While organizing my Flickr, I noticed that I've uploaded over 700 images taken by the Leitz lens I use the most - the first version of the 35mm f2 Summicron. I've blogged about this lens in the past when it was merely an old user lens, which took very pleasing images.
However, in the recent years, this 8-element lens has caught the attention of aficionados, skyrocketing its value. In fact a reverse engineered version of this lens is being remanufactured in China in limited quantities.
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| Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila 2011 Kodan Tri X in Diafine |
It's not a razor sharp optic and the corners vignette wide open.
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| Macau 2014 Fuji Acros in Diafine |
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| Hong Kong 2014 Fuji Acros in Diafine. |
I like the way it creates an illusion of a three dimensional image with a smooth bokeh.
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| Austin Healey "Bugeye" Sprite Kodak Plus X in Diafine 2016 |
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| Porsche 356 in NYC Ilford FP4+ in Rodinal 2019 |
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| Carnegie Hall 2016 Kodak Plus X in Diafine |
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| NYC 2016 Kodak Plus X in Diafine |
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| High Line NYC 2016 Kodak Plus X in Diafine |
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| SoHo NYC 2016 Kodak Plus X in Diafine |
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| Segerstorm PAC 2016 Kodak Plus X in Diafine |
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| Bunker Hill, WV 2017 Fomapan 100 in Rodinal |
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| Toronto 2017 Kodak Plus X in HC110 |
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| Kensington Market, Toronto 2017 Fuji Acros in HC110 |
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| NYC 2019 Kodak Portra |
Color rendition is on the cool and muted side.
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| New York 2019 Kodak Portra |
Subtle tonal gradations are well preserved by this medium contrast lens.
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| Princeton U 2021 Kodak Portra |
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| NoMad NYC 2018 Fuji Acros in HC110 |
The technical limitations of this lens contribute to its overall character and charm.
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| Water Jug 2014 Fuji Acros in Rodinal |
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| Lincoln Center 2019 The Juilliard School (left) + David Geffen Hall (right) Ilford FP4+ in Rodinal |
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| JE Labs LP Collection 2022 Sony A7II |
I like how this lens tames a digital sensor, just like I utilize vacuum tubes + transformers to turn a number crunching DAC chip into a musical device.
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| JE Labs HiFi 2022 Sony A7II |
I love seeing the tonal quality of my hifi through this lens.😉
