Leica Summaron-28 -image thread

[ianman]

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Could have been worse... it could have been an unboxing video 

[dfarkas]

Wow. I honestly didn't expect this kind of reaction to the video on L-Camera-Forum. On other media (Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, email, etc.) the response has been overwhelmingly positive. 

 

I've written plenty of in-depth reviews on Red Dot Forum over the last ten years (http://www.reddotforum.com/content/category/reviews/). This video was never intended to be a detailed review. The concept: a fun and entertaining way to see how one photographer would use the Summaron for his style of photography, while showcasing our local culture in Miami. Luis is a Cuban-American born in Miami. He is proud of his cultural heritage and also happens to be a huge fan and user of vintage Leica gear. Call it a love letter to Little Havana and Leica glass, if you will. The idea was his and I thought it was a good one.

 

For a lens design that's been around for 60 years, we figured others have had plenty of time to adequately review. This lens is never going to match up to the latest 28mm designs from Leica. Why judge it on the same criteria? The Summaron is a niche piece that appeals to those looking for a classic look and feel, but with modern coatings, mechanics and a 6-bit bayonet mount. 

 

For me, the project was a way to demonstrate the video capabilities of the Leica SL, which I have been exploring more and more. And on that front, at the very least, I think I have succeeded. 

 

So, I apologize if this wasn't what you were expecting, or if you felt it a waste of your time. We don't even call it a "review". The title of the video and the companion article are "Shooting the 'New' 28mm Summaron-M in Little Havana". 

 

I merely thought it would be interesting to those discussing the lens we highlighted in our video. 

 

[terrycym]

Hello David,

Maybe it's a cultural difference between Europe and USA?

What works in one country doesn't necessarily work in another.

Let's just let us all move on.

[NB23]

Wow. I honestly didn't expect this kind of reaction to the video on L-Camera-Forum. On other media (Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, email, etc.) the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

 

I've written plenty of in-depth reviews on Red Dot Forum over the last ten years (http://www.reddotforum.com/content/category/reviews/). This video was never intended to be a detailed review. The concept: a fun and entertaining way to see how one photographer would use the Summaron for his style of photography, while showcasing our local culture in Miami. Luis is a Cuban-American born in Miami. He is proud of his cultural heritage and also happens to be a huge fan and user of vintage Leica gear. Call it a love letter to Little Havana and Leica glass, if you will. The idea was his and I thought it was a good one.

 

For a lens design that's been around for 60 years, we figured others have had plenty of time to adequately review. This lens is never going to match up to the latest 28mm designs from Leica. Why judge it on the same criteria? The Summaron is a niche piece that appeals to those looking for a classic look and feel, but with modern coatings, mechanics and a 6-bit bayonet mount.

 

For me, the project was a way to demonstrate the video capabilities of the Leica SL, which I have been exploring more and more. And on that front, at the very least, I think I have succeeded.

 

So, I apologize if this wasn't what you were expecting, or if you felt it a waste of your time. We don't even call it a "review". The title of the video and the companion article are "Shooting the 'New' 28mm Summaron-M in Little Havana".

 

I merely thought it would be interesting to those discussing the lens we highlighted in our video.

All I see is wannabeism in it. Sorry.

[ianman]

We just published a video review of the 28mm Summaron...

 

 

We don't even call it a "review". 

 

 

mmmmmm.

 

As it most definitely was not a review, about half way through I gave up because I'm not interested in this sort of promo film. At that point in the film, I'm not even sure what it was supposed to be promoting, the photographer, the camera, the lens, the coffee, the place, etc ?.

Not saying that it's not good for people who are into that sort of thing, it's just not for me.

 

Maybe as Terry wrote, a cultural thing.

[MarkP]

Hello David,

Maybe it's a cultural difference between Europe and USA?

What works in one country doesn't necessarily work in another.

Let's just let us all move on.

 

Agreed. Which is why I stated in my post that I'm sure David knows his target market better than we do.

[MarkP]

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So, I apologize if this wasn't what you were expecting, or if you felt it a waste of your time. We don't even call it a "review". The title of the video and the companion article are "Shooting the 'New' 28mm Summaron-M in Little Havana". 

 

I merely thought it would be interesting to those discussing the lens we highlighted in our video. 

 

You don't need to apologise. It just didn't resonate with some of us :-)

Edited January 9, 2017 by MarkP

[ramarren]

Wow. I honestly didn't expect this kind of reaction to the video on L-Camera-Forum. On other media (Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, email, etc.) the response has been overwhelmingly positive. 

 

I've written plenty of in-depth reviews on Red Dot Forum over the last ten years (http://www.reddotforum.com/content/category/reviews/). This video was never intended to be a detailed review. The concept: a fun and entertaining way to see how one photographer would use the Summaron for his style of photography, while showcasing our local culture in Miami. Luis is a Cuban-American born in Miami. He is proud of his cultural heritage and also happens to be a huge fan and user of vintage Leica gear. Call it a love letter to Little Havana and Leica glass, if you will. The idea was his and I thought it was a good one.

 

For a lens design that's been around for 60 years, we figured others have had plenty of time to adequately review. This lens is never going to match up to the latest 28mm designs from Leica. Why judge it on the same criteria? The Summaron is a niche piece that appeals to those looking for a classic look and feel, but with modern coatings, mechanics and a 6-bit bayonet mount. 

 

For me, the project was a way to demonstrate the video capabilities of the Leica SL, which I have been exploring more and more. And on that front, at the very least, I think I have succeeded. 

 

So, I apologize if this wasn't what you were expecting, or if you felt it a waste of your time. We don't even call it a "review". The title of the video and the companion article are "Shooting the 'New' 28mm Summaron-M in Little Havana". 

 

I merely thought it would be interesting to those discussing the lens we highlighted in our video. 

 

 

I just watched the piece, David. Honestly, it doesn't do much for me either, but I don't think it's bad. It's just a little too "hip and slick" for my taste. I couldn't quite get through the whole thing. 

 

Frankly, it reminds me of a video that was made of me shooting with Pentax gear when I had a relationship with Pentax last decade. I was always somewhat embarrassed by it, and particularly the "street" segment that is the most similar to this one.   I thought the editor concentrated too much on me rather than centering the video around the equipment, the techniques I was using, the intent of the shoot, and the photographs. 

Edited January 9, 2017 by ramarren

[ECohen]

We just published a video review of the 28mm Summaron with a little companion article to go along with it. Check it out.

 

Shooting the “New” Leica 28mm Summaron-M in Little Havana

 

 

Wow. With those last few sour comments I had to watch you film.

I guess I'm your market. I enjoyed all 8 minutes and 13 seconds of it.......Now I don't want that 28mm lens  but I do want to visit Little Havana.

I subscribed to your channel and sent it to a few friends...... Nice film, fun to watch, it kept my interest ..... and I want see more of your work. 

Thanks for taking the time

[Ted Lemon]

I liked the film, and I already have the lens. So thanks from me, in the UK if demographically important. 

[stevesurf]

Wow. I honestly didn't expect this kind of reaction to the video on L-Camera-Forum. On other media (Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, email, etc.) the response has been overwhelmingly positive. 

 

I've written plenty of in-depth reviews on Red Dot Forum over the last ten years (http://www.reddotforum.com/content/category/reviews/). This video was never intended to be a detailed review. The concept: a fun and entertaining way to see how one photographer would use the Summaron for his style of photography, while showcasing our local culture in Miami. Luis is a Cuban-American born in Miami. He is proud of his cultural heritage and also happens to be a huge fan and user of vintage Leica gear. Call it a love letter to Little Havana and Leica glass, if you will. The idea was his and I thought it was a good one.

 

For a lens design that's been around for 60 years, we figured others have had plenty of time to adequately review. This lens is never going to match up to the latest 28mm designs from Leica. Why judge it on the same criteria? The Summaron is a niche piece that appeals to those looking for a classic look and feel, but with modern coatings, mechanics and a 6-bit bayonet mount. 

 

For me, the project was a way to demonstrate the video capabilities of the Leica SL, which I have been exploring more and more. And on that front, at the very least, I think I have succeeded. 

 

So, I apologize if this wasn't what you were expecting, or if you felt it a waste of your time. We don't even call it a "review". The title of the video and the companion article are "Shooting the 'New' 28mm Summaron-M in Little Havana". 

 

I merely thought it would be interesting to those discussing the lens we highlighted in our video. 

 

Hi David, thank you for your contributions to the Red Dot Forum; it is an informative site that, like L-Camera-Forum, Overgaard, Steve Huff and Ken Rockwell, I look to for reference, reviews and opinions.  I believe, if you would have perhaps included some comparison shots of Little Havana with the original 28 Summaron and current or previous generation 28 Elmarit-M.  I understand video is a far different medium than print, but I believe the "best practices" still hold, give a little something for everyone; some background culture and even gear "fluff," stills in the video (which you did), comparisons, some tech data that would support the shooting style you used in that environment and finally how that lens works with other Leica cameras.  I don't believe such a video would add very much time and it could even be a collaborative effort.  

 

I'm sure some folks on here might have enjoyed contributing forum members Wattsy and A Miller have work that could give people and different perspective, both with new and older versions of the lenses.  Good luck with the posts and don't be a "stranger" here

[terrycym]

Ken Rockwell, please, don't let me start on that stuff.....

[NB23]

Ken Rockwell, please, don't let me start on that stuff.....

Steve huff... oh man. All credibility gone through the window.

[creidtaylor]

I just watched the film from Little Havana and really enjoyed it.  Using a camera is so much more about the gear, it's about the story being told and I thought the video showed nicely the marriage of camera and story.  My only experience with a Leica is the Q ( years ago I used a Contax II rangefinder) but after watching this video I would really like a Monochrom and a 28, even the Summaron...it just looked like fun.

[alan.y]

I'm baffled by the release of the Summaron, but there's no need to shoot the messenger. Compared to the overproduced camera videos out there on the internet (with pumping music and flashing titles and scantily clad women), this video was hardly offensive.

[zmcm]

How can the 28 mm Summaron (11695) be priced higher than the new 28 mm Elmarit (11677)?

 

2100 EURO vs 2200 EURO on the Leica store Berlin.

What I cant understand is why Leica thinks people are going to buy a lens very expensive and not sharp Just because is retro style and have a small dimension?

 

 

 

Enviado do meu iPhone usando o Tapatalk

[ECohen]

What I cant understand is why Leica thinks people are going to buy a lens very expensive and not sharp Just because is retro style and have a small dimension?

 

 

 

Enviado do meu iPhone usando o Tapatalk

 

And yet I'll bet they sell all they that they plan to make ....... Leica does know their market.

Honestly this 28 is not part of my kit.....but if I had a "spare" $2200 laying around .....I'd bite

Has Leica ever put out a lens that no one bought.....recently?

[lct]

What I cant understand is why Leica thinks people are going to buy a lens very expensive and not sharp Just because is retro style and have a small dimension? [...]

 

Because photography and reprography are not the same thing with respect . Sharpness is only one feature of lenses among others. The character of a lens is more interesting provided we don't spend our time trying to hide the flaws of the lens, e.g. flare and vignetting here, as those are such flaws which give the lens it's character in the first place. Same for the glow produced by lenses like Summilux 35/1.4 to take another example. All the charm of the lens lies in that glow.

[ECohen]

Because photography and reprography are not the same thing with respect . Sharpness is only one feature of lenses among others. The character of a lens is more interesting provided we don't spend our time trying to hide the flaws of the lens, e.g. flare and vignetting here, as those are such flaws which give the lens it's character in the first place. Same for the glow produced by lenses like Summilux 35/1.4 to take another example. All the charm of the lens lies in that glow.

 

I do like the way you put this!

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[jaapv]

And yet I'll bet they sell all they that they plan to make ....... Leica does know their market.

Honestly this 28 is not part of my kit.....but if I had a "spare" $2200 laying around .....I'd bite

Has Leica ever put out a lens that no one bought.....recently?

Not recently. Not ever, in fact.