R-D1 + 35/50 Summicron (sample gallery)

[J. Borger]

As a new R-D1 user i am constantly searching for samples with specific lenses.
Not an easy task so far.
If somebody has samples of the R-D1 + Leica 75 1.4 Summilux to share i would love to see them.
Also looking for samples of R-D1 + Leica 21/2.8 .

For those also searching for samples i put a small gallery together of the R-D1 with the Leica 35/50 Summicrons.

http://www.shutterfreaks.com/gallery/album94


Han

 

[Sean Reid]

Leica 21/2.8 crops from 100% files:
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/lenses/rd-1-lens.shtml
It is a superb lens on the R-D1.

I'm testing the 75/1.4 now for an upcoming review.

Sean

 

[ruben]

Very Very nice pics ! Who cares if they were done with an RD1 + Summicron, or with a Fed2 + Jupiter12 ?

Cheers,
Ruben

 

[J. Borger]

Thanks for the link Sean ..

but i was familiar with both of your articles ... in fact your great articles made me curious about this camera and got me into this!

You have any real life samples (plain pictures) with the 21 available?

What holds me back with a 21 mm is a possible full frame rangefinder in the near future .. i would end up with an expensive lens which i would not use very much. I went through this with the DSLR's before ........ had to revisited the whole lens setup when i got the full frame.

I'm looking forward to your experiences with the 75 1/4 because i'm a bit disapointed with that lens so far (got one this weekend).

My findings so far:

- use without an additional finder is quite good possible ....... by thinking a good margin WITHIN the 50mm frame lines.

- i have real difficulties focussing that lens accurately wide open within 2 meters
i can nail the focus in that case 1 out of 5 times maximum ... could be my eyes , could be the lens in combination with the R-d1.. .. but i'have no prior experience with rangefinders so perhaps this is normal with a lens like this .. simply do not know what to expect!

- it is not as sharp as i had hoped fore wide open .....

Have to test that lens further ...... a lot more callenging than the summicrons close up and wide open!!

Han

 

[neilsphoto]

The 75 Summilux is NOT a blazing sharp lens wide open. At 2.8 or 4 is really takes off with better contrast and resolution of fine details. But at 1.4 you get a wonderful look, great out of focus areas and easy contrast. The lens is often used in contrasty light so this is a plus. Oh and you get the shot because you can open to 1.4.

BTW on Photo.net someone posted a link to Leicas announcement of a new 75mm Summicron ASPH lens. It is for real.

Here are 3 shots at ASA 3200 with a 75 'lux wide open. Taken at an art opening. If you follow wood cut artists this is Antonio Frasconi and his sons Miguel (composer) and Pablo (film maker)

 

[Sean Reid]

Haven't tested the 75 yet. No time.... It may be difficult to focus given that base length. Will try to post some FF 21 mm samples. Those lenses hold their value so if a FF rangefinder is released, you can always sell the 21 and not lose too much $$.

Sean

 

[J. Borger]

Very Very nice pics ! Who cares if they were done with an RD1 + Summicron, or with a Fed2 + Jupiter12 ?

Cheers,
Ruben

Thanks Ruben.
Normaly i do not care how a picture is taken myself.
But if you are in a gear buying process it is always nice to know the technical specifications.

Han

 

[J. Borger]

Neils,

Thanks for the samples of the 75 'Lux' wide open .. they look great indeed ... no need for that lens to be brutaly sharp at 1.4 i guess. Your samples put my expectations in perspective!

Han

 

[J. Borger]

Sean,

Thanlks .. looking forward to the samples!

Han

 

[ruben]

"Normaly i do not care how a picture is taken myself. But if you are in a gear buying process it is always nice to know the technical specifications. Han."

Hellow again, I would like to insist from another angle plus a light reservation to my own thought.

Your pics shout that you are among the few naturally gifted with a photographic eye. In your case, it seems to me that no Summicron nor the mother of all Summicrons will improve what you already have.

If I was in your shoes I would not waist nor time nor money in more gadgets, or their specifications, but invest the most in picture taking and pictue processing. The later is important in order to not degradate what you already 'captured'.

If I was in your shoes I would leave for the rest of us, those not gifted with such eye (me included0, to play the gadgetery game.

As for my reservation to the abovementioned by myself, one of the best observations I heard about Photography was that "Photography, after all, is about having fun".

Therefore be happy with whatever makes you happy.

Cheers,
Ruben

 

[J. Borger]

Ruben,

Thanks a lot for your thoughts ........ glad to hear you like my pictures!
I guess my wife agrees with you about the money spending part 😉


kind regards
Han