Racing cars for the purist (M and film shot...)

[andybarton]

M2/35 Summaron/100 Astia

(Note the dream-like quality of the 50 year old lens)


Oulton Park, Sunday

single.jpg

[andybarton]

The more I look at this picture (and others I have taken with it), the more I think that this old lady has qualities unmatched in modern lenses.

One doesn't need clinical, scalpel, ASPH sharpness every time. Sometimes, a little bit of "character" adds something to a photograph. Not necessarily this one, but I shall persevere with this lens and this film. (Paris at the beginning of October coud be a good test...) With a more naturalistic subject, I think this combination could work very well. (So, if you come across a French image which is soft in the corners, it may well be mine )

[peter55]

M2 and 35mm f/2 Summacron - Yes they work well together.

I'll hop into the car on the left-you take the red one and were off.
Nice photo
!

[elansprint72]

Nice catch! This is the sort of thing I was hoping you would post

Pete.

[earleygallery]

Andy,

The image from the Summaron does seem very soft to me, more so than I'd expect, more like a Summar image. Is it an older LTM version or an M fit lens? Have you posted any other photos from it?

Cheers

[zanydave]

I'm I sucker for them old racing cars & your right about the quality of the lens. I want one!

Dave.

[fotografr]

I totally agree with you about the lens. It's why I love my old 35 f1.4. There is a "glow" you can't get with the new razor sharp versions.

[andybarton]

Originally Posted by earleygallery

Andy,

The image from the Summaron does seem very soft to me, more so than I'd expect, more like a Summar image. Is it an older LTM version or an M fit lens? Have you posted any other photos from it?

Cheers

A few.

It's a very early M one, but without the specs. It doesn't bring up the 35 frameline on my M2.

http://www.leica-camera-user.com/lan...carry-3-a.html

http://www.leica-camera-user.com/peo...ands-pump.html

I had a couple that must have been on the old forum too - one of which was of my wife mashing potatoes.

It will be visible on andybarton.com/2006

[vic vic]

andy again - inspiring photo for me, as a racing and car feack.

about the lens.. oh those lenses are amazing with their character. i now it from the photos of my granffather and my father. but im sure that on slide u just see the magic of those far better than on computer :-)

i think i will buy a couple of lense like this in 50mm and 35 (although im not big fun of 35) when in nyc or europe or any oportunity in israel. currently i have a vinatge leitz elm 90mm only.

summilux 755 and noctilux (that i dream to have) also have dreamy and magical qualities but very different of course from the vintage lenses.

i just love the way those lenses (vints) make the like glow as if the light is "holy" :-))) very powerful when the photo is successful.

everybody who is concerned about the mtf garf power of leica lenses - forget about it - trust leica they will do their best. if one wants to really apriciate leica then look at the character of the lenses - vintage, old and most recents :-)


ah - forgot to mention... when u make a darkroom b/w print with old lenses - it is really amazing, although not eassy to do. u can reach a look that gives u impression as if the photo painted with rough graphite pencil. especially if u develop the film in rodinal and print it on ilford mg5k