The M10 and portrait photography

[TinyTempo]

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Greetings!

 

I just returned from my Leica dealer with the M10 (after a lengthy wait), trading in my M240 which I had for a few months to shorten the wait. First impressions in one word: Lovely. But that's probably not news to most here.

 

I shoot mostly portraits, and I'm wondering what your experiences are with the M10 in this area. I typically use the 50mm Summicron, but have ordered a vintage Jupiter 8 (85mm f2.0) since it's supposed to have a very pretty bokeh. What lenses do you prefer for portraits / people?

 

In my experience, working with amateur models, people react very positively towards a Leica M. They seem to be a bit more relaxed compared to having some massive DSLR (with a 84mm f1.4 attached) pointing at their face. What are your experiences?

 

Greetings from Hamburg!

Markus

 

PS: In case somebody is interested, I share a few shots of my work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larojima/

 

 

 

 

 

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[adan]

In my experience, working with amateur models, people react very positively towards a Leica M. They seem to be a bit more relaxed compared to having some massive DSLR (with a 84mm f1.4 attached) pointing at their face. What are your experiences?

 

I have had subjects get a bit twitchy and/or do a double-take (implied "What the heck are you pointing at me?!") even with a Leica M - if using a large (for Leica) lens (e.g. 90mm f/2.0 or 75mm f/1.4). But with a smaller lens, one advantage of any M - if one does not use the left eye - is that the camera does not hide all the photographer's face and expression, allowing a better "human connection." (See my avatar image at left).

 

What lenses do you prefer for portraits / people?

 

For "traditional" portraits (e.g. public-relations/yearbook face pictures), I am happy using anything from 75mm to 135mm. 85-105mm is traditionally the "sweet spot." 50mm starts to distort noses and chins and such for anything closer than "head and chest" (although maybe that is the the effect one wants......). Although I was happy using the 50mm on the cropped M8 (effective framing and composition of a 67mm lens).

 

But of course I'll use ANY focal length for "character-defining pictures of individuals," which can include environmental portraits, artists with their work, or other approaches.

 

Recent artist portrait - 35mm Summicron & M10.

 

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[otto.f]

I don’t understand this question. Is the M10 different from any other camera when it comes to portraits, or why would the good or bad characteristics of the M10 not be noticeable in any other domain than portraits?

[TinyTempo]

I don’t understand this question. Is the M10 different from any other camera when it comes to portraits, or why would the good or bad characteristics of the M10 not be noticeable in any other domain than portraits?

 

 

I am merely asking for experiences / opinions here. In terms of portraits, I think the difference is how people (if not pro models) react to the camera compared to "any other camera". If you disagree, that's fine

[redrider469]

I use it to shoot my kids and they really don’t seem to notice. Amazing image quality in a small package. I think it’s fantastic and carry it everyday.

 

 

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[evikne]

I have just ordered a 75mm Summilux f/1.4, which is going to replace my 50mm Summilux f/1.4 ASPH. Sometimes I felt that I didn't get close enough to the subject, and I don't need ultra sharp images. I am looking forward to the beautiful bokeh and rendering, so I hope this will be the perfect portrait lens for me.

 

But others may of course have other wishes and needs.

[HELM]

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Great photo Redrider ... or great subject :-)

[pgh]

I don’t understand this question. Is the M10 different from any other camera when it comes to portraits, or why would the good or bad characteristics of the M10 not be noticeable in any other domain than portraits?

Yea, it is different when it comes to portraits. The traits of the M recede and grow with importance depending on what you are shooting. Focus is harder for a moving subject with an M than it is a Sony or Nikon, for instance. Gestures outside of the frame are easier with the Leica. The viewfinder of a Leica and a TLR or waist level finder camera create totally different dynamics in portrait shoot. 

I think it's fine for portraits, I like the rendering of the lenses and I like the colors of the M10 for it - but in terms of user experience I would generally prefer my Sony, though - I generally like the dynamic of medium format cameras on a tripod the best. People assume a degree of casualness or looseness or a lack of seriousness with a smaller camera. This can be advantageous or not depending on your work. Sometimes it's good. Since I'm not shooting film anymore and I sold my Pentax 645D, I usually take the Sony. The Leica on occasion. The 135 is a great lens but realistically not very practical for a dynamic portrait shoot with the rangefinder mechanism. I use my for landscapes primarily. 

[otto.f]

Yea, it is different when it comes to portraits. The traits of the M recede and grow with importance depending on what you are shooting. Focus is harder for a moving subject with an M than it is a Sony or Nikon, for instance. Gestures outside of the frame are easier with the Leica. The viewfinder of a Leica and a TLR or waist level finder camera create totally different dynamics in portrait shoot.

I think it's fine for portraits, I like the rendering of the lenses and I like the colors of the M10 for it - but in terms of user experience I would generally prefer my Sony, though - I generally like the dynamic of medium format cameras on a tripod the best. People assume a degree of casualness or looseness or a lack of seriousness with a smaller camera. This can be advantageous or not depending on your work. Sometimes it's good. Since I'm not shooting film anymore and I sold my Pentax 645D, I usually take the Sony. The Leica on occasion. The 135 is a great lens but realistically not very practical for a dynamic portrait shoot with the rangefinder mechanism. I use my for landscapes primarily.

 

Ok, but I do not read any differences between M9, M240 and M10 here.

I might see an advantage of the M10 over other M’s in that it’s focussing faster and better, especially with the critical lenses in that respect, viz. 75lux, 90 and 135, but that counts for any type of photography

Edited November 14, 2017 by otto.f

[TinyTempo]

Ok, but I do not read any differences between M9, M240 and M10 here.

I might see an advantage of the M10 over other M’s in that it’s focussing faster and better, especially with the critical lenses in that respect, viz. 75lux, 90 and 135, but that counts for any type of photography

 

 

Well, I happened to get a M10, and this is a M10 forum, hence the topic title. Of course you could substitute "M10" with any other small rangefinder-styled camera for this particular question, but why bother? If you do not wish to participate in a constructive exchange of opinions, then simply stay out of it.

[Paul J]

Hey Tiny Tempo, welcome to the forum man.

 

The M is a great tool for portraits, I use it a lot. The size means it's very agile and you can move around quickly, flick it around and not miss moments. It's really amazing as a supplementary tool when you're using a bigger camera too. But mostly I use it because the lenses are stunning.

 

I use a 75mm Summilux mostly, a 90mm APO-Summicron a lot and and a Noctilux too.

 

The only thing that is a downside is the finder blockage of the bigger lenses in portrait orientation, but I find if I hold the camera so the shutter button is at the bottom end then it's all good. EVF solves that completely.

 

But the one thing that really sucks is Leica killed tethering on the M10. Something that is crucial on some portrait shoots in particular when you only have your sitter for a short while etc. i.e. - most jobs!

 

See ya round.

Edited November 14, 2017 by Paul J

[LocalHero1953]

I recently attended a Leica Akadamie 'available light portraiture' workshop with Cat Garcia. She uses a M, with excellent results.

I use the M240 for portraiture (Apo-Summicron 90), but increasingly use the SL for flexibility of framing and AF, and the TL2 with kids using LV on the rear screen so they can see my face.

But I agree that the M is an excellent balance of small size, non-threatening appearance and responsiveness for portraits.

[chris_tribble]

If I was doing studio work I'd probably not choose the M. If I was making my living doing this, these days I'd opt for Canon 5Ds with the new L series 85 f1.2 as the bread and butter kit. I used to use the Mk1 1 85/1.2 and the original 5D and got wonderful results. The setup works along with with studio lighting and delivers amazing results... but it's SO heavy

 

However, for my current range of work and clients I WOULD use an M (10 or 240).  Lens choice is a matter of taste and context - portraiture can be done with any focal length - though I have to say I'm full of admiration for the unassuming Summarit 75 2.4, and the 50 Summilux and 35 and 28 Summicrons are  all useful tools.

 

Images below were all M240 (I've not done much portraiture in the last 12 months!), but they would have been pretty similar on the M10.

 

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[TinyTempo]

... portraiture can be done with any focal length - though I have to say I'm full of admiration for the unassuming Summarit 75 2.4, ...

 

 

Yes, I am toying with the idea of getting one should my Jupiter 9 experiment fail. I mean, you will not notice any DOF difference between f2.0 and f2.4, and the Summarit is almost $2k cheaper than the Summicron. And it is also 100g lighter, so that's great. The only thing that bothers me is that rubber focusing ring... but maybe it is not as bad once I see it in person and use it...

[Guest]

Welcome to the M10 Forum TinyTempo and I hope that you'll enjoy the move from the M240 to the M10 without the angst I had when I let one of my two 240's go as part trade on the M10 back in July.

 

To help answer your question here's a link to the first shot I made with M10 after a long drive back home with it from Bordeaux.

https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/268528-m10-the-image-thread/?p=3312523

 

The M10 performs exceedingly well, especially in low light situations, that shot was moon-lit.

Personally I don't shoot an M with anything longer than 50mm, and then only rarely with a 50mm. For me the M is a camera best suited to wider focal lengths and that means having to get closer to your subject if it's a portrait. No big deal, it tests your "people skills"!

Good luck with it all.........

[topoxforddoc]

Sarah Lee shoots for the Guardian newspaper in London with a M10. I think her most widely used lens is a 35 summicron.

 

https://www.sarahmlee.com/about

[redrider469]

Great photo Redrider ... or great subject :-)

thank you!![emoji4]

 

 

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[phongph]

Greetings!

 

I just returned from my Leica dealer with the M10 (after a lengthy wait), trading in my M240 which I had for a few months to shorten the wait. First impressions in one word: Lovely. But that's probably not news to most here.

 

I shoot mostly portraits, and I'm wondering what your experiences are with the M10 in this area. I typically use the 50mm Summicron, but have ordered a vintage Jupiter 8 (85mm f2.0) since it's supposed to have a very pretty bokeh. What lenses do you prefer for portraits / people?

 

In my experience, working with amateur models, people react very positively towards a Leica M. They seem to be a bit more relaxed compared to having some massive DSLR (with a 84mm f1.4 attached) pointing at their face. What are your experiences?

 

Greetings from Hamburg!

Markus

 

PS: In case somebody is interested, I share a few shots of my work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larojima/

Hi!

I have got M35 Lux Fle, M50 Apo and M75 Lux M10 and SL 601. I often shoot portrait with M35 Lux and M75 lux.

Have a good day!

Thanks!

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[Fireboy]

I've done lots of studio work with my Leica M10 and have used either a 35, 50 or 90, but lately it's been mostly my 35 or 50. Mostly natural light but sometimes I'll use a pocketwizard and studio light (alien bee)

 

https://www.instagram.com/onlymonochrom/

 

some shots posted are with an M8, M9 etc... suffice to say, it's all with an M and 35 or 50. 

 

if you google "fashion photography with Leica M" you'll see lots of interesting images

 

 

here's a great video about a fashion photographer shooting magazine fashion work with his M9 and 50mm.

 

 

also found here:

 

https://us.leica-camera.com/Photography/Leica-M/M-Lenses/APO-Summicron-M-50mm-f-2-ASPH

Edited November 16, 2017 by Fireboy

[TinyTempo]

I've done lots of studio work with my Leica M10 and have used either a 35, 50 or 90, but lately it's been mostly my 35 or 50. Mostly natural light but sometimes I'll use a pocketwizard and studio light (alien bee)

 

https://www.instagram.com/onlymonochrom/

 

some shots posted are with an M8, M9 etc... suffice to say, it's all with an M and 35 or 50. 

 

 

 

Great work!