What RF lens can I get for this look? (pics within)

A

anitasanger

Well-known
Local time
7:11 AM
Joined
Dec 10, 2010
Messages
358
View My Gallery
Greetings:

I have a Leica M6 with a pre asph 50mm Summicron. I've got to say that I am not happy with the lens. I can't seem to get the look I like with this lens. The problem is, I don't really understand what the look I like is. I'm not very well versed on lens terminology, but I have supplied a few photographs I took with my old Pentax SLR that I really like. Perhaps my summicron looks a little too harsh, maybe too sharp or clinical? I don't know. I like the skin tones and the slightly surrealistic tone of the provided pics.

I love my Leica body, but need to get a lens to compliment it. I considered getting a K mount to M converter, but then found out that I wouldn't be able to utilize the range finder's focus. I am considering the Nokton 1.1. Would that lens create images similar to the ones below? I find it ironic that I love the whacky range finder body, but don't like the highly revered glass that is among the finest available.

Anyway, if you guys could steer me in the right way and suggest a lens that may render images similar to the ones I took below, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you, Luke




img074 by saveamerika, on Flickr


img153 by saveamerika, on Flickr


img220 by saveamerika, on Flickr


img227 by saveamerika, on Flickr


img852 by saveamerika, on Flickr


img900 by saveamerika, on Flickr
 
Just curious - but what elements are consistent, e.g., focal length, film emulsion and speed. You don't really say if anything else has changed aside from the camera body and Pentax vs. Leica glass.
 
Everything has remained constant. 50mm lenses, Tri-X 400 in D76 1:1. All I did was change to a Leica Summicron 50 with my m6 Classic.

Thank you, Luke
 
A 50mm Summilux pre-ASPH would do. Or for cheaper, the Canon 50mm f/1.4 LTM lens. I think you just wanted a wider aperture for less DOF but you can get really good separation with a summicron wide open too.

Phil Forrest
 
It looks like you just need to try some different lenses. I love my old collapsible Summicron, and I also love my newer (but pre-ASPH) Summicrons (35 and 50). I was blown away by a Jupiter 8 that I got, and I love trying out old Leica thread-mount lenses on my M bodies, including Nikkors, Canons, and Cosina-Voigtlanders. They really do all have a "look," and I think that look has a lot to do with how the photographer likes to work--wide open versus stopped down, etc.
From these photos, I think you are looking to do something with a lens that's faster than a Summicron. Try a Jupiter 8 with an adapter. It will cost you very little, and you may love it. And if you don't love it, try another Jupiter 8 🙂 There are some differences in quality in some of those Kiev lenses!
 
Yeah, I do realize that I am a fan of shallow DOF and hoped that the cron would provide me with a look that I like. For some reason, the way that the cron renders an image doesn't move me. It may be the edge to edge sharpness that I don't like. Maybe I like softer lenses? I'm not really sure. What characteristics aside from shallow DOF do the images I submitted provide? Are they softish? I'm just not really well versed enough to technically convey what I like about a lens.

Would a 50 summilux or a 1.1 noctilux render more similar to these pentax images?
 
One thought, the lens you used on the Pentax probably focused down to .45m? The dof at the shorter distance which seems evident in most of the shots is very shallow at that distance.
 
You probably are seeking a lens with lower contrast. I assume you mean a six-element 50 mm Summicron - there are no aspherical 50 mm Summicrons, but the first generations had seven elements and the subsequent ones have six. These have high contrast.

The issue with the depth-of-field is exacerbated by the difference in close focus ability between the Pentax and Leica lenses. Depth of field is much shallower as you focus closer.

Assuming you want to stick with a50 mm lens, my suggestion would be to get an older lens in good shape - a collapsible, rigid., or DR (all seven element) Summicron, a 50/1.5 Summarit (not the modern f2.5 Summarit), or a 50/1 Noctilux. The Noctilux, because it is f1, will give you the depth of field you're looking for, even though its close focus is 1 m. Apart from the Noctilux, these lenses flare more than six element Summicrons, particularly with light sources in the frame. The six element Summicrons have flare problems with light sources just outside the frame, but control bright light sources in the frame exceedingly well.

You're obviously just bringing your technique for developing film from your Pentax, so the problem is unlikely to be in that part of the image chain, but make sure that you are exposing enough and not developing too much. The look you like depends on having a moderate contrast lens and negative.

Good luck,

Marty
 
Once again... DR Summicron. lol 😀

Note: Kodak Pro 100Tmax...

F1000022.jpg
 
Stay with the pentax! You create great images with that system. When you leave this gear for M-mount, it can be like jumping down the rabbit hole. Sell that M6 kit and get the K-5! You can use your wonderful pentax glass on it and now you'd be set to go film or digital. 🙂
 
Decrease contrast.

Either a collapsible Summicron or Summitar (both 50/2) would probably suit you much better than that Pre-Asph. Another strong possibility if you need speed would be the Canon 50/1.2 LTM. Big glass but it might well help get the look you want.

Good luck!

William
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom