I’m beginning to understand just how talented you are, your photography is beautiful and in my opinion “stops time” and is what photography is intended to do to the person viewing.
Another very enjoyable video, the images that you show are stunning, I particularly like the B&W picture at 12:35 of the lady smoking whilst holding a musical instrument, the image just pops on the screen. Once again thank you for showing what can be achieved with a camera and a lens, very motivational.
Lovely Leicandy Thorsten. I enjoyed the video. 9500 dollars and one has to change the hood 😆 We do have to remember we can take beautiful photos with less expensive lenses The creative eye is key to photography.
What about the iconic Leica glow? Do we have to turn to historical lenses now to get this look? All the modern Leica lenses are perfect up to a clinical standard. Perfection isn’t always something we’re looking for as photographers.
"The Leica Glow" is basically that the Leica lenses have a "detailed, not sharp look". You take a portrait and the details are clear, but there is no edge-sharpness. You could say that your eyes have the same: They see everything, but there is no edge-sharpness that "makes it too sharp". This "detailed, not sharp look" is what prompted filmmakers to ask Leica to (please) make cinema lenses, and that's how Leitz Cine came about a few years ago. Cinema lenses that capture clarity and details without sharpness. I guess, in these digital days, it is a return to some of the qualities we remember from film. Digital can be too pinned out. Another "Leica Glow" issue is bokeh, the shape of the out-of-focus areas. The can get very sparkling, as in the "King of Bokeh" Summicron 35mm lens you can find second-hand. However, the idea of how the out-of-focus should look, is changing. Where we seemed to prefer a lot of sparkle in the background in the old days, the new lenses are now designed with an aim to have a smokey out-of-focus bokeh with no sharp edges of light or anything. But the unique of Leica lens design is the ability to create crisp and clear images without edge sharpness. Imagine a television where the image is alive, as if the scene was just in front of you. That look! As opposed to how must television screens look, with white over-sharpened edges and washed out tones and colors.
Excellent video ... as expected from you! I am not a ‘full-time’ Leica user, but I bought the Leica X1 when this camera was launched. I don’t use this anymore as the auto-focus system is too slow for ‘street photography’, but I have some excellent images from this camera. To ‘upgrade’, I am waiting for Leica to release the much rumoured Leica Q2, without the few ‘faults’ ironed out - then it will be decision time for me. One question I would like to ask you ..... with your collection of ‘iconic’ Leica lenses and of course delivering exceptional quality images - is there any reason why you do not use Leica’s ‘uv or clear’ filter to basically protect the front element of the lens from dust and ‘unexpected’ scratches? TIA
Well, the Leica Q2 is out (hard to get still). I never use UV filters on my lenses because I think it's a waste of glass. For several reasons: 1) The glass on an UV is not as hard and resistant to scratches as optical elements (the front glass) and even prescription glasses. So it's scratched more easily than the lens itself. 2) UV filter introduced unwanted reflections that are visible at f/0.95 and possibly at f/1.4 and up. 3) If the UV breaks, you have to clean the lens for small glass elements from the UV, 4) the UV is two more sides of glass to keep clean, and mainly 4) There is no reason to protect the lens because you have to be very unlucky to have it scratched. Even fingers on the front glass won't affect the coating or anything. And finally, 5) The lens looks beautiful as it is, with the beautiful glass reflecting in the light :-)
I wonder if buying limited edition lenses and selling them after they're sold out, is a good idea for making money. I wouldn't even open the box. How much would the values increase once they're sold out? If the price would double, it would be a great idea to try.
"This one somehow doesn't have a lot of scratches, I'll have to work on that." I couldn't stop laughing. Funniest and most detailed review ever. Looks like lens cases are not great for storage ie fungus prone.
I tend to go back to my Noctilux f/0.95 all the time. I get other lenses, and I use them to convince myself I'm not single-minded but open to other possibilities. In reality, I could just use the Noctilux f/0.95 and not care.
Magic Of Light The consumer who chooses Leica is discerning. Your descriptions of the equipment and those qualities demonstrate knowledge and experience equally as discerning. I have to read more from your web site.
I've watched your summilux 50 blackchrome video like 30 times, and finally i bought it two months ago. i'll never watch this one again. thanks for your video and articles :)
You take beautiful photos no doubt about it, but Leica reminds of Rolex compared to Grand Seiko. In reality both are extreme high quality in many ways Grand Seiko beats them and for a significant lower price with a more accurate movement. Many lenses can take equally the same quality photo or slightly better but some just want the feel of a Leica in their hands no matter the what the extreme cost is. And just like Rolex they have mastered the ability to make you pay whatever amount they ask. Just genius! God knows I've over payed for my share of things!
The APO and the Monochrome came out on the same time, featuring extreme details of the lens. So that is what you get, and it works well with the monochrome. You could say that the excellent colors, you'll never see. But the rest of the qualities are there.
the 50mm Summicron is an old design but still hols up and has great colors and excellent 3D feel. There is many reasons it hasn't been changed for 25-30 years. It was really excellent back when it was designed and considered the best 50mm at it's time (together with it's sister 50mm for the R system).
The one that you are most eager to get. Unlikely you will use both, but you may have to try both to realize which makes the most sense for you to have.
I store mine in a dry closet with room temperature. It's easy to get to and holds cameras, lenses and camera bags so they are easy to pack. It's a hidden door for uninvited guests, but straight-forward when you know it's there. Some times I have lenses and cameras on the shelves, some times I have them in the bags ready to take out with a few changes. I find that compartments (as in photo bags) is a great way to have things stored so you know what is where and you don't forget something when you head out the door. The bags with Billingham insert are great, very neutral materials that can breathe. I keep my equipment away from high humidity and darkness. If you live in asia, it's a different game and you need a drybox.
Optical lenses in dark leather pouches, if exposed to humidity and heat is the perfect conditions for fungus, which is a live organism that ruins the lens glass (actually eats the glass). It's aesthetically and luxury packaging, but it's not where you want to store them. The boxes are fine, no problem with those.
In addition to what Thorsten already said, I think his point was that leather doesn't breathe so putting a lens in a sealed leather case will trap humidity and create the ideal environment for fungus growth. Best to just invest in an Electronic Dry Cabinet, like the ones made by Ruggard. Totally worth the investment for peace of mind.
One thing I could never buy and only dream of : 50AA + M10r (with 47MP). This only ($15.000 😖) combo for all my pictures. Light, discret, enjoyable, powerful. I know I'll get less pictures in focus than with my current gear, but the reward is greater. The option is three GFX50r + 63mm. It requires a little bit of forethought!
@@anandhua.b4589 I completely agree. And is a fraction of the cost even with Fuji glass which is pretty decent although the 63mm is not my favourite GF lens. It is a different experience and perhaps one shoots different things with both? (From an ignorant amateur so what do I know…..)
@@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard It does better, ive compared them directly. Hexanon has better bookeh, microcontrast is same. Leica is not bad lens its just nothing "special" in it.
This is the best 50 mm lens in the world. Absolute monster of a lens.
Those sample images are stunning.
Thank you
Thorsten is the best!! 💯🔴
I’m beginning to understand just how talented you are, your photography is beautiful and in my opinion “stops time” and is what photography is intended to do to the person viewing.
Thank you :-)
Another very enjoyable video, the images that you show are stunning, I particularly like the B&W picture at 12:35 of the lady smoking whilst holding a musical instrument, the image just pops on the screen.
Once again thank you for showing what can be achieved with a camera and a lens, very motivational.
Thank you :-)
Thanks Thorsten. Your video's always give me inspiration to go out and enjoy my Leica :)
7:00 - 'A beautiful piece of thingy' ....Made me laugh!
Mr. Overgaard please do a video like this with the noctilux 0.95! 😎
Very cool. I looked for the long article on your website but couldn't find it. I'd very appreciate a link. Thanks.
That's right, here it is: www.overgaard.dk/leica-50mm-APO-Summicron-M-ASPH-f-20.html
4:30 "Thankfully she wasn't ill" hahaha classic :)
Lovely Leicandy Thorsten.
I enjoyed the video.
9500 dollars and one has to change the hood 😆
We do have to remember we can take beautiful photos with less expensive lenses
The creative eye is key to photography.
What about the iconic Leica glow? Do we have to turn to historical lenses now to get this look? All the modern Leica lenses are perfect up to a clinical standard. Perfection isn’t always something we’re looking for as photographers.
"The Leica Glow" is basically that the Leica lenses have a "detailed, not sharp look". You take a portrait and the details are clear, but there is no edge-sharpness. You could say that your eyes have the same: They see everything, but there is no edge-sharpness that "makes it too sharp". This "detailed, not sharp look" is what prompted filmmakers to ask Leica to (please) make cinema lenses, and that's how Leitz Cine came about a few years ago. Cinema lenses that capture clarity and details without sharpness. I guess, in these digital days, it is a return to some of the qualities we remember from film. Digital can be too pinned out.
Another "Leica Glow" issue is bokeh, the shape of the out-of-focus areas. The can get very sparkling, as in the "King of Bokeh" Summicron 35mm lens you can find second-hand. However, the idea of how the out-of-focus should look, is changing. Where we seemed to prefer a lot of sparkle in the background in the old days, the new lenses are now designed with an aim to have a smokey out-of-focus bokeh with no sharp edges of light or anything.
But the unique of Leica lens design is the ability to create crisp and clear images without edge sharpness. Imagine a television where the image is alive, as if the scene was just in front of you. That look! As opposed to how must television screens look, with white over-sharpened edges and washed out tones and colors.
Excellent video ... as expected from you! I am not a ‘full-time’ Leica user, but I bought the Leica X1 when this camera was launched. I don’t use this anymore as the auto-focus system is too slow for ‘street photography’, but I have some excellent images from this camera. To ‘upgrade’, I am waiting for Leica to release the much rumoured Leica Q2, without the few ‘faults’ ironed out - then it will be decision time for me.
One question I would like to ask you ..... with your collection of ‘iconic’ Leica lenses and of course delivering exceptional quality images - is there any reason why you do not use Leica’s ‘uv or clear’ filter to basically protect the front element of the lens from dust and ‘unexpected’ scratches? TIA
Well, the Leica Q2 is out (hard to get still). I never use UV filters on my lenses because I think it's a waste of glass. For several reasons: 1) The glass on an UV is not as hard and resistant to scratches as optical elements (the front glass) and even prescription glasses. So it's scratched more easily than the lens itself. 2) UV filter introduced unwanted reflections that are visible at f/0.95 and possibly at f/1.4 and up. 3) If the UV breaks, you have to clean the lens for small glass elements from the UV, 4) the UV is two more sides of glass to keep clean, and mainly 4) There is no reason to protect the lens because you have to be very unlucky to have it scratched. Even fingers on the front glass won't affect the coating or anything. And finally, 5) The lens looks beautiful as it is, with the beautiful glass reflecting in the light :-)
I wonder if buying limited edition lenses and selling them after they're sold out, is a good idea for making money. I wouldn't even open the box. How much would the values increase once they're sold out? If the price would double, it would be a great idea to try.
What a great and informative review. Thank you!
"This one somehow doesn't have a lot of scratches, I'll have to work on that." I couldn't stop laughing. Funniest and most detailed review ever. Looks like lens cases are not great for storage ie fungus prone.
very interesting! how do you choose to shoot with this lens or your Noctilux 50mm ?
I tend to go back to my Noctilux f/0.95 all the time. I get other lenses, and I use them to convince myself I'm not single-minded but open to other possibilities. In reality, I could just use the Noctilux f/0.95 and not care.
Hi , Thorsten !I recently bought this len
Which shade in your site is better for this one ?
The black paint one seems to been sold out
Really enjoyed this video. Thank you for the information about the 2.0 Rigid. You know you equipment and you know your audience. All my best to you.
Thank you!
Magic Of Light The consumer who chooses Leica is discerning. Your descriptions of the equipment and those qualities demonstrate knowledge and experience equally as discerning. I have to read more from your web site.
One more thing... the way you described how Leica lenses handle the transition between in-focus and out-of-focus areas was truly enlightening.
I've watched your summilux 50 blackchrome video like 30 times, and finally i bought it two months ago. i'll never watch this one again. thanks for your video and articles :)
H aha :-)
"photographer in the drivers seat". an insightful comment.
Hello Mr. Overgard, which 50mm from the 60th is it exactly. I didn´t get the word "vigid"?
It's the 50mm Summicron- F/2.0 Version II, also known as "Rigid"
You take beautiful photos no doubt about it, but Leica reminds of Rolex compared to Grand Seiko. In reality both are extreme high quality in many ways Grand Seiko beats them and for a significant lower price with a more accurate movement. Many lenses can take equally the same quality photo or slightly better but some just want the feel of a Leica in their hands no matter the what the extreme cost is. And just like Rolex they have mastered the ability to make you pay whatever amount they ask. Just genius! God knows I've over payed for my share of things!
What is your opinion in terms of using APO with Monochrome? Would that be a waste of the lens function of capturing accurate color?
The APO and the Monochrome came out on the same time, featuring extreme details of the lens. So that is what you get, and it works well with the monochrome. You could say that the excellent colors, you'll never see. But the rest of the qualities are there.
@@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard thank you for your time.
Another great review!
If this the best 50 mm in the world, how does it compare to the 50 mm Noctilux?
What can you say about the ordinary 50mm Summicron? the non APO version.
the 50mm Summicron is an old design but still hols up and has great colors and excellent 3D feel. There is many reasons it hasn't been changed for 25-30 years. It was really excellent back when it was designed and considered the best 50mm at it's time (together with it's sister 50mm for the R system).
Thank you Thorsten :)
Still one of the best 50mm lens today .
Please guide me.
Im considering to buy 50mm lens between 50 lux ashp or 50 apo
Which one should I buy first.
The one that you are most eager to get. Unlikely you will use both, but you may have to try both to realize which makes the most sense for you to have.
What is the best way to store your lenses?
I store mine in a dry closet with room temperature. It's easy to get to and holds cameras, lenses and camera bags so they are easy to pack. It's a hidden door for uninvited guests, but straight-forward when you know it's there. Some times I have lenses and cameras on the shelves, some times I have them in the bags ready to take out with a few changes. I find that compartments (as in photo bags) is a great way to have things stored so you know what is where and you don't forget something when you head out the door. The bags with Billingham insert are great, very neutral materials that can breathe.
I keep my equipment away from high humidity and darkness.
If you live in asia, it's a different game and you need a drybox.
Thanks Thorsten.
Hej Thorsten, why isn't it not to keep the Leica lenses in the original case in darkness?
Optical lenses in dark leather pouches, if exposed to humidity and heat is the perfect conditions for fungus, which is a live organism that ruins the lens glass (actually eats the glass). It's aesthetically and luxury packaging, but it's not where you want to store them.
The boxes are fine, no problem with those.
How about storing the lens on leather bags?
Perhaps putting in desiccant packs would eliminate the possibility of contamination?
In addition to what Thorsten already said, I think his point was that leather doesn't breathe so putting a lens in a sealed leather case will trap humidity and create the ideal environment for fungus growth. Best to just invest in an Electronic Dry Cabinet, like the ones made by Ruggard. Totally worth the investment for peace of mind.
'It's not a good idea to put a lens in leather in darkness'. Nonsense surely?!
Fungus grows with humidity and darkness ... so if you store a lens in leather you risk making perfect conditions for that
Would like to see how it looks now in 2024
One thing I could never buy and only dream of : 50AA + M10r (with 47MP). This only ($15.000 😖) combo for all my pictures. Light, discret, enjoyable, powerful. I know I'll get less pictures in focus than with my current gear, but the reward is greater.
The option is three GFX50r + 63mm. It requires a little bit of forethought!
the 50r may be clunky and big compared to the leica but it is a beast in image quality
@@anandhua.b4589 I completely agree. And is a fraction of the cost even with Fuji glass which is pretty decent although the 63mm is not my favourite GF lens. It is a different experience and perhaps one shoots different things with both? (From an ignorant amateur so what do I know…..)
my hexanon 50mm takes same pictures
No it doesn't.
@@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard It does better, ive compared them directly. Hexanon has better bookeh, microcontrast is same. Leica is not bad lens its just nothing "special" in it.