t help but switch to black and white. For some reason, while with Zeiss lenses, I always feel compelled to preserve their original colors…

The Leica R 35-70mm f/3.5 E67 (often called the Vario-Elmar-R) is a legendary zoom lens from Leica’s R-series, known for its compact design, high optical quality, and distinctive rendering. Paired with the Nikon D700, a 12.1MP full-frame DSLR with excellent dynamic range for its era, this combo likely enhances your inclination toward black-and-white due to the following factors:

Micro-Contrast and Tonal Richness

Leica’s Optical Signature

The D700’s raw files have a robust tonal range

Nikon D700 with Leica R 35-70mm f/3.5 E67

Street Photography: Art or Offense?

Candid shots might feel brash or intrusive, but they capture raw, unfiltered truth. Posed shots seem polite and composed, yet they often hide behind a polished mask. It’s like life’s paradoxes—sometimes what seems “wrong” reveals deeper authenticity, while what’s “right” can feel staged. Could it be that society’s ideas of “proper” or “improper” in photography actually miss the heart of what makes a moment real?

The Leica Magic Designed by Minolta

Leica Vario – Elmar – R 35 – 70mm f/3.5 E67 with Nikon D700

Some say that Minolta-designed lenses lack a bit of the Leica magic, but looking at this lens – the Leica R 35-70mm f3.5 E67 – I think it still has some Leica characteristics, especially in black and white. Both highlights and shadows retain a remarkable amount of detail and smooth transitions. It still has that Leica magic.