Whats closest to that Leica glow?

[scorpius73]

I have been reading these forums for some time. I don't own a Leica. It's just out of my price range at the moment. I do however own some classic rangefinders from the 70's (ie Yashica GTN, Canon Canonet QL17 GIII and Olympus 35 SP) and a Contax G1 with 28mm, 45mm and 90mm lenses. Of these, is there anyone that you would say comes close to the that Leica glow that I read about from time to time?

 

[Paul C. Perkins MD]

A smeared front element . . .

 

[cam]

it isn't the camera people are talking about -- it's the lens. usually, the older the better.

 

[scorpius73]

I'm sorry. I assumed everyone would understand I meant the fixed lenses of the 70's rangefinders not the camera per se.
Smeared lens. I will have to try that. :bang:

 

[feenej]

Rokkors look like Leica. The Canonet with the f1.7 lens has nice bokeh too. I guess Leica glow has to do with uncoated optics though.

 

[chikne]

A lens with haze =)

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

A lens with haze =)

So, by your logic, a way of earning $1,000,000 would be to just write out the check for that amount and depositing it, eh?

 

[b.espahbod]

its not haze nor foggy front element its internal reflection of lens elements and actually any lens without coating (no coating at all is better) gives the same effect BUT if that lens is sharp enough then ur image is superb. thats actually why i love my Elmar 3.5 50mm nickel 😀

 

[ferider]

I have been reading these forums for some time. I don't own a Leica. It's just out of my price range at the moment. I do however own some classic rangefinders from the 70's (ie Yashica GTN, Canon Canonet QL17 GIII and Olympus 35 SP) and a Contax G1 with 28mm, 45mm and 90mm lenses. Of these, is there anyone that you would say comes close to the that Leica glow that I read about from time to time?

I would guess that in character, the G1 lenses will compare well with Leitz lenses from the same period (28 Elmarit, 50/2 Summicron (v3?), 90 Tele Elmarit). And the SP had a great lens, too ....

Cheers,

Roland.

 

[maddoc]

A smeared front element . . .

No. That would result in low contrast and flare....

 

[Rob-F]

Although a smeared front element might not give the same effect as an old uncoated Summar, it's worth noting that flare and low contrast (veiling flare) have a lot to do with glow, IMO.

I've got to remember to post a shot I took with my Summar, that really shows off its glow.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Generous exposure with a fairly grainy film.

Cheers,

R.

 

[scorpius73]

Thanks everyone. After reading this, now I have a better understanding of the Leica glow.

 

[35mmdelux]

your Contax 28mm compares favorably with Leica. Thro some HP-5 into your cam and give it a whirl.

 

[Bill58]

Put lady's cold cream all over the lens.