Geez Kevin you always keep me drooling with your lenses. Last time we met at the LA Leica gallery I was blown away with the nocti titan. You’re so generous is sharing your experiences.
@@dueviastradatravel7536 Great to see you here! Hope to see you soon at the Sept. gallery opening! Sharing the passion for all this is what it’s all about.
This was awesome. I first found Kevin's channel when he posted about the blue Frankfurt edition, but started drooling when he posted my Mega Dream Special Edition kit -- Hermes Edition. My only vintage lens is a 50mm Summicron-M v3 from 1972 which is paired on my 1972 M5 body. My other three lenses are all newer models from the 2000's w/ 6-bit coding.
I only have the 35 summicron (V3, 1974) which I acquired recently and use daily on my M9 and M4. Shot wide open it renders with a beautiful slight glow. Respect that you shoot with your rare vintage lenses as they were meant to be used in the real world!
man that faketina on that m9 looks fucking incredible !!! well done. beautiful combo with the lil pricy rigid black paint. Unfortunately that lens just close focuses to 1m. More Gajan Kevin videos !!!
Haha thank you! It's not everyone but luckily I have a nice balance of faketina and realtina ;) 1m close focus is a challenge on a lot of the vintage lenses but something you learn to work around for sure.
The rigid 50 is super great, I have the DR version of it and will never sell this lens. So much character, especially with film (HP5 or Tri-X at ISO 800). For 35mm, I somehow prefer a much cheaper lens, the 35mm summaron with goggles. I use an M3, so it fits perfectly.
Great video about lens choices and focal lengths - Can I just ask: Is it possible to have two “Batmen”? I seem to be torn between 35mm and 50mm although I never carry them as a couple, only one of them at a time. But also always supported by “Alfred”, my 28 Summicron. 😅
@@kevinfickling6384 That’s the issue :-) A luxury problem when you have two Summilux’es (35 ASHP, FLE and 50 ASPH) Trying to carry either the 50 or the 35 - but the 28 Summicron ASPH is always standing by In the bag. On rare occasions, my 90mm APO Summicron is thrown into the mix. I do also love to shoot my 50mm Rigid for the vintage look.
I really enjoyed this video! I recently transitioned from a Sony FF kit to a Q3 to simply photography. Unfortunately I’m not loving that fixed focal length of 26mm and now my plan to sell it for a Leica body with interchangeable lenses. I’ve been looking at digital and film M’s new and preowned and while I’d love to purchase both, my budget will only support the purchase of one M body now. Can you suggest a film camera body and digital camera body and a 35mm and 50mm lens?
Thanks for watching! It really depends on your budget. Original M6 or an M2 for a film body and M240 series or M10 for a digital body. These are more budget friendly options. For a 50mm I always recommend the summilux aspherical version 1. For a 35 the summicron ASPH is good or the summilux FLE v1 if you can swing it
@@kevinfickling6384 not sure what the difference is between the M240 and M10 for a digital body but I’m assuming apart from purchasing a new M6 or MP, all of the camera bodies will be several years old. I reached out to a Leica store in the U.S. that has a M6 with MP viewfinder CLA’s by Leica with a one yr warranty for $3700. My instinct is to try finding a M10 CLA’d by Leica with a one yr warranty if it’s close to the same price as the M6. Am I dreaming? Am I in the ballpark?
@@elliotresnick5433 that’s too much for an original M6. You can buy a like new used reissued M6 for 43-4500. M10 is around the same price as well. 4-4500
Well, I’m definitely a candidate for a like new reissued M6. And if there’s an M10 that’s been CLA’d for a similar price, then I can have two viable choices! Can you send me a link to a source for these?
Hey James, the 40 is one of the best value’s in Leica lenses. It’s compact and light with a great rendering. People stay away because of the “odd” focal length but to be honest I think it’s a pretty genius focal.
I have it and i agree, it definitely has something to it. Don't know if it's the micro contrast or what it is, but the center sharpness or clarity can really pop out in some scenarios. What I don't like is the blue/purple part of the flaring. If I could choose I'd also rather have that solid ring flare in one color rather than rainbow style. All in all it's a little gem tho! I have the second version Rokkor so flaring specifically might be different to version 1/summicron-C since the coating is basically what is different
Hi Kevin, brand new to your channel. Just watched both videos with Gajan. Excellent. Your passion for these lenses comes through strongly. I don’t have a 50 mm lens yet for my m10, only the 35 mm Summilux close focus. After watching your videos, I’m considering getting the 50mm Summicrom v5 for a different look and modern glass. But, also want to get a 50mm Rigid once I find a clean version from a reputable source. Does this make sense to you? Note: I am very happy with the Summilux and plan on this being my everyday shoot lens.
Thank you so much for stopping by and watching! Here is some info on that V5 summicron a lot of people don't know. The V5 and V4 are the same lens optically and came out in 1979. So even in the "modern" 50 cron is a very old design. It renders nicely but don't expect anything too crazy out of it. For me personally a perfect two lens 50 kit is a 50 summilux ASPH V1 or close focus (rendering is almost identical) and a 50 rigid. This gives you two very distinct looks. You can buy a nice used copy of the 50 lux ASPH V1 around the same cost as a new V5 cron. Hope this helps you decide!
After more thought I’m going to take your advise on the 50mm v1 Summilux first as I should be able to find a clean lens much easier. Thank you again for your thoughtful response to my question.
Hi Kevin! Amazing content! That Titan 50 Noctilux looks amazing 🤯 Wondering if you have tried the e58 Noctilux? If you have, did you enjoy it and which would you choose if you could only choose the 0.95 or the f1 e58?
@@richa2495I recommend looking for a version 2 if you can find it. The V1 is great too though so either way you can’t go wrong. V2 just has a bit more sharpness. I don’t want to dissuade you from a rigid though! It’s one of the best lenses ever.
The one in the video here is a version two. V1 and 2 are optically very similar so what ever body design you prefer I would go with. I personally prefer the rigid over the v4/5 summicron but I'm not sure if it would make sense in the same kit. If I am going to have two lenses of the same focal length I try to go for something totally different. Personally If I was pairing with a v4 summicron I would do a 50 summilux V2 or a noctilux of some kind. The V4 cron is a solid performer but maybe lacks a bit of that special character in some area's. That's what I would look for when adding a second 50 to your kit. Hope that helps! Thanks for watching.
thank you very much for your reply and advices. I think I’ll try to find a 50 Summilux v2 transition to pair with the summicron. The Noctilux is a different beast, I need more experience to dominate it 😅 What about the 35 steel rim, do you think it would match with a 35mm summicron v5? Keep up the amazing work and bring us more lenses 😊
@@afonsomiguelcorreiathat’s a great plan. Or on the other end you could go with something super modern like a 50 apo. All depends what look you are going for and what camera you will use it on. Steel rim would be a great companion to a 35 asph becuse they render so different. I will warn that the steel rim is very soft wide open. If you want a better balance of sharpness and vintage character the 8 element v1 summicron would be better.
Let me correct you for 50/20 DR. The first and the second version do NOT have the same coating at all! The earlier version is good for BW while the newer version can handle colors fairly well too.
One of the best Leica videos I've seen! Bravo!
Thank you Dan!!
Wonderful Wednesday morning waking up to quality Leica content! Well done gentlemen.
Thank you for watching!
Such a great video! I love seeing this collection and the concepts behind the lens choice!
Thank you for watching! More coming soon!
@@kevinfickling6384 Awesome! Can't wait!
Beautiful kit, Kevin. Always great seeing Gajan's excitement around cameras too.
Thank you for watching brother!
Geez Kevin you always keep me drooling with your lenses. Last time we met at the LA Leica gallery I was blown away with the nocti titan. You’re so generous is sharing your experiences.
@@dueviastradatravel7536 Great to see you here! Hope to see you soon at the Sept. gallery opening! Sharing the passion for all this is what it’s all about.
This was awesome. I first found Kevin's channel when he posted about the blue Frankfurt edition, but started drooling when he posted my Mega Dream Special Edition kit -- Hermes Edition.
My only vintage lens is a 50mm Summicron-M v3 from 1972 which is paired on my 1972 M5 body. My other three lenses are all newer models from the 2000's w/ 6-bit coding.
V3 and M5 are a great combo! I have another vid coming soon on a super rare set! Keep an eye out.
Great video! Maybe we're all starting a trend. Glad you're making RUclips videos again brother! Love that patina!
Crazy timing! Been enjoying everything you are doing as well!
Truly inspirational Kevin!
Thank you so much for watching! More coming soon.
Love it guys
Thank you!
Looks like I need to add more to my kit! That rigid is looking mighty nice!
@@JosiahMy it’s time!
Im blesses with this video! Love the 0.95 idea always
@@riswanc thank you for watching!!
Awesome video and a great lens kit!
Thank you Robert!
I only have the 35 summicron (V3, 1974) which I acquired recently and use daily on my M9 and M4. Shot wide open it renders with a beautiful slight glow. Respect that you shoot with your rare vintage lenses as they were meant to be used in the real world!
That's a great lens to pair with the M9 and M4. You cant go wrong with a v3.
@@kevinfickling6384 We are in total agreement on this! I especially like how the vintage 35 'cron "tempers" the CCD sensor on the M9.
@@john_murchohhh yes. M9 is my favorite digital M for a reason!
What a terrific lens!
loved it, nice talk. do more of these please
Thank you for watching! More coming soon!
IDK where my comment went. Really enjoyed this! Would love to see more videos covering GFX (if still shooting w that). And more about your work too.
Thank you so much! More videos coming soon!
HEYYYYY the titanium nocti + 35 double aspherical are mine 🥰 great weijio 🥳
hahahaha yes :)
When I saw you in the sample photos I already had a feeling they'd at least mention the noctilux!
@@RobiePunsalanof course!
Got a chance to meet Kevin in Chicago and he def knows his stuff. Great video! Thanks fellas!
@@mattbump7462 thanks for watching!
@@kevinfickling6384 How do you feel about the V1 Summicron F2 50mm collapible?
@@mattbump7462one of my favorite Leica lenses ever. It is SO good! Especially the radioactive versions.
Love to see some camera bodies especially the film M's ! I see you all over reddit engaging with the community and occasionally posting photos.
absolutely coming soon!
Loved this video:)
Thank you brother!
Love it !
Thank you for watching!!
man that faketina on that m9 looks fucking incredible !!! well done. beautiful combo with the lil pricy rigid black paint. Unfortunately that lens just close focuses to 1m. More Gajan Kevin videos !!!
Haha thank you! It's not everyone but luckily I have a nice balance of faketina and realtina ;) 1m close focus is a challenge on a lot of the vintage lenses but something you learn to work around for sure.
Epic Video! On the brassed M9 with the 50 rigid is that a custom bullet shell for the Leica dot?
Thanks for watching! Yes it is! good eye
Fantastic gents!
Thanks brother!!
The rigid 50 is super great, I have the DR version of it and will never sell this lens. So much character, especially with film (HP5 or Tri-X at ISO 800). For 35mm, I somehow prefer a much cheaper lens, the 35mm summaron with goggles. I use an M3, so it fits perfectly.
HP5 is my favorite film and most used. I also often push it like that as well. Can’t go wrong with the summaron as well!
For my Canon VT Deluxe Rangefinder:
Hero / Voightländer 21mm f4 Color Skopar MC ltm
Sidekick / Voightländer 25mm f4 Snapshot Skopar MC ltm
Challenge / Canon 50mm f1.2 ltm
Vintage / Canon 50mm f1.8 ltm
Those are great setup’s!
Great video about lens choices and focal lengths - Can I just ask: Is it possible to have two “Batmen”? I seem to be torn between 35mm and 50mm although I never carry them as a couple, only one of them at a time. But also always supported by “Alfred”, my 28 Summicron. 😅
Absolutely you can! What is your Batman 35 and 50? Cant go wrong with the 28 cron.
@@kevinfickling6384 That’s the issue :-) A luxury problem when you have two Summilux’es (35 ASHP, FLE and 50 ASPH) Trying to carry either the 50 or the 35 - but the 28 Summicron ASPH is always standing by In the bag. On rare occasions, my 90mm APO Summicron is thrown into the mix. I do also love to shoot my 50mm Rigid for the vintage look.
I really enjoyed this video! I recently transitioned from a Sony FF kit to a Q3 to simply photography. Unfortunately I’m not loving that fixed focal length of 26mm and now my plan to sell it for a Leica body with interchangeable lenses. I’ve been looking at digital and film M’s new and preowned and while I’d love to purchase both, my budget will only support the purchase of one M body now. Can you suggest a film camera body and digital camera body and a 35mm and 50mm lens?
Thanks for watching! It really depends on your budget. Original M6 or an M2 for a film body and M240 series or M10 for a digital body. These are more budget friendly options. For a 50mm I always recommend the summilux aspherical version 1. For a 35 the summicron ASPH is good or the summilux FLE v1 if you can swing it
@@kevinfickling6384 not sure what the difference is between the M240 and M10 for a digital body but I’m assuming apart from purchasing a new M6 or MP, all of the camera bodies will be several years old. I reached out to a Leica store in the U.S. that has a M6 with MP viewfinder CLA’s by Leica with a one yr warranty for $3700. My instinct is to try finding a M10 CLA’d by Leica with a one yr warranty if it’s close to the same price as the M6. Am I dreaming? Am I in the ballpark?
@@elliotresnick5433 that’s too much for an original M6. You can buy a like new used reissued M6 for 43-4500. M10 is around the same price as well. 4-4500
Well, I’m definitely a candidate for a like new reissued M6. And if there’s an M10 that’s been CLA’d for a similar price, then I can have two viable choices! Can you send me a link to a source for these?
What should we talk about next?
We are just getting started! Lets get some of these lenses out for you to try in the real world.
The bikes
Like leicas, you can’t just have one.
Cameras, bikes, and watches
@@ofeykalakar1haha totally!
@@michaelacedenothis sounds like fun
Talking flair and character…what are your thoughts on the Rokkor 40mm f2. I find it gives some pretty beautiful flares and has a beautiful rendering.
Hey James, the 40 is one of the best value’s in Leica lenses. It’s compact and light with a great rendering. People stay away because of the “odd” focal length but to be honest I think it’s a pretty genius focal.
I have it and i agree, it definitely has something to it. Don't know if it's the micro contrast or what it is, but the center sharpness or clarity can really pop out in some scenarios. What I don't like is the blue/purple part of the flaring. If I could choose I'd also rather have that solid ring flare in one color rather than rainbow style. All in all it's a little gem tho! I have the second version Rokkor so flaring specifically might be different to version 1/summicron-C since the coating is basically what is different
Man, love the video. I blame you for my leica obsession. lol
Thank you!
Hi Kevin, brand new to your channel. Just watched both videos with Gajan. Excellent. Your passion for these lenses comes through strongly. I don’t have a 50 mm lens yet for my m10, only the 35 mm Summilux close focus. After watching your videos, I’m considering getting the 50mm Summicrom v5 for a different look and modern glass. But, also want to get a 50mm Rigid once I find a clean version from a reputable source. Does this make sense to you? Note: I am very happy with the Summilux and plan on this being my everyday shoot lens.
Thank you so much for stopping by and watching! Here is some info on that V5 summicron a lot of people don't know. The V5 and V4 are the same lens optically and came out in 1979. So even in the "modern" 50 cron is a very old design. It renders nicely but don't expect anything too crazy out of it. For me personally a perfect two lens 50 kit is a 50 summilux ASPH V1 or close focus (rendering is almost identical) and a 50 rigid. This gives you two very distinct looks. You can buy a nice used copy of the 50 lux ASPH V1 around the same cost as a new V5 cron. Hope this helps you decide!
Thank you Kevin. I have been wrestling with this for a while. Maybe I’ll focus on finding the rigid first. Thank you!
After more thought I’m going to take your advise on the 50mm v1 Summilux first as I should be able to find a clean lens much easier. Thank you again for your thoughtful response to my question.
Hi Kevin!
Amazing content! That Titan 50 Noctilux looks amazing 🤯 Wondering if you have tried the e58 Noctilux? If you have, did you enjoy it and which would you choose if you could only choose the 0.95 or the f1 e58?
@@richa2495I recommend looking for a version 2 if you can find it. The V1 is great too though so either way you can’t go wrong. V2 just has a bit more sharpness. I don’t want to dissuade you from a rigid though! It’s one of the best lenses ever.
leica heaven....side story: kevin actually has 3 copies of everything
hahahaha you have 4 though I was told
The 50 rigid mentioned in the video is versions 1 or 2? Would it be a good option when I already have a Summicron 50 v4?
The one in the video here is a version two. V1 and 2 are optically very similar so what ever body design you prefer I would go with. I personally prefer the rigid over the v4/5 summicron but I'm not sure if it would make sense in the same kit. If I am going to have two lenses of the same focal length I try to go for something totally different. Personally If I was pairing with a v4 summicron I would do a 50 summilux V2 or a noctilux of some kind. The V4 cron is a solid performer but maybe lacks a bit of that special character in some area's. That's what I would look for when adding a second 50 to your kit. Hope that helps! Thanks for watching.
thank you very much for your reply and advices. I think I’ll try to find a 50 Summilux v2 transition to pair with the summicron. The Noctilux is a different beast, I need more experience to dominate it 😅 What about the 35 steel rim, do you think it would match with a 35mm summicron v5? Keep up the amazing work and bring us more lenses 😊
@@afonsomiguelcorreiathat’s a great plan. Or on the other end you could go with something super modern like a 50 apo. All depends what look you are going for and what camera you will use it on. Steel rim would be a great companion to a 35 asph becuse they render so different. I will warn that the steel rim is very soft wide open. If you want a better balance of sharpness and vintage character the 8 element v1 summicron would be better.
Let me correct you for 50/20 DR. The first and the second version do NOT have the same coating at all! The earlier version is good for BW while the newer version can handle colors fairly well too.
@@Ham-yj1od if you listen carefully I say the main difference between the two is the coatings 😃
Love it!
Thank you for watching!!