Leica M Monochrom: best pics

[Vince Lupo]

Thanks for the info -- yes, glass is perfect, barrel is quite clean, don't know if the 6-bit conversion was factory done (but I can check), and the lens is coming from someone who I've bought from for many years and have the utmost trust in (so if it is a bit more money than something I could buy on eBay, it's not a major deal). I have it for the weekend to try it out and decide. The one thing I'm not crazy about with the lens is the long 'throw' in the focusing from infinity to 3ft (and of course that 3ft wall that you hit!), but maybe I'll get used to it. The weight is not an issue. As far as a hood goes, my friend is looking into it for me. He has an older hood (the one for use with the pins) that he said would work in a pinch, but of course it wouldn't be the proper hood.

I'll be shooting with the lens over the weekend, so I'll post more shots next week.

BTW would this lens be a version 3 or 4, based on the serial number?

 

[menos]

Vince, if it is a Noctilux with separate bayonet hood, it is a version 3 (in my opinion the better user, than a v4, as of the much better lens hood).
The market though seems to ask higher prices on the v4, as it is the latest ƒ1 sample, while the E58 is big in the coming, as it is more and more searched after for it's different imaging to the later samples.

You have the latest v3 (not pins, but bayonet attachment).

If you can trust the seller and possibly get a documentation about the 6-bit conversion at the factory, the price is fair.

Many people, who only shortly tried/ used a Noctilux ƒ1 complain about the long focus throw.

The secret is, the moment, you bond with this lens, you will not at all think about this any more. The Noctilux must be used with subconscious pre-focussing.
I focus my Noctilux way faster and more precise wide open, than I could ever focus a 50 Lux ASPH, which is a crutch to use.

The close focus distance either demands another lens in your bag (90mm or a aluminium barrel 50 Summicron v4/5) or simply getting used to it :-(

I don't mind it anymore - I wouldn't want to shoot the Noctilux closer anyway, as it really has the sweet spot for portrait for me at ~1 − 1.5m.

Make sure, to test the lens for it's function and don't fall for doing the thin DOF water hydrant and cat pics, but try to shoot the stuff with it, you usually do.

One either loves or hates this lens - you ware fortunate enough, to have the chance to own and use one, so the best of success to you, finding out, if you like it or not ;-)

 

[Vince Lupo]

A 6000 USD price should get you at least a sample with perfect glass (like in new from the factory) and a mint barrel (2 − 4 very small marks on the barrel are ok, which comes naturally with usage, how careful one ever handles it, but it should clearly not look like dragged over the floor).

If the 6-bit coding was done in the factory (and not by a backyard shop with eBay 6-bit mounts) and the conversion was done recently incl. CLA, this adds value, if proof can be supplied.

Update on the lens -- the lens was given a full CLA and calibration by DAG back in July 2012, and he did the 6-bit conversion.

Also, my guy found me a mint hood for $225. So I think I'm going to go for all of it.

 

[menos]

Great series again Dave!

Vince - it looks like a fair deal then! Congrats!

 

[seanbonner]

Above Paris by seanbonner, on Flickr


Child with bird, paris by seanbonner, on Flickr


Somewhere between Vienna & Paris, from above by seanbonner, on Flickr


Ripley in Paris, Jan 2013 by seanbonner, on Flickr

 

[xdayv]

Ripley in Paris, Jan 2013 by seanbonner, on Flickr

Sean, the angle, reflection and his eyes gazing, just perfect.

 

[airfrogusmc]

Sean and Dave nice work both of you.

Sorry if I posted these already and these were just some photos I shot over Thanksgiving at the wife's sisters house nothing great but it clearly shows how clean the high ISO files are from the MM.
3200 ISO

Wife's Aunt Marge 3200

Same image cropped to show noise of how low it is at such a high ISO. No noise reduction.

Shown in this I like the ability to hold whats inside and also to keep some detail out the window. Also 3200

 

[icebear]

Above Paris by seanbonner, on Flickr


Child with bird, paris by seanbonner, on Flickr


Somewhere between Vienna & Paris, from above by seanbonner, on Flickr


Ripley in Paris, Jan 2013 by seanbonner, on Flickr

...reminds me, I also have to clean the MM sensor for the first time.
As the 1st and 3rd show the same spots, I'm sure these are no birds 😉.

 

[xdayv]

Same image cropped to show noise of how low it is at such a high ISO. No noise reduction.

Shown in this I like the ability to hold whats inside and also to keep some detail out the window. Also 3200

These 2 photos show how the MM handles high ISO and DR very well. More than the technical capabilities, the MM was with you to capture the moments of thanksgiving. Thanks for sharing.

 

[ashwinrao1]

It's been a while since I posted from the MM here. Here are a few, with various old lenses:

Canon 85 mm f/1.8 LTM

Nikkor P.C. 10.5 cm f/2.5 LTM

35 mm f/2 Summicron v1 (8 element)

Canon 100 mm f/2 LTM

 

[cam]

oooooh, Ashwin, you got the 8-element, YEY!!!

 

[icebear]

It's been a while since I posted from the MM here. Here are a few, with various old lenses:

Hilarious pose, great shot, love it !

 

[jcrutcher]

Summitar works nice on MM

F2.8, 1000 ISO 1/60. no noise removal or sharpening in PP


Lemon's by rootbeer2004, on Flickr

 

[airfrogusmc]

Thanks Dave,

Good stuff jcrutcher, ashwinrao1 & Vince...

 

[menos]

Ashwin, so you collected all the nicest Japanese long lenses ;-)
Congrats on the new Canon 85/1.8 - I saw you inquiring for it.

The three lenses, you quoted here are among my personal favourite japanese lenses - each for their specialty.

You got them working nicely!

 

[ashwinrao1]

THanks, Cam, and yes, I am learning and loving the 8-element.

Thanks as well, Airfrogusmc, Icebear, and Dirk.

Dirk, I learned much from you in selecting these lenses, by browsing the thread here, at LUF, and at your Flickr thread...you are my personal GAS activator. The Canon 100 isn't mine, but I do love the copy that I used...

 

[ashwinrao1]

Lovely captures, airfrogusmc, jcrutcher and Vince!

 

[ashwinrao1]

A few more silly 85 mm f/1.8 LTM shots from today...this lens really shines for BW work...

 

[menos]

Haha Ashwin - the first one is way cool!
I am just editing photos on rainy sunday and listening to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qORYO0atB6g

I love these portraits, you do with the lenses.
regarding Canon 100/2 vs 85/1.8 (which have a lot in common image wise), I end up using my 100/2 much more, as there is simply no other lens like this, that has such a fantastic handling, great imaging and performance (the Nikon 105/2.5 is a bit slower and has an completely different look - more modern).

For 85mm I now absolutely prefer the 85/1.5 Nikkor LTM over all other lenses in that range (75/1.4, 85mm Canon, 90mm Leitz, …) - the 85 Nikkor is simply magic (just a tip in case, you look to try out other 85mm options - hehe).

 

[Vince Lupo]

Judging by everyone else's photos, looks like I still have a lot to learn about this camera!

The Noctilux -- I'm slowly getting used to this lens, but I wish it didn't vignette so much at f/1. I was actually thinking of recoding the lens as a 35 Summliux so the vignetting would be less!