Leitz 8-Element Summicron 35mm f2

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.

Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila 2011
Kodan Tri X in Diafine

It's not a razor sharp optic and the corners vignette wide open.

Macau 2014
Fuji Acros in Diafine

Hong Kong 2014
Fuji Acros in Diafine.

I like the way it creates an illusion of a three dimensional image with a smooth bokeh.

Austin Healey "Bugeye" Sprite
Kodak Plus X in Diafine
2016

It's sharp enough to capture essential details with good contrast.

Porsche 356 in NYC
Ilford FP4+ in Rodinal
2019

Carnegie Hall 2016
Kodak Plus X in Diafine

NYC 2016
Kodak Plus X in Diafine

High Line NYC 2016
Kodak Plus X in Diafine

SoHo NYC 2016
Kodak Plus X in Diafine

Segerstorm PAC 2016
Kodak Plus X in Diafine

Bunker Hill, WV 2017
Fomapan 100 in Rodinal

Toronto 2017
Kodak Plus X in HC110

Kensington Market, Toronto 2017
Fuji Acros in HC110

NYC 2019
Kodak Portra

Color rendition is on the cool and muted side.

New York 2019
Kodak Portra

Subtle tonal gradations are well preserved by this medium contrast lens.

Princeton U 2021
Kodak Portra

NoMad NYC 2018
Fuji Acros in HC110

The technical limitations of this lens contribute to its overall character and charm.

Water Jug 2014
Fuji Acros in Rodinal

Lincoln Center 2019
The Juilliard School (left) + David Geffen Hall (right)
Ilford FP4+ in Rodinal

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.

JE Labs HiFi 2022
Sony A7II

I love seeing the tonal quality of my hifi through this lens.😉

Fuji X-E3 vs. Sony A7II + manual focus lenses

taken by an Olympus E-P1 + Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f1.5 LTM 

I've said this before but would like to reiterate that for my intents and purposes, digital photography is mainly about instant gratification. I haven't ventured much into handling RAW files and mostly shoot JPEGs using old lenses via adapters. I'd much rather spend time developing and scanning film rather than manipulating images in front of a monitor. Whether handling film or pixels, I also prefer minimum post processing. 

Olympus E-P1 + Voigtlander Color Skopar 21mm f 4 LTM

Except for a couple of digital point and shoot devices, my digital camera history only encompasses mirrorless interchangeable lens bodies starting with an Olympus E-P1 that I acquired in late 2009. This camera documented my trips to Shanghai and Bangkok.

Fuji X-E1 + Canon 35mm f2 LTM

The Olympus (RIP) E-P1 was succeeded by a Fuji X-E1 in late 2013, which was a much better camera technically and ergonomically. I would've soldiered on with the X-E1 if it didn't die unexpectedly in NYC in the summer of 2019. I still miss this camera since it recorded wonderful memories of our visits to Guam, Hong Kong/Macau and Tokyo!

Sony A7II + Leitz Summicron 35mm 8 elements

I acquired the Sony A7II mainly to experience a full-frame sensor. I'm aware that anything wider than a 35mm focal length lens will have color fringing issues.

 But it's what I could afford for testing my collection of classic glass. For a mirrorless interchangeable lens body, this is bulky and heavy. 

Sony A7II + Chiyoko Super Rokkor 45mm f2.8 LTM

Even if I got used to the controls, ergonomically, it still feels like I'm handling a device rather than a camera.

Sony A7II + Canon 50mm f1.8 LTM

In spite of the lukewarm feedback on the quality of its Out Of Camera (OOC) JPEGs, after a bit of post processing effort, I don't find the A7II images inferior to those from my dearly departed Fuji X-E1. 

I actually welcome the greater depth-of-field and superior dynamic range from the full-frame sensor.

Sony A7II + Industar 61L/Z Macro

Because of the form factor and heft, I've used this camera mostly for taking glamour shots of gear I post on this blog attached to the fine optics of the Industar 61L/Z macro lens. But I should really take this camera out for photo adventures.

Fuji X-E3 + Industar 69

Tish probably noticed my love/hate relationship with the Sony device. Before 2019 ended, she surprised me with a Fuji X-E3. The X-E3 is even slightly smaller and leaner than my beloved X-E1. Except for the touch screen, which manages to occasionally screw up my default settings, its rangefinder-like handling instantly felt familiar.

Fuji X-E3 + Meike 28mm f2.8, Provia film simulation

Fuji X-E3 + Meike 28mm f2.8
Velvia film simulation

The film simulations render beautiful OOC images, Acros and Velvia being my two favorites.

Fuji X-E3 + Industar 69, Acros film simulation

Even if I spend a tad less time post processing files from its cropped APS-C sensor, it still can't surpass the Sony full-frame sensor's depth, detail and dynamic range. 

Fuji X-E3 + 7Artisans 25mm f1.8, Velvia film simulation

However, I can easily slip this camera in my Domke F-5XB along with a Leica or similar RF for a photo expedition. 

Fuji X-E3 + Meike 28mm f2.8 pancake

After all is said and done, I'm still waiting for a full-frame Leica M digital body with a Fuji or Sony price tag. 😆

Fotofox Contax (Kiev) RF to Leica Thread Mount Adapter

While shopping for a Contax RF inner-bayonet type > Sony E/NEX-mount adapter, I came across this Fotofox adapter which claimed RF coupling on Leica Thread Mount (LTM) compatible camera bodies. 

The Good

Canon P + Fotofox CRF + Zeiss Opton Sonnar

At about $60 landed in the USA, the Fotofox is a lot more affordable compared to the more deluxe Amedeo or Kipon equivalents. I'm glad to report that my gamble paid off. My Contax/Kiev RF mount 50mm lenses - Zeiss-Opton Sonnar, Jupiter 8M & Helios 103 - mounted successfully on my Bessa R, Canon P and 7s bodies.

Bessa R + Fotofox CRF  adapter + Jupiter 8M

LTM>M + Fotofox CRF adapter + Helios 103

 By adding an LTM to M adapter, the Fotofox adapter functioned just as well on my Leica M6 below.

Leica M6 + LTM>M + Fotofox CRF adapter + Helios 103

Using the appropriate adapter, the Fotofox also mounted the aforementioned Contax and Kiev 50mm RF lenses to my Fuji X-E3 and Sony A7II.👍

The Bad

Left: Jupiter 12 + Right: Zeiss Sonnar 135mm f4

Sadly, my efforts to make it work with my Kiev RF mount Jupiter 12 and Contax RF mount Zeiss Sonnar 135mm f4, were all in vain. 😔

The Ugly

Zone focusing is out of the question since there's no distance scale and no infinity lock/stop either. 😏

Sample Pics

Canon P + Zeiss Opton Sonnar 50mm f2
Ilford FP4+ in Rodinal 

Canon P + Zeiss Opton Sonnar 50mm f2
Ilford FP4+ in Rodinal 

Canon P + Zeiss Opton Sonnar 50mm f2
Ilford FP4+ in Rodinal 

Bessa R + Helios 103
Ultrafine eXtreme 100 in Rodinal + HC110

Bessa R + Helios 103
Ultrafine eXtreme 100 in Rodinal + HC110

Leica M6 + Jupiter 8M
Fuji Neopan 400 in Kodak HC110

Canon 7s + Helios 103
Ultrafine eXtreme 100 in Rodinal + HC110

Canon 7s + Helios 103
Ultrafine eXtreme 100 in Rodinal + HC110

Click here for more samples. 

 Is it worth 60 something bucks? Let your eyes decide.😊