Leica M6, 50 KM M-Hexanon, LegacyPro 400

f/2 @ 1/30

Little Naomi tinkling the ivories at ArtBeast last month.  We met up with Isaac and Naomi for a playdate and

as usual I chased the kids around with a camera.  I hadn’t used the Hexanon in awhile so I thought it was due

for a workout.  Just a beautiful lens and a stellar performer as well.  Some people speak of it as a poor man’s

Summicron, but I don’t feel like I’m missing much.  Just as well, since chasing gear rarely leads to better art.

One mostly ends up with empty pockets instead of fulfilling art.

Leica M6, 28 VC Ultron f/1.9, LegacyPro400

f/2.8 @ 1/250 or so

A nice glowing, backlit, break in the rain kind of day at Land Park.  Great for getting that bright sun behind the heavy clouds and creating a giant natural softbox.  I’ve been trying out my new-to-me 28 Ultron f/1.9 and I think I kind of like it.  I’m not sure yet if I can really exploit the 28mm focal length but I’m willing to try – but I do expect it to be a stellar low light bathtime performer : )  Naturally I’m not a full on wide guy, I seem to have more of a classic 35/50 view of the world.  You wouldn’t think 28mm is all that different than 35mm but as you go wider, every mm makes an exponential difference.  Since wide lenses really work best when you get in up close and tight, it’s a tough order to shoot people without relying on the cliched fish eye effect.  Just another style to try and develop I suppose.  As for the film, as usual, LegacyPro400 delivers great contrast and fine but pleasing grain.

I’m running some color in the M6 now to take advantage of the leaves and glowing fall light, maybe I’ll have something nice to share soon.

To see the full set, go here

Leica M6, 28 Rokkor-M f/2.8, LegacyPro 400

Have been looking for a 28 M mount for awhile and took a chance on a Rokkor offered by a reputable seller.  I bought his Canon Sonnar 50 and Hexanon 50 last year so I was anxious to try out the Rokkor, even though it had the infamous “white spots”.  As expected, the spots didn’t show on the pictures, but I decided to hang onto the money instead of accumulating more gear.  Turns out I was prescient as the shutter went on my 1D (don’t ask when – let’s just say Murphy was an optimist) and so I’m in to Canon factory repair for a couple of bills.

But, I had the 28 on the M6 for the day and went to lunch at Hot Italian where I ogled the Ducatis and Colnagos and snapped some shots.  Then we walked midtown for a bit and on to karate practice.  The Rokkor is sized right and renders nicely but I think after it’s all said and done I’m really after the extra f-stop of an Ultron f/1.9.  Low light shooting is what I love and there’s just no substitute for speed.

Leica M3, 35 Summaron f/2.8

top: f/2.8 @ 1/30

bottom: f8 @ 1/250 or so

Got to get out for a weekend overnight in the city, stayed at one of our favorite places: SF Zen Center

Inexpensive, comfortable, quiet and surrounded by interesting places to see and eat.  The top shot is of the inside dining room and the outside is the view up the hill from Laguna Street.  You can stop by for a sitting, browse the bookstore or stay overnight like we do.

Full set here

Leica M6, CV 35 PII, LegacyPro 400

f/5/6 @ 1/500, opened up for backlight

I threw in the M6 hoping to get a few shots between the digital captures.  I wasn’t as happy with the shots at Mulvaney’s but I thought a few from the park were worth seeing.  If I had it to do over I would have shot Tri-X and used the 50 Sonnar, it gives a much softer and more flattering look.  Krysty doesn’t deserve the hard contrast of Legacy/Neopan but I liked the pose and the look – especially the hair – so I’m keeping it.

For the full set, go here

For free downloads of the set, go here

Leica M6, Voigtlander 35 Color Skopar f/2.5, LegacyPro 400

f/4 @ 1/60, probably +1 exp.

Ava Rae playing peek-a-boo in the living room circus tent.  On a side note, this would be a tough shot with a SLR/DSLR.  The low light and low contrast don’t give the autofocus much to lock onto.  By the time you force the AF to lock where you want it, the moment is gone.  At 1/60 or less, there’s no time for fiddling with the camera.  With a rangefinder you can use the superior low light manual focus, prefocus on a spot -I used the port hole edge – and shoot when the moment’s right.

M3, Leitz 35 Summaron f/2.8, LegacyPro 400

1/1000 @ f/5.6

I think I’ve found my muses.  Little Naomi loves to mother hen Ava and Ava loves the attention.  They’re both a little cautious and less wild than their older siblings so I think they have an unspoken, understood connection.  And I love that they’re very into each other and tend not to be distracted by me or the camera.

The old Summaron performs pretty well, coupled with the freshly laundered M3 they make for a potent combination.