Keep the Summilux 1.4 ASPH or go for the Noctilux F1

[Guest]

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Wouldn't agree with that statement at all - think it's a lens to be used at all apertures, but has the very magical benefit of f/1.  What do I know, only had the lens a couple of weeks so perhaps the novelty has yet to wear off, but, mine has been used at f5.6 and above more than at f/1.  

 

I use mine at all appatures..............Noctilux rocks, see here  and scroll down to Barcelona

[ropo54]

I use mine at all appatures..............Noctilux rocks, see here  and scroll down to Barcelona

 

Great photos and blog, Neil!

Thx.

Rob

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[wizard]

I’m surprised no one has mentioned focus shift on the f/1 Noctilux.

 

Since the OP intends to use the lens on his SL, focus shift should not be an issue, as you will likely focus at the aperature you are using.

 

...

 

The Lux 1.4 is dreamy wide open, sharp when it needs to be, relatively compact and well corrected

 

....

 

I would not call my 50 lux asph dreamy wide open, it is tack sharp already at full aperture (as opposed to the 50 lux non-asph). 

 

In the end, a Noctilux is very much a love affair. If you are addicted, there is just nothing quite like it. Only you can decide, but objectively speaking, the 50 lux asph is probably the best allround 50 mm lens ever made.

 

Cheers, Andy

Edited August 10, 2018 by wizard

[Succisa75]

Since the OP intends to use the lens on his SL, focus shift should not be an issue, as you will likely focus at the aperature you are using.

 

 

I would not call my 50 lux asph dreamy wide open, it is tack sharp already at full aperture (as opposed to the 50 lux non-asph).

 

In the end, a Noctilux is very much a love affair. If you are addicted, there is just nothing quite like it. Only you can decide, but objectively speaking, the 50 lux asph is probably the best allround 50 mm lens ever made.

 

Cheers, Andy

Currently I’ll be using it on my Leica MP film camera. I don’t have an SL at this time. Perhaps in the future or see what happens around Photokina.

 

I agree on the 50 Lux, one of the best 50 lenses out there.

[Guest]

Since the OP intends to use the lens on his SL, focus shift should not be an issue, as you will likely focus at the aperature you are using.

 

 

I would not call my 50 lux asph dreamy wide open, it is tack sharp already at full aperture (as opposed to the 50 lux non-asph).

 

In the end, a Noctilux is very much a love affair. If you are addicted, there is just nothing quite like it. Only you can decide, but objectively speaking, the 50 lux asph is probably the best allround 50 mm lens ever made.

 

Cheers, Andy

Andy

I didn't realize that your copy of the 50 lux could shoot at 0.95.......my Noctilux can also shoot at 1.4

Neil

[evikne]

Here is my story:

 

I had a 50mm Summilux ASPH which I traded for a 75mm Summilux. After two weeks I missed the 50mm so much that bought a new (used) one. (The 75mm Summilux was sent three times to service because of back focusing, and I still haven’t got it back for the last time yet.)

 

In the meantime I bought a 50mm Noctilux f/1 and have used this exclusively for half a year. I really love this lens! I decided one more time to get rid of the 50mm Summilux ASPH because I didn’t use it, and I put it out for sale. After some weeks with no sale, I decided to give it another try.

 

I realized that I still love this lens too, so I decided to keep them all. I can’t really afford it, but I know I will regret no matter which I sell. 

[toyfel]

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Evikne, I had a look at your website. The only thing I can say now is "PLEASE do not sell any of your lenses or cameras !!" because you make so beautiful pictures with them!   

Edited August 14, 2018 by toyfel

[evikne]

Evikne, I had a look at your website. The only thing I can say now is "PLEASE do not sell any of your lenses or cameras !!" because you make so beautiful pictures with them!   

 

Thank you so much! I think I have got the most perfect Leica collection now, and I promise I will not sell any lenses. (Maybe the M10 will be upgraded sometime in the future.) 

[LeicaR10]

Evikne,   I agree with Toyfel in Post #47.  I most highly recommend you keep your Leica lenses and camera.  You, IMO have a gift to capture that extraordinary moment in time with children.  Many people who are avid photographers get caught up with cases of GAS.  Quite often Leica owners sell their lenses and then regret doing so, only to buy/sell them again and again.  In my early years, I was guilty of this too.  My philosophy and thoughts about photography are people quite often seem to forget, the camera is merely a tool to help you create and capture that moment in time.  The image reflects ones vision, thought and feeling. With feeling IMO, the most difficult aspect to convey with an image. Your images to me, convey all three aspects and you do this very well with your most superb images.  r/ Mark

Edited August 15, 2018 by LeicaR10

[lexontario]

After looking at your pictures, I'm seriously considering sending my lenses and mp240 for calibration. Your pictures are Excellent !!

[Succisa75]

Here is my story:

 

I had a 50mm Summilux ASPH which I traded for a 75mm Summilux. After two weeks I missed the 50mm so much that bought a new (used) one. (The 75mm Summilux was sent three times to service because of back focusing, and I still haven’t got it back for the last time yet.)

 

In the meantime I bought a 50mm Noctilux f/1 and have used this exclusively for half a year. I really love this lens! I decided one more time to get rid of the 50mm Summilux ASPH because I didn’t use it, and I put it out for sale. After some weeks with no sale, I decided to give it another try.

 

I realized that I still love this lens too, so I decided to keep them all. I can’t really afford it, but I know I will regret no matter which I sell. 

I also just had a look at your pics. Stunning shots!

May I ask, were many of those taken with the F1?

[evikne]

I also just had a look at your pics. Stunning shots!

May I ask, were many of those taken with the F1?

 

Thanks a lot! Most pictures are taken with fully open aperture. So the Noctilux pictures are taken at f/1.0, and the Summilux pictures are taken at f/1.4. 

[LeicaR10]

Evikne,  I wrote in my Post #49 my thoughts about your art and gear.  You most likely have found the two Leica lenses draw differently.  Each type of lens has a signature that is unique.  This is one of the great aspects about Leica lenses and cameras.  Hence why photographers still use the the Leica Noctilux f/1.2 or f/1 to help them create and capture that moment in time.  Same goes for the Summilux lenses and others, especially when used wide open.  In your case, your images capture your vision, provoking thought and most important, feeling.  When you look at the children playing and oblivious to your presence in many cases, you have a way of capturing the elusive aspect in photography of feeling.  This is what I believe makes your images so different and superb....you capture that moment in time, when one will stop, look, think and feel...and that, IMO, is the key difference between just a photograph and great photographic art.  r/ Mark

 

PS.  I would hope you consider making your work available as a gallery or museum showing...IMO it is that good and should be shared for the world to see, think and feel.  Perhaps consider submitting your images for the Leica Oscar Barnack competition as well. Superb art!

Edited August 15, 2018 by LeicaR10

[evikne]

PS.  I would hope you consider making your work available as a gallery or museum showing...IMO it is that good and should be shared for the world to see, think and feel.  Perhaps consider submitting your images for the Leica Oscar Barnack competition as well. Superb art!

 

Thank you so much! I’m blushing.

 

It was also surprising, because I don’t even call myself a photographer, just a passionate photography enthusiast. My wife don’t like my pictures, my parents don’t want to see them, and the rest of my family don’t even know what I am doing. And I have absolutely no friends to talk with about photography, except in this forum. But I thought that when I am paying for this Adobe Lightroom membership, I could try out the included web portfolio and upload some pictures. I will consider your suggestions as well. 

[LeicaR10]

Evikne,  I am sorry to hear your situation with your family concerning your photography.  Interesting thing, we have similar experiences with family lack of interest.  What I found are people who act this way, are actually jealous of ones talent and abilities.  So they shun you and your work.  It might be called in the medical world "anti-social behavior".  But hey, I am no psychologist.  Here is what I suggest, first you have talent and a gift to see and capture moments in time that few are able to do very well.   Like music, painting etc, good artists have fans and those who are not fans.  The ones who are not fans simply discount their lack of enthusiasm as perhaps jealousy towards your talent and vision, because they wish they could do what you do so well.  IMO, I think you would find a good number of like minded people in local photography clubs (although that can be a breeding ground for jealous people, when I was judging photography competitions, I would see and hear comments from people like that...I just blew them off for their petty ignorance).  The other place that encourages artists are local universities or art institutes with art departments.  Ideally, a photography department would be most excellent.  In your case, your images are excellent for being a "photography enthusiast".  If you were inclined to do commercial child photography, IMO you could easily make money with your form of photography.  Another good venue is getting your work displayed with a gallery, art shows and museums.  Put a portfolio together of your prints and take it to the galleries and see if they are interested.  DO NOT get discouraged if you get turned down, just go to the next one.  Eventually one will agree to show your work.  Also, enter your images in competitions as well.  If the children in your photos are your own, then you as the parent might not need a model release, but Norway maybe different.  If the children belong to other families, you might well need permission in writing to both photograph them and if for display showing, a model release might well be necessary signed by the parents and/or guardian.  Best check with your laws in Norway before photographing other peoples children.  When I use to photograph children, I would always, have an adult witness or assistant present along with the parent(s).  In this day and age, you can leave yourself open for legal issues.  So best to get sound legal advice before photographing children that are not your own.  Last, there are a lot of talented photographers out there, but IMO only exceptional ones are the real artists who take time to learn their medium, craft and develop a style/look for their photographic art.  You have real talent, do not be held back by family, friends or jealous people.  Ignore them...move onward and upward...failing to do that...you will wind up in the "Woulda, coulda, shoulda"...group and a portion of your life will, with your artistic ability be wasted.  r/ Mark

 

PS  This forum is a good place to learn and ask questions.  Most people will be more than happy to help you...but occasionally you will encounter a troll...just ignore them and move on.

[LeicaR10]

Evikne,  PS....I forgot to add, don't discount creating your images in the black and white medium as well.  You can do this in Lightroom in the Presence function and sliding the Saturation slider to the left thereby desaturating color to black and white.  Last, remember it is your creative photographic images, your art...acknowledge constructive criticism if you think and feel it will improve your style of photography...if not...then put the destructive, petty, ignorant criticism as just that...ignore them and move on.  You will sleep better at night...

r/ Mark

[ropo54]

Thank you so much! I’m blushing.

 

It was also surprising, because I don’t even call myself a photographer, just a passionate photography enthusiast. My wife don’t like my pictures, my parents don’t want to see them, and the rest of my family don’t even know what I am doing. And I have absolutely no friends to talk with about photography, except in this forum. But I thought that when I am paying for this Adobe Lightroom membership, I could try out the included web portfolio and upload some pictures. I will consider your suggestions as well. 

 

Beautiful pictures! Beautiful children.

Sometimes our family members are bombarded by our enthusiasm.

Your photos are lovely.

Rob

[evikne]

You have real talent, do not be held back by family, friends or jealous people.  Ignore them...move onward and upward...failing to do that...you will wind up in the "Woulda, coulda, shoulda"...group and a portion of your life will, with your artistic ability be wasted. 

 

Thank you very much for all your good advices and suggestions! You are right, I should’t waste any skills and opportunities. I also think I should try to organize my web portfolio a little better. My dilemma is always that I have so many (hundreds of) photos that I want to show (and those I don’t show, will never be seen by anyone), but I guess it would rather be better to remove some, to get a "cleaner" look.

 

Regarding your last PS:

The natural colors have been a sort of my "trademark", but I have been more playful lately after Adobe added their creative presets in LR. And I will for sure experiment more with black and white images as well.

Edited August 16, 2018 by evikne

[LeicaR10]

Evikne,  Concerning your large image holdings, you might consider finding a local senior photographer or artist who might consider being both a mentor and your "art director".  The person should be willing to help you go through your holdings to help you select the ones that reflect the best of your genre of photographic art.  Many of your images reflect excellent composition, thought and feeling.  By feeling, I mean causing a viewer to first stop; then cause one to wonder what the child is thinking at that moment in time, or causes one to stop and reflect on their own childhood or even their children.  Your superb images are not posed or fake, you capture children that are oblivious at times to your taking photographs.  You capture the child/children in natural innocence and thought provoking state or state of mind.  This IMO is what makes your images very different and stand apart from the thousands of images that I have seen and judged for many decades.  Finding a mentor to help you grow your photographic skills and artistic ability will help you with your photographic journey.  Ask around, visit some galleries that specialize in photography.  The owners know the people who are the best artists as they represent their work.  They might consider contacting the artists to see if they would be interested in mentoring your art and perhaps a holdings/portfolio review.  Never be afraid to ask...worst case they simply say No.  Best case, you find a real artist and gallery who wants to represent your photographic art.  Some photographic artists are willing to help mentor promising photographers, other are not helpful.  So don't be offended if you are turned down.  First, Always believe in yourself.  Second,  Always, believe in your abilities to create beautiful photographic art.  Last, and most important, Never Give Up!...someone in your area/country will be willing to help you be the best you can be.   r/ Mark

 

PS  The way you render color in soft pastel hues does wonders for the child/children rather than harsh color...the soft pastel hues add to the feeling of young innocence.  Be aware mentors or others will attempt to change your art...Remember it is YOUR ART...not theirs and what you are portraying in your photographic art.  Last, if one day your images are to be published, be sure to copyright them with all rights reserved or as applicable to Norwegian copyright law.

Edited August 17, 2018 by LeicaR10

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[farnz]

Evikne,

 

I accept that Mark (LeicaR10) means well and wishes the best for you and your photographs but I would recommend not doing as he suggests by finding an "art director" etc to critique and select works for you.  The reason that I think it's not a good suggestion in your case is that you already have a very strong and clear signature/style/voice and an art director's opinion might detract from that as his own preferences would inevitably come through and perhaps confuse your own.  I have seen this happen with others' whose unique view has been stifled through unconscious commercialism in a mentor.

 

I like your work very much, which is very pleasant, fresh and insightful, but I would be saddened to see the unique nature of your 'signature' inevitably changed and become more mainstream as a result of subjective critique.  You have a website, which is one means of displaying your work so you might consider putting up an Instagram page, which is free and straightforward way to reach a large number of viewers and and potential customers if that is your wish.  If you decide to do this, remember that not everyone will appreciate your work, some might be jealous of it so you'll need to be prepared to ignore negative negative comments as well as the positive but the vast majority will undoubtedly love it.  Instagram is only one path but it's a very powerful one at the moment.

 

Pete.