Suggestion for a portrait lens

[Giorgio Festa]

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Yes, Giorgio,

let's speak about Leica and the topics and companies in it's glorious orbit. Though, one must admit that New 'News' comes from the trials and tribulations in the EU much more frequently than it comes from "The Mothership" in Solms. Hee Hee

Richard in Michigan

ps:Did you get my link from above post?

 

Hi Richard,

i had a look to the link you posted. It looks like this 75mm is good....i am now try to decide between the summicron 40 mm f2 or the voiglander 40 f1.4...

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[christoph_d]

Hi Giorgio,

 

You ask the impossible question. I could give you my preferred choice, but that may be

totally wrong as you may have very different expectations, circumstances and working

styles...

Couldn't you lend yourself any of the desired lenses, for an hour, a day or a week, work

with it and then decide based on the results? Perhaps there's even a friendly co-forent in

your vicinity?

 

Warmest greetings from the north of the EU

 

Christoph

[tobey bilek]

I would pick a 75 which has the same field of view as a 105 on full frame. That would be the middle range of traditional focals 85/100/135 for full frame.

 

50 comes closest to the short end equivalent, but it is still short.

 

So now it comes down to if you want 1/2 to 3/4 body, 50 is fine. For tighter heads and 3/4 body 75 is a better choice.

 

The key being for various reasons you need to shoot from around 5/7 feet. Pair that distance with the proper lens to get what you want. Use the preview switch.

 

Jamming a camera in someones face makes them uncomfortable and you get weird perspective. Perspective depends on distance, not focal lenth.

[MikeD700]

I would pick a 75 which has the same field of view as a 105 on full frame. That would be the middle range of traditional focals 85/100/135 for full frame.

 

50 comes closest to the short end equivalent, but it is still short.

 

So now it comes down to if you want 1/2 to 3/4 body, 50 is fine. For tighter heads and 3/4 body 75 is a better choice.

 

The key being for various reasons you need to shoot from around 5/7 feet. Pair that distance with the proper lens to get what you want. Use the preview switch.

 

Jamming a camera in someones face makes them uncomfortable and you get weird perspective. Perspective depends on distance, not focal lenth.

 

Please note these golden rules! Don't deviate from them, or your "portrait" will be bad.

 

Strange that noone asked the OP what of sort of portrait hé (not we) would like to make.

 

Strange that noone thought to mention that many "portraits", revered in photographic history, have broken all these golden rules...

[carstenw]

Please note these golden rules! Don't deviate from them, or your "portrait" will be bad.

 

Strange that noone asked the OP what of sort of portrait hé (not we) would like to make.

 

Strange that noone thought to mention that many "portraits", revered in photographic history, have broken all these golden rules...

 

While it is true that many great portraits break these rules, I would never suggest that anyone start by breaking the rules. Each of us has to learn *when* to break the rules on his/her own. I think there is a good reason why 80-135 is the normal portrait lens range, with 50 and 180 being the outside. They are the most natural for making portraits, and the previous poster laid out the basics. You are right though that these aren't hard rules, just a guideline.

[MikeD700]

Carsten: Please note my first remark: I don't think anyone thought of asking the OP what hé wanted to do. Most posters just try to impress on him what (apparently) works for them.

 

As for rules? We obviously have a different opinion on that. Just don't force the OP on the traditionalist route.

 

To the OP: My view? Start out with a 2.0/50 (ff format of course), use as thin a DoF as you dare, get as close as you dare, see how it works out. Look at the subject before you start; try to understand and visualize the subject. Try to show detail, a face, an expression, blur out background to the extent of just shapes. Use the light. Talk to the subject while taking the pics, get him/her to move; they'll pose anyway but you'll capture an image that strikes both you and the subject.

[MikeD700]

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P.s.: I don't post my pics here; it's a Leica forum. If you want to see what I find worthwhile posting, go to NikonImages; Miked700.

[farnz]

... To the OP: My view? Start out with a 2.0/50 (ff format of course), use as thin a DoF as you dare, get as close as you dare, see how it works out. Look at the subject before you start; try to understand and visualize the subject. Try to show detail, a face, an expression, blur out background to the extent of just shapes. Use the light. Talk to the subject while taking the pics, get him/her to move; they'll pose anyway but you'll capture an image that strikes both you and the subject.

 

Strange that noone asked the OP what of sort of portrait hé (not we) would like to make.

... Strange that you don't ask the subject what portrait he (not you) would like to make.

 

Pete.

[dickgrafixstop]

I'm surprised that noone has recommended the 60mm macro. On the M8 it's

equivalent to 85-90 and there are few sharper lenses in the inventory.

[farnz]

I'm surprised that noone has recommended the 60mm macro. On the M8 it's

equivalent to 85-90 and there are few sharper lenses in the inventory.

Do you mean the 60/2.8 Macro-Elmar-R lens? If so, it would be 78 mm equivalent field of view on a M8 but since it's an R lens and not rangefinder coupled you'd need to use a 14167 R to M adaptor and zone-focus.

 

Or did you mean the 65/3.5 Elmar Visoflex lens with a Visoflex?

 

Pete.

[tbarker13]

.... there are few sharper lenses in the inventory.

 

That may very well be one of the reasons. I don't find sharpness to be all that critical for portraits. In fact, it can be quite an annoyance for subjects who'd rather not see every imperfection on display.

[MikeD700]

... Strange that you don't ask the subject what portrait he (not you) would like to make.

 

Pete.

 

I managed to say that, and describe my own (not anyone else's) view, in two separate paragraphs. I know it's a difficult concept.

[farnz]

You might have missed my point but thanks for patronising me, you did it very well.

 

Pete.

[MikeD700]

You might have missed my point but thanks for patronising me, you did it very well.

 

Pete.

 

I probably did (completely; on reflection); Sunday mornings aren't my best but thanks anyway!

 

Michiel

[AncientCityPhoto]

Greetings!

I do a lot of portrait work and I absolutely love the M8 for this. I tried many lenses in my search. Someone here posted my review of the VC 75 1.8. I have another review coming later this month on the Voigtlander 75 f/2.5 lens.

 

After trying the Leica 90s, 75s, the VC 75s...I finally ended up with the VC 75 2.5. The Leica Crons are nice...but the little COlor Heliar really stands up well and has gorgeous rendering.

 

Also, it is screw mount...but you can find them for $300 with hood.

 

I find 90mm on the M8 is nice and you have frame lines...but indoors it can be tight if you need to do anything more than bust up shots. I love shooting that length even for full body and 3/4s but this is usually only outside since you need some major room to back up.

 

The 75mm offered just enough working space for a variety of portrait lengths even indoors. It can also effectively blur the surroundings incredibly well for a headshot at close range. It looked just as good to me as the 75 1.8. I honestly couldn't see that much different in the look. Aside from being about a stop slower, the 2.5 is actually way sharper from wide open and has great color. Medium contrast...but very easy to manipulate the file for more punch. You just need to practice a little because the lack of frame lines means you sometimes misjudge your placement at first.

 

I highly recommend a 1.4x magnifier with a portrait lens. It makes a huge difference.

 

The 75 f/2,5 is also very small. I can carry it in my pocket. I am used to carrying a 70-200 Canon portrait lens. Using Leica and VC gear now is amazing! I still cannot believe how small and light the equipment is. And the files look better!

[WestMichigan]

Kudo's to You for the Tidy and Useful Review,

I'm the one who posted 'your' review - I didn't twig to you being on the forum, I'd followed the link from Steve Huff's Site. If I recall correctly, I was a bit stymied on figuring out if you had other reviews on your blog/site thing-a-ma-jig. Are there others you've posted? Might I suggest posting a thread announcing your work to our little patch of the internet here in in the M8 Forum.

 

I'm getting ready to get an M8 of my own and upgrade my heavily worn EOS 20D to either a 7D or more likely a used 1Ds (MkIII if I can swing it). I am sold on the joyful smallness of an M!, but want a camera I can use in any weather I care to and use the 70-200 heavyweight I'll be getting to go with it.

 

Sincerely

Richard in Michigan

[tbarker13]

Kudo's to You for the Tidy and Useful Review,

I'm the one who posted 'your' review - I didn't twig to you being on the forum, I'd followed the link from Steve Huff's Site. If I recall correctly, I was a bit stymied on figuring out if you had other reviews on your blog/site thing-a-ma-jig. Are there others you've posted? Might I suggest posting a thread announcing your work to our little patch of the internet here in in the M8 Forum.

 

I'm getting ready to get an M8 of my own and upgrade my heavily worn EOS 20D to either a 7D or more likely a used 1Ds (MkIII if I can swing it). I am sold on the joyful smallness of an M!, but want a camera I can use in any weather I care to and use the 70-200 heavyweight I'll be getting to go with it.

 

Sincerely

Richard in Michigan

 

 

Richard,

I use a similar pairing - and M8.2 when I want to go small/light and a D700 with a 70-200 when I don't mind the weight or might have weather concerns (or just want more reach).

They work very well together, allowing me to take advantage of the best of both worlds.

[WestMichigan]

Thanks TBarker,

I've yet to actually be able to implement my plans - 'life' is like that, isn't it, but I've put a LOT of thought into my camera plans. I've also had plenty of time to 'revisit' my plan because of the nature of my situation and the portability of an M outfit and the all-weather and automations available with a 1D or 7D fits perfectly for my interests and needs. Budget wise, it will be a stretch possibly to get a late model 1Ds - but the 'old' Leica R and Zeiss lenses I have go best with a 1Ds, but my fingers are crossed. My 'adapted' lens interests are easier with the Canon Lens Mount, so though I'm tempted by the Nikon offerings, I'll be sticking with EOS. My body can't keep up with shooting a dSLR routinely anymore. (Well, a 1D/7d/or 5D sized one!) so the smaller bodies and lenses of the M's are right up my alley and giving up AF doesn't bother me much at all, I use manual focus lenses on my 20D Right Now!

 

Richard in Michigan

 

Richard,

I use a similar pairing - and M8.2 when I want to go small/light and a D700 with a 70-200 when I don't mind the weight or might have weather concerns (or just want more reach).

They work very well together, allowing me to take advantage of the best of both worlds.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[AncientCityPhoto]

I don't normally do a lot of gear reviews on my site, but I do occasionally review stuff that I use or am really impressed with. I will post a link next time I review something relevant to the community!

 

The combination of a Leica and a Canon or Nikon works nice. It lets you have the option of just keeping lenses you need for specialty work if you so choose. IE: real macro, super telephoto, fisheye, shifting lenses, etc... Or just two fast zooms for when its necessary.

 

I thought I would be selling most of my Canon set up once I moved into a Leica system...I haven't. Can't seem to let go for certain work yet.

 

Often I find myself running back to the 70-200 for out door portraiture. It allows me to be more versatile in a variety of situations and get many styles fast. Then again, every time I use a Leica with a 75mm lens I wish I had used it instead since the images have a much more pleasing drawing to them. Obviously it is taking me longer than anticipated to "let go" of the SLR world.

[NZDavid]

50 Summicron any model including the Rigid or DR would be reasonably economical yet capable of yielding excellent results.