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Matt... you have no idea how you have influenced me. I bought the M11 last year, while getting my kit on.. I researched about Voigtlander lenses and you popped up.. AND the I bought the 40 mm Voigt... !!! MY GOD what a lens... anything you point it at turns to gold. Closely matched by by Zeiss 35.1.4 Distagon ... similar master of a lens.. and of course My Elmar 28 . Voigt 90mm is a monster ... ... so that 40 mm is truly a future legend. A thousand thank yous for that alll the way from Mumbai.
After spending my entire life as a photographer carrying large and heavy cameras, from 5x7 to 4x5 inch to extensive 35mm equipment, I have now discovered the smaller formats for myself. Two things are remarkable: firstly, the quality that APSC offers and secondly, the pleasure it brings back to photography. It's incredibly fun to take photos with one of these small and light cameras and their great image quality. Photography gives me as much joy again as I felt when I was very young. Splendid.
The Voigtländer 40mm 1.4 is my favourite lens in 2024, I will shot any picture with this particular lens in following months. I really enjoy it and I exactly understand your perspective
I just got my first Leica. An M5 almost unused pristine from Japan with a 50 mm summicron V4 F2. All thanks to you mate! I've been with Nikon since childhood. I have an F3T and FE2 a Z8 and a Zf and an F4 and a range of nikon glass
Congratulations, Leica M5 is the truth hand built leica with the TTL meter . I love it more than any M film as I own all of them from M3 to MA . I retired and sold all my Leica M film but still have 2 pristine condition M5 , one is two lug silver and one is 3 lugs black 50 anniversary ( the JAHRE EDITION ) the Zhare M5 is still new . Both camera meter working . The viewfinder is crystal clear . I don’t use them but display behind my glass cupboard . I live in Melbourne Australia, in Australia is very hard to find pristine used Leica .
The tale of one lens and how it influenced your career is fascinating and inspiring. It is also a convincing argument for full frame (I shoot ASP-C, which works for me) without being dogmatic about it. Thanks for sharing truly useful videos.
I love a video to see the journey of a photographer! This is wonderful. I too started my professional career in 2013, but coming from the film day of the 90's with Canon EOS 5, the natural progression for me is to keeping my self in the Canon ecosystem with my existing lenses, so the 5D mark ii became the choice for me. I think I, and a lot of us, were carried away by perfection in optical performance and autofocus capabilities that we forgot what makes photography interesting. I was chasing after all the cleanest L glass, and the fastest fail-proof eye tracking auto focus, and the R5 became my work camera. But there is something so contagious about Leica that as soon as you experience one, you can never go back. Once I picked up my M240 last year, I was inspired to photograph things outside of my typical array, while TT Artisan Lux copies and vintage Canon screw mount lenses were good, I don't think I hit the sweet spot until I picked up the Voigtlander Classic 35mm SC II. That lens along with the 50mm Summarit f/1.5 really sums up the entire system for me. Like you said, I even went and tested out the X-Pro when I was shopping for a digital Leica, but I just cannot do it for APS-C, and I am so glad I stick to my hunt for a M240!
Love to hear about your journey. I have had my M3 for years. Added the R8 for my commercial work for a model shoot project. Now I have M4, M6, iiif, m240, M10M, SL2, SL3 and Leica lenses. I have not had much luck with non-Leica. Not sure why. Keep up the great work
Mine too, 40/1.4 MC Nokton. Still waiting, saving pennies for a M body, to pair my old Summaron 35/3.5 with...i'd use that combo if i'd own a (35mm film) Leica someday, only for creative b&w photography.
My first M lens was the Nocton classic 1.4 too .Single coated version and yes I can`t seem to be able to trade my CL system in either. The body is also a lovely platform for M lenses too .
Watching you on TH-cam made me realize I needed a Leica. I bought 21 and 50 Voigtlander manual e-mount lenses for my a7III to take on a trip to Japan. The idea was to make the camera more compact. Then I dropped down the Voigtlander, Leica rabbit hole on TH-cam when I found your videos. I originally wanted to get a used M10 as a travel camera, but after I started using it, I'm too afraid to take it with me on the streets and possibly be a victim of a bash and grab in a foreign country. That said, I felt very safe shooting in Tokyo with the Sony, and the red-light district there is very photogenic, especially at night.
I have the MC version which I got for my film CL body. I now use it on my M3 and M4-2. I think this is how I came across your channel Matt, which has helped me spend my money!
Great! Yes especially good on the M3 as you can use the full VF for 40mm. Sorry to cost you money! (Another channel, well 3, unknowingly did the same to me but it's non-Leica so you're safe!)
I only have a M6, planning to upgrade to MP one day. Also would like a M10 or M11. But the thing I like is that you won't ever rely on a software update for auto-focus being faster/more precise. Or a new system that makes the old system obsolete. An M9(with updated CCD sensor) is just as good as a M11 for focusing...
There's a weird trend on TH-cam that people who shoot Leica feel the need to justify why they shoot it. We've been beaten into apologizing for our choice of camera. It is ridiculous. If I want to spend a million dollars on a camera that does nothing, then that's nobody's business.
I previously used a Fujifilm X100s and a Nikon D800e. I then switched to a Leica Q2, and all of a sudden my photos were no longer boring. I am keen to try different focal lengths and M lenses, so I will probably get a Leica SL3 as my second camera.
Yes I was struggling with the D800 for some years, I tried everything! Leica was a breathe of fresh air (..and yes you need to get a Leica body so you can try all the amazing lenses on offer!!)
My first Leica was the Leica SL and It was you who convinced me to buy it! :) I love it to bits! Then I got the M8. Then the M6! I never looked back since! All thanks to you! Cheers, sir! Always love your content! :)
Ah thank you! Happy that you are enjoying your Leicas! (It goes full circle. Some other YT'ers are unknowingly guilty of costing me a lot of money.. they share nice photos with a lens and nothing seems to match it so I had to spend money I don't have to get it!). Video to come. (Luckily for you you're safe as it's not for Leica!)
Ha! I have that 40mm that I bought to use with an adapter on my Fuji cameras years ago and then I used it with my first Leica also. Mine was used with the Monochrome type 246. I still use it today.
I bought the 40/1.4 as a tele lens for my Olympus E-P1. I loved it there. Then I also got a M9 and the 40 was my standard lens there. It is a really lovely lens.
Great story. Thanks for sharing! For 45 years I was just a sporadic M4 shooter. Then I started watching you on TH-cam. I shoot almost daily now. I now have a Minolta CLE, a new M6, an M11 in addition to the old M4. The Voigtlander 40mm Heliar gets moved from camera to camera. ..Avery
Love this lens! It's my go-to on my digital Leica, being one of the sharpest lenses I own. I wish Leica focused more on producing lenses in the 40mm focal length.
Thanks for all your very informative content. Because of you I got into shooting film and just bought a Leica iii b with a Summitar 2/50 and I love it. (Although it has to go to repair directly, because the the rapid wind is damaged)
My first Leica was a Digilux 2, and from that point on I guess I was hooked. The simple design and superior build quality of a modern Leica is hard to beat. And of course Leica’s pleasing optical perfection and robust lens construction is the best. I just wish they weighed half as much. Spending a day in the field raising a M body with a Summilux 50 or a SL2 with a 24-90 to my eye in order to compose and focus is like doing bicep curls.
I own a Minilta CLE, came with a 40mm Rokkor, F2, nice lens, used it on my M6,M9 and M10 and always get great results, I even use it on my M8 and in this one in particular I like that it gives me almost something like a 50mm
I own an M2 and had no desire to get anything more until I stumbled on the M1. Strangely, the 40mm makes it easier to use the m1. Permanent 35 and 50 framelines. So I’m pretty confident composition a photo with it. (So long as distance and dof is correct)
I just got a 40mm nokton and compared it to 35 nokton on digital and im blown away it is as sharp if not sharper and it hits that sweetspot. It has a bit less vignetting (checked with waveforms) and looks absolutely lovely. I had it many years ago on my cl but sold to keep the summicron 40, big mistake the nokton is larger but better imho.
The 40mm f/1.4 was the first M lens that I purchased with a Bessa R3A great lens and my most used lens on the Leica M2 & M240. Great video and stellar images
Matt, there’s no problem getting a vintage look on an APS-C camera with modern lenses that cover full-frame sensors. Just take out one or more of the groups inside the lens. 😊
Glad you are giving some love to VM classic 40m! I have one of them as well and VM 35 classic V1. Both are great lens used on my Leica CL. Great photos as always - artsy for sure...
As I have already described, in other replies to your other presentations, the lens that led me to add the Leica M system was the Summilux-M 50mm ASPH, a post-retirement self-gift. I do very much like working with the 40mm focal length, having used the Canon 40mm STM lens on EOS EF cameras, and a Voigtlander 40mm SL II lens on Nikon F-mount DSLRs, so, I can foresee myself acquiring a 40mm M-mount lens, sooner or later. I wear eyeglasses when shooting, so, cannot quite see the 35mm frame lines, anyway, when using an M Type 246, which might make a 40mm lens a good fit.
I bought the 40 f1.4 quite early on too. That and the 21mm f4 were a compact 'travel' set combined with an A7s. When I first got an M10 they were my only lenses. But I don't pick up either these days, you might have encouraged me to dig them out again.
Nice! Yes I had the 21/4 early on too! TBF I use other lenses more these days but I used the 40/1.4 recently for a trip as it's one of the smallest fast M lenses. Worked great.
40mm is a great focal length between the popular 35mm and 50mm standards. While I started out with 50mm kit lens back in the day but almost 20yrs I got the almost pancake Pentax 43mm f1.9. I love the focal length and just as well that Pentax still have their full frame K-1ii DSLR however the body is big while the lens is tiny. 43mm is the diagonal of the 24mm X 36mm frame making it the true normal 😀
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom i never researched why, technically, most of the pancake lenses from many lens manufacturers have been at our around 40mm. But it was certainly a popular focal length once and I find it very flexible. I also shoot Fuji and that have their 27mm pancake which on APS-C is also 40mm equivalent!
Similar story here. I got VM 40mm 1.4 for my Sony Nex Camera, which got me hooked. It was VM 40mm 1.2 that tipped me over to Leica cameras, few years later. I love 40mm field of view.
I have all the Leica cameras you mentioned except the CL. I started with the M6 over 30 years ago. On it was the 35 mm Summicron version 4 which I am still using today.
What a great journey Matt, and well explained. A lot of us can relate, and personally speaking i am glad to add that in the past 23 years when photography became a real hobby, i have tried nearly every format known, from the tiny Minolta 16/Minox to 8x10 and the likes. Still aiming to try liquid emulsion on glass plates but i do envision that to be quite messy 😂. Kudos to another well presented retrospective - Ralf
Hiiii❤❤❤❤❤I love your work, your shares, your art and your photographic style and your smart pedagogical way. GRATITUDE. I have also this great lens, I pair with my black M3 and my Sony 7 RII.
The Leica M10D with Leica Summilux 28mm is an incredible combination. I find myself reaching for it exclusively nowadays. I have a Voigtlander M-Mount 35mm and it, too, renders fabulous images on my Leica cameras.
Matt, thank you. For a long time I've watched your videos and dreamed of using a Leica for my personal photography. I use dlsr's and now mirrorless for my weddings and even adding the Nikon Z8 to my kit just didn't feel special. Switched to Sony and their wonderful GM lenses and after 2 weddings just found them the same as everything else. 2 weeks ago I got an M9 and just can't put it down. Beautiful images. A joy to take everywhere. I want to go out and take photos again!!
In spite of what you are saying, I never see people (TH-camrs ;) with such a glow in their eyes , if they are talking about enjoying to shoot on simple M- Mount or Q´s... What counts is the joy you have while taking Photos. 😊
Great to know you history with Leica! It’s interesting to discover how you started and the point that loving shooting wide open and not stopping down, this happened to me too… my story was with the Nikon 50mm 1.8G that was always on my Nikon @ 1.8 😊. Still love that effect today, but don’t use it that much 😅. Best regards, my friend!
Matt, good of you to share your experience and thoughts of what cameras you used. Leica has always been a premium priced camera, because of its build quality. I could not afford any decent gear when I was in college and even years after. This interlude gave me a chance to compare and understand the differences between the brands and designs. Eventually I purchased a Nikon D70 and later a D90. Then a Pentax Spotmatic SPII, Nikon FM2 Leica M3 and Kodak Retina IIIC. I used my Nikon D70 & D90 to help raise funds for schools with my studio lights and backdrops, a lot of fun. I use a Voigtlander 50mm f1.5 Nokton with my Leica M3 and it rocks. Truly think the Voigtlander lenses are very sharp for much less cost than a Leitz lens. Interesting discussion 🤔
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Perhaps you can help resolve the debate I am having. Also own a Leitz DR Summicron 50mm f2.0. Excellent condition and glass, but they made these lenses with more metal and weight. That is why I use the Voigtlander 50mm Nokton f1.5 lens, which is faster but also lighter. Are shooters who use Voigtlander lenses on a Leica not making best use of Leica quality by not using a Leitz lens? I keep asking myself this question.
Had an M9 and now have an M11P. If you want to use Leica glass you can get some insane results with a Sigma FP-L. It’s a quirky camera but paired with M glass it’s absolutely mental.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom please please please do! I’ve been following your channel for years. You’re the reason I even got into Leica in the first place. I think the sigma FP-L will blow you away. If you’re ever in NYC I’ll even let you borrow mine.
Now that I am re-watching this, for about the third time, I just remembered that I had strongly considered adding a Lumix G1, ‘way back when, seemingly a thousand years ago, in order to be able to use a Leica M lens, acquired pre-owned, on an affordable camera body. I cannot recall, now, whether I had already zeroed-in on the Summilux-M 50m ASPH, or was still considering a number of M lenses. I remember switching my attention to the M8, the M9, and then the M Type 240. When I could finally afford to buy a pre-owned Summilux, and a Leica M camera, in April 2018, it had just become possible to finally buy a new M10, without having to first be on a waiting list. (I had to permanently scuttle plans to acquire a long-planned Nikon “super-telephoto” lens, for low-light birds/wildlife, to buy into the Leica M system. Six years later, I remain OK with that decision.)
As I like to use Leica M, be it with film or digital, for privat and (semi-) professional work as they are so wonderful to handle and the outcomes I produce with them in connection with them Leica lenses I just like very much. They support my way to make my photographic vision visible. I tried some of those Voigtländer- lenses and sold all of them (35 mm different types, 40mm, 50mm different types) quite happily without hesitation and do use the original Leica lenses, older and newer ones with much more “satisfaction”, and nearly no need for to many adjustments afterwards:-)
Same Lens was it for me - 40mm 1.4 SC is absolutely awesome! Switched to the 35mm 2.5 though and I love it with an S5, SL & CL in my Bag. Great and affordable combination if you get some good used prices. :)
Great! Yes the 2.5 pancake is super small which I love. I still have it. (Check out the 40mm Heliar and 28m Skopar newer lenses - see vids). My new goto
Itsa gidjin. I have other cameras I like a lot but a Leica, and I really like the M8 and M9, always feels good in my hands. Another good, well done and interesting video. Thanks
I use this lens on m11-p. the 40mm on this 60M pixel has advantages. which is 1.3x and 1.8x feature. 40x1.3 is around 50mm, 40x1.8 is around 75mm. And the frame line of this lens shows 50 and 75mm line. This is the smallest and the best travel and daily kit lens.
I love my M8 and Monochrome. No lens in particular convinced me into the system but a friend who still shoots an M8 professionally convinced me to get a good deal on one and if I didn’t enjoy shooting it, he’d buy it off me cost price. Also - I like your glasses
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom haha. Properly had a laugh there. I wear contacts but have glasses too. I’m so short sighted they are probably bulletproof. Great video and loved hearing your Leica journey. The size was a huge thing for me. Never looked at a DSLR again (tho the Fuji x100F was my gateway into “rangefinder” style cameras). I hope Lumix do a GX series for L Mount
Thank you for your views on this lens, Matt. I've been considering acquiring one for a few years now, but already having Zeiss 50mm and 35mm, it makes me wonder *when* I would choose the 40mm to shoot. So far, only for low-light is my answer, but you've got me thinking that it has more use to me than just that. After all, lens changing with M-mount is trivial. Cheers!
Hi Chris, you don't need this lens. It just happened to be the lens that push me to Leica but any similar M lens could have had the same impact. That said if you want 1 lens then it might be what you need. The size and speed is great.
My favourite prime is the Lumix Leica 50mm (25mm) f1.4, I use it mainly for street on an Oly M10. It has nice colours are they Leica look I have no idea. I used to go the Leica shop in Vienna. They were a bit steep:)...TBH I miss more the compression that I used to get on the OM-2n film camera but film is expensive compared to digital and you need space...
I shot on a Leica M3 with the 50mm Summicron until I bought the Voigtlander 40mm f1.4 then I sold my Summicron. On the Leica M3 the entire viewfinder is close enough to a 40mm FOV so I just ignore the frame lines.
I found that 40mm is basically like my eye sees the scene most of the time, and now I wanna 40mm for my Nikon film cameras, but couldn't find any options so far in my region, and 28mm, probably that famous AI-S f/2.8, which will also give me 40mm on my aps-c fuji X-T3, but again, can't find this lens in my country (there was only one nasty seller that afaik are still trying to sell it for like $380).
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom oh 100% yeah, but I can't afford it 😭 photography is just my hobby and the most expensive lens in my really small collection is Voigtlander 58mm f/1.4 (besides that I only have Fuji xf 18-55 and Tokina 100mm f/2.8 macro)
APS-C just requires you to use a wider lens for the same equiv FF focal length. So 24mm for a 36MM FF eqiv.... 28mm for 42mm.... and Voigtlander makes either.
Thanks but that doesn't help make for "more artsy" pictures sadly, APS-C crops the centre of any FF lens so you're crop out the nice edges on any lens, wide or long. APS-C is perfect for those that love sharpness across the frame and no vignetting* (Using FF lenses*)
The best flexible system (ie not fixed lens) is the XT series. I had an XT4 but wasn't a fan of all the customisable options, extra buttons etc. I started with an M6 and 1) love rangefinder focussing and 2) the absolute simplicity of the camera. If I could afford an M10 I would buy one. I found the Q smoked the X100T in colours and image quality. Time for you to upgrade your SL (to a 2 or 3). I wasn't that impressed with the SL (1). Big and expensive and not quite the Leica image quality I'm used to.
Thanks Chris, the M10 prices will start to come down as more people switch to the M11 (or SL3). No I'm still very happy with the SL (you know my heart is in film so that's my area of focus)
I recently have fallen in love with Olympus / Zuiko Pen half frame lenses from the F/FT/FV cameras. But on Fuji's APS-C. On the second gen sensor, it's just brilliant... and low $$$
You do well to find those lenses! I wanted to do the same with my CL but couldn't find lenses nor adapters (some years ago) I have the film Pen F so I know the lenses are excellent!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom If your definition of "excellent" lens is "ballistic wide open" Those old half-frame Zuikos on APS-c are pretty rad. They can make boring images look pretty cool.
Hi Matt, now you made another video of the lovely Nokton 40/1.4... i own the MC, which is really cool. Like it much - but honestly, i must admit that i really *love* the way smaller Heliar 40/2.8 VM even *much* more. The Noct is way much being underrated - yet it's better than the old M-Rokkor 40/2 (v2), but the F1.4 should only being used if desperately needed - better to see the Nokton as a 40/F2 lens, therefore, the bokeh & sharpness is by design better. I only own the CLE, but for the 40mm FL, both lenses are being perfect - and these Voigtländers naturally have been designed for the matching Voigtländer Bessa R3A/M rangefinders into mind.
Leica do have the Summicron 40mm f2 with the rubber hood . Beautiful and very small lens much better than the similar Minolta . I used it often on my M8 till later on sold both to a friend for him to shot Monochrom . The M8 probably the first Leica Monochrom made . I shoot leica since late 1960’s at very young age , followed my father who is photo journalist . I’m now in my 70’s and retired .
Nice! I actually went for the Minolta over the Leica for better flare resistance. I might do a new video for it in the coming months as it's nice size.
Awesome video Matt cheers. I’ve shot and still shoot many brands film and digital but I keep coming back to my Q2. I have a couple of old LTM 50s I just bought for reasonable prices they’re in transit looking forward to trying them on my newly acquired canon L3 I thinking I need to buy a bigger shovel and a head lamp this rabbit hole is deep as fek n plenty of side shafts 🙄📷❤️
I have this voigtlander lens too and for similar reasons. However, my copy has a loose front barrel. Anyone know where I could get it repaired ..?, I love the focal length and rendering. I live in the USA. Thanks for the fun and really informative videos.
Thanks Rob! Proving a lot more popular than expected. It's always the videos I least expect that do better and the ones I'm excited about, do terrible haha
Matt, this is a great episode of sharing !!! I am a 50mm shooter and Leica 50mm f1.4 summilux is my only choice for traveling with one camera / one lens combo. Since you recently have shard a great deal of Nikkor and Voigtländer lenses. I am wondering whether you have ever tried (or heard from other Leica M shooters) the legendary Nikkor 58mm f1.2 ai manual lens on Leica M? I would love to hear about your feedback if possible. Happy Shooting !!
Nice story. I'm happy to hear your enthusiasm for the very affordable Voigtlander Nokton. I'm still shooting an M9, but have been feeling inspired to take the plunge into film again -- which I haven't shot for years. Do you recall which frames lines the 40mm triggers on the Leica, the 35 or 50?
I don’t shoot Leica but there are a couple I’d like to own . Definitely one of the Monochrome. I’ve been looking at the M5 a lot . But thinking maybe an m4
Great. For film they all do the same job so get the cheapest one in good condition. For digital it's more complicated and depends on what you want from the camera. The M240 offers good value for those starting out.
Hi Matt✌ I would be interested to know when you started directly with Leica 😁 And whether it was really a reason when you bought the 40 mm Nokton. Leica had also been on my to-do list for a long time, but it was just too expensive for me because it's very price-intensive. I had already given away all my AF lenses over 10 years ago and since then I've been a junkie for old lenses. Now a big part of travelling as a foot zoomer and the different perspectives. Simply the character and also certain small flaws that they have, but that's what makes it so interesting 😉😎Until not too long ago I owned the R system, first the R4 then the R8 (unfortunately it didn't work anymore? so I sold it and got myself an R6.2 and the R6. But then the weight started to bother me and the size also played a role 😁My desire to switch to the M system was already planned. Which then came true. I got the M3 but then I wanted the M6 too, so I stupidly sold the M3, which annoyed me a bit. And then I got the M240 because the digital was also appealing as it was then possible to use my old M42 for a long time even though I still have the Sony. But it's all the more fun to see the results👌 However, what bothers me a bit is that even the newer models don't have a stabiliser, which I would like.As always a great video definitely keep up the great work and also your pictures are mega👌👌👍👍 Lg Anderl
Hi yes as explained in the video the 40mm lens was 100% the reason for getting the Leica. I liked the RF size and focusing and the colours and rendering once I saw the M9 photos. I'd bought one within a few hours and that was the end of my Nikon disappointed in 1 click. Best decision I ever made for cameras. (Any small great M lens would have likely had the same impact , it was just the only M lens I had at the time)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom the size of the lenses for Leica is what also appealed to me, actually the complete system, small compact but strong and the character.😉was one of the deciding factors.👍👍
I have both, the 35mm and 40mm Nokton f1.4. And, I use more another 35mm. The Ultron f2 instead of the 2 faster lenses. So maybe I'll sell the 35mm Nokton and keep the 35 Ultron for the modern look and the 40mm for its vintage soul and because it could replace a Summilux 50mm AND 35mm.
I love my Voigtländer Lenses on Sony Cameras, I also love my Zeiss Lenses on Sony Cameras and I like Sony GM Lenses and all the adapted Lenses on Sony. There are no perfect cameras, but Sony Cameras are close enough to be nearly perfect for me, no other brand have so many new Lenses to choose from.
Great story, as always and I keep coming back to your photo on 9.04. (The boat in the snow) Would love that on my wall!😉 From the two versions of the 40mm, which one would you (now) recommend? The MC or the SC?
Thanks, contact me via the MrLeica.com blog if you want a copy of that print for your wall. I've only ever used the MC but the SC will hopefully give a nice more vintage look.
M8 I know you like your alternative lenses but I am a leica lens fan. Thinking bessa r2 to go cine vision3.. is it worth going analog.. £6.99 per roll..... can't afford a m6. I suppose the other way round stick with analog as digital so expensive.. I want to try my leica lenses on the vision3 roll... sure you know share wr going with this...
Yes I shot v3 before it became cool. Nice film. Just remember to develop at home or send to special lab (can't send to normal lab***) Camera - depends what lens you use. Bessa are not accurate enough for a fast 50mm. See my "EBL MrLeica" video. That will help you a lot. You don't need Leica but Bessa are not ideal for shallow DOF portraits.
Great video and now I’m afflicted and need to buy one. Question though: any tips for coping with having to shoot this through 50mm framelines such as M6 or M2 or M3?
Matt you've reviewed a lot of lenses since you started your channel. However when you get on a flight to Poland to shoot models which one 35mm and which one 50mm would you pack with your SL?
Great question! I'll answer it slightly differently if I may. My eyes are used to M mount sharpness and I needed better for my Nikon cameras so I now use mostly Voigtlander SL (F mount) lenses on my Nikon bodies. Awesome lenses and half the size of many regular Nikkor lenses.
Hi Matt, I always wonder: all lenses on Leica M got different focus points- Nokton 40/1.4 got back focus, 35.12 + 50/ 1.2 are the same and nearly perfect- not possible to get all sharp on Leica M without adjusting for each lens.... how do yo get it sharp? Best, Kim
Hi Kim, I often now cheat and use an EVF /Leica SL. In my M9 days I didn't see an issue but a good Patreon friend says like you, that he can't calibrate for all lenses so picks a few to use with the camera.
If I was starting my Leica journey again I would seriously consider having the 40mm instead of my 50mm Summicron and Voigtlander 35mm Nokton f1.5. How do you manage the framelines? Does it come up as a 50 or a 35?
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom That’s good. I think I’d just aim using the 50mm lines knowing I had a bit of flexibility by actually having 40mm a bit like using the 35mm framelines on a Q2
Haha no I just thought I’d wear them as they’re new. I’ve needed glasses since I was 18 but don’t normally wear any (except for driving!) .. yes RF still better than SLR for this issue.
Haha no I just thought I’d wear them as they’re new. I’ve needed glasses since I was 18 but don’t normally wear any (except for driving!) .. yes RF still better than SLR for this issue.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I am in a similar situation. I was born with one eye that has poor vision. I have one eye with great vision, but as I age, I am heading toward no good eyes. So far, I am still fine with manual focus, but who knows for how long.
A good photo is taken by the photographer... and not the camera... the Fuji X100V is more than enough. A good meal is made by the cook and not the pan! But how we allow ourselves to be manipulated by the industry! Leica is a status symbol for people who need to show off!! I will never sell my X100V! Greetings from a Swiss living in the Caribbean❤
Great to hear Roland. Yes agree the camera doesn't matter if you enjoy using it. Same with the lens. The lens shared here is not the best but it made me love photography. (Leica are only better than a Fuji if a Leica makes you inspired to shoot more. (A story I often receive from viewers). If you love your Fuji that's all you need). (I've never owned a digital Fuji but I was very happy using my old MF film Fuji in the past). (Some people love iPhone photography so there is something for everyone).
interesting thoughts, I had a friend in my youth who used leica cameras and made incredible pictures. I was pretty naive and thought that the brand was one of his secrets. 20 years later I bought my first leica. My pictures were the same, but I enjoyed it to make photos much more. From that moment, I was sure, that Leica M is the right camera for me. In the last 25 years I owned 18 Leica cameras M and R and a lot of lenses. I definitely don’t need the newest camera from Leica, but I enjoy it very well. Not other cameras has this emotion to me.
Interesting video, thanks for that, came at the right time as I’m researching Voigtlander lenses. Any idea as to the differences in terms of output between the single and the multi coated versions of this lens?
I've got this lens with the Leica Minolta cl it has the 40mm frame lines as you well know I've also shot a summicron 35 mm aspheric on my Konica RF I found it almost too perfect does that sound mad I sold it with profit perhaps not so mad I like glass with character I feel it lends a lot to photography sometimes perfection is a Bain bizarre n'est pas
Well I’ve got something to say about full frame mirrorless… they were relatively small when they were introduced, but now they are flipping bigger than the dslrs!! 😩
Haha it was half the price actually! £20 for 120 Kodak 5 pack, £2-something a roll for Foma :) ..Kodak Gold, 3 for under £10, Fujicolor C200, under £3 a roll... the good old days!
Thanks, if you saw the bit of the video looking back to 2013 Leica was THE only small camera option at the time so that's why Leica. Now it's easy to get small FF mirrorless cameras so as I said I would have likely ended up with a Sony or Nikon if I was in the same position today. (That said, once you try Leica it's near impossible to ever be happy with anything else.. sadly..)(for digital*) ..I've never heard anyone move backwards, from Leica to Fuji, or Leica to Nikon..
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Matt... you have no idea how you have influenced me. I bought the M11 last year, while getting my kit on.. I researched about Voigtlander lenses and you popped up.. AND the I bought the 40 mm Voigt... !!! MY GOD what a lens... anything you point it at turns to gold. Closely matched by by Zeiss 35.1.4 Distagon ... similar master of a lens.. and of course My Elmar 28 . Voigt 90mm is a monster ... ... so that 40 mm is truly a future legend. A thousand thank yous for that alll the way from Mumbai.
I love my Voigtlander 40mm 🎉🎉 with my M6
Thanks for your kind words! Great to hear you are enjoying your M11 (and lenses!)
After spending my entire life as a photographer carrying large and heavy cameras, from 5x7 to 4x5 inch to extensive 35mm equipment, I have now discovered the smaller formats for myself.
Two things are remarkable: firstly, the quality that APSC offers and secondly, the pleasure it brings back to photography. It's incredibly fun to take photos with one of these small and light cameras and their great image quality. Photography gives me as much joy again as I felt when I was very young. Splendid.
Great to hear Walter! Yes I like the little Leica CL or Barnack cameras for a compact setup
The Voigtländer 40mm 1.4 is my favourite lens in 2024, I will shot any picture with this particular lens in following months. I really enjoy it and I exactly understand your perspective
Thanks Martin! Yes great little lens. I'll share recent samples from Poland in a video soon.
Love love love my nokton 1.4, just has an edge over the similar minolta I started with. Pairs beautifully on the SL.
Yes it gives a nice small lens setup on the SL. I have the Minolta too.
I just got my first Leica. An M5 almost unused pristine from Japan with a 50 mm summicron V4 F2. All thanks to you mate! I've been with Nikon since childhood. I have an F3T and FE2 a Z8 and a Zf and an F4 and a range of nikon glass
How much a pristine Leica M5? ...I’m thinking to get another M6 in Tokyo soon...not sure which stores should I go 😅😅
Congrats on your first Leica..and sorry to cost you money! (Those Nikon are great too!)
Congratulations, Leica M5 is the truth hand built leica with the TTL meter . I love it more than any M film as I own all of them from M3 to MA . I retired and sold all my Leica M film but still have 2 pristine condition M5 , one is two lug silver and one is 3 lugs black 50 anniversary ( the JAHRE EDITION ) the Zhare M5 is still new . Both camera meter working . The viewfinder is crystal clear . I don’t use them but display behind my glass cupboard . I live in Melbourne Australia, in Australia is very hard to find pristine used Leica .
The tale of one lens and how it influenced your career is fascinating and inspiring. It is also a convincing argument for full frame (I shoot ASP-C, which works for me) without being dogmatic about it. Thanks for sharing truly useful videos.
Thanks! Yes APS-C is fine for most photos unless you want the FF look/ and frame edge imperfections.
I love a video to see the journey of a photographer! This is wonderful. I too started my professional career in 2013, but coming from the film day of the 90's with Canon EOS 5, the natural progression for me is to keeping my self in the Canon ecosystem with my existing lenses, so the 5D mark ii became the choice for me. I think I, and a lot of us, were carried away by perfection in optical performance and autofocus capabilities that we forgot what makes photography interesting. I was chasing after all the cleanest L glass, and the fastest fail-proof eye tracking auto focus, and the R5 became my work camera. But there is something so contagious about Leica that as soon as you experience one, you can never go back. Once I picked up my M240 last year, I was inspired to photograph things outside of my typical array, while TT Artisan Lux copies and vintage Canon screw mount lenses were good, I don't think I hit the sweet spot until I picked up the Voigtlander Classic 35mm SC II. That lens along with the 50mm Summarit f/1.5 really sums up the entire system for me. Like you said, I even went and tested out the X-Pro when I was shopping for a digital Leica, but I just cannot do it for APS-C, and I am so glad I stick to my hunt for a M240!
Thanks Rex, I think you say it so accurately..once you try Leica it's near impossible to go back (for digital) :)
Love to hear about your journey. I have had my M3 for years. Added the R8 for my commercial work for a model shoot project. Now I have M4, M6, iiif, m240, M10M, SL2, SL3 and Leica lenses. I have not had much luck with non-Leica. Not sure why. Keep up the great work
Thanks Laura! ..and great line-up. Yes I've had zero luck with non-Leica digital too but for film there are other fun options. (Hassy, 4x5 etc!)
That Voigtlander 40mm 1.4 is also my first Voigtlander. I pair it with my Sigma fp from time to time.
Great! The size really suits smaller cameras
Mine too, 40/1.4 MC Nokton. Still waiting, saving pennies for a M body, to pair my old Summaron 35/3.5 with...i'd use that combo if i'd own a (35mm film) Leica someday, only for creative b&w photography.
My first M lens was the Nocton classic 1.4 too .Single coated version and yes I can`t seem to be able to trade my CL system in either. The body is also a lovely platform for M lenses too .
Great! Yes the CL is a keeper for me! (If you saw my recent "why digital" video I explain it there.
Watching you on TH-cam made me realize I needed a Leica. I bought 21 and 50 Voigtlander manual e-mount lenses for my a7III to take on a trip to Japan. The idea was to make the camera more compact. Then I dropped down the Voigtlander, Leica rabbit hole on TH-cam when I found your videos. I originally wanted to get a used M10 as a travel camera, but after I started using it, I'm too afraid to take it with me on the streets and possibly be a victim of a bash and grab in a foreign country. That said, I felt very safe shooting in Tokyo with the Sony, and the red-light district there is very photogenic, especially at night.
Ha thanks! Welcome to the great Leica-Voigtlander world!
I have the MC version which I got for my film CL body. I now use it on my M3 and M4-2. I think this is how I came across your channel Matt, which has helped me spend my money!
Great! Yes especially good on the M3 as you can use the full VF for 40mm. Sorry to cost you money! (Another channel, well 3, unknowingly did the same to me but it's non-Leica so you're safe!)
I only have a M6, planning to upgrade to MP one day. Also would like a M10 or M11. But the thing I like is that you won't ever rely on a software update for auto-focus being faster/more precise. Or a new system that makes the old system obsolete. An M9(with updated CCD sensor) is just as good as a M11 for focusing...
Nice! Yes I love the M9 except the sensor issue. I don't chase the latest as as you say, they all take the same photos.
There's a weird trend on TH-cam that people who shoot Leica feel the need to justify why they shoot it. We've been beaten into apologizing for our choice of camera. It is ridiculous. If I want to spend a million dollars on a camera that does nothing, then that's nobody's business.
Thanks Carlos, I just like to explain my process as people ask. If I shot Nikon it would say Why Nikon 👍🏻
I previously used a Fujifilm X100s and a Nikon D800e. I then switched to a Leica Q2, and all of a sudden my photos were no longer boring. I am keen to try different focal lengths and M lenses, so I will probably get a Leica SL3 as my second camera.
Yes I was struggling with the D800 for some years, I tried everything! Leica was a breathe of fresh air (..and yes you need to get a Leica body so you can try all the amazing lenses on offer!!)
My first Leica was the Leica SL and It was you who convinced me to buy it! :) I love it to bits! Then I got the M8. Then the M6! I never looked back since! All thanks to you!
Cheers, sir! Always love your content! :)
Ah thank you! Happy that you are enjoying your Leicas! (It goes full circle. Some other YT'ers are unknowingly guilty of costing me a lot of money.. they share nice photos with a lens and nothing seems to match it so I had to spend money I don't have to get it!). Video to come. (Luckily for you you're safe as it's not for Leica!)
Ha! I have that 40mm that I bought to use with an adapter on my Fuji cameras years ago and then I used it with my first Leica also. Mine was used with the Monochrome type 246. I still use it today.
Ah great, a few people seem to have taken a similar path!
I bought the 40/1.4 as a tele lens for my Olympus E-P1. I loved it there. Then I also got a M9 and the 40 was my standard lens there. It is a really lovely lens.
Great! Yes a nice size for M43 and as you say, gives you 2 lenses in 1!
Great story. Thanks for sharing! For 45 years I was just a sporadic M4 shooter. Then I started watching you on TH-cam. I shoot almost daily now. I now have a Minolta CLE, a new M6, an M11 in addition to the old M4. The Voigtlander 40mm Heliar gets moved from camera to camera.
..Avery
😮 I love all you version M....I’m thinking to get M240 hopefully
Thanks Avery! Happy that I could inspire you! Yes love the little Heliar, I now have 2! Black for black 1931 Leica! :)
M240 offers great value
Love this lens! It's my go-to on my digital Leica, being one of the sharpest lenses I own. I wish Leica focused more on producing lenses in the 40mm focal length.
Thanks Ian, I wish they'd focus on great small lenses but at least Voigtlander have our back!
Thanks for all your very informative content. Because of you I got into shooting film and just bought a Leica iii b with a Summitar 2/50 and I love it. (Although it has to go to repair directly, because the the rapid wind is damaged)
Thanks and congrats on your nice Leica iii! (I had to service all of mine too) It's worth it!
My first Leica was a Digilux 2, and from that point on I guess I was hooked. The simple design and superior build quality of a modern Leica is hard to beat. And of course Leica’s pleasing optical perfection and robust lens construction is the best. I just wish they weighed half as much. Spending a day in the field raising a M body with a Summilux 50 or a SL2 with a 24-90 to my eye in order to compose and focus is like doing bicep curls.
😂😂😂😂 so true
Thanks William, haha you need a CL and some small LTM lenses! Then you'll need a gym membership to rebuild those arms! :)
I own a Minilta CLE, came with a 40mm Rokkor, F2, nice lens, used it on my M6,M9 and M10 and always get great results, I even use it on my M8 and in this one in particular I like that it gives me almost something like a 50mm
Great! I have the CL and that 40mm too. Fun lens!
I own an M2 and had no desire to get anything more until I stumbled on the M1.
Strangely, the 40mm makes it easier to use the m1. Permanent 35 and 50 framelines. So I’m pretty confident composition a photo with it. (So long as distance and dof is correct)
Thanks Andy, welcome to the Leica slope! Happy with camera X and then you accidentally discover camera Y, get that, then camera Z.. :)
I just got a 40mm nokton and compared it to 35 nokton on digital and im blown away it is as sharp if not sharper and it hits that sweetspot. It has a bit less vignetting (checked with waveforms) and looks absolutely lovely. I had it many years ago on my cl but sold to keep the summicron 40, big mistake the nokton is larger but better imho.
Thanks, yes a great lens. Yes I have the Minolta 40mm instead of the Cron but the Nokton has the 1 stop advantage for film (and a different look*)
The 40mm f/1.4 was the first M lens that I purchased with a Bessa R3A great lens and my most used lens on the Leica M2 & M240. Great video and stellar images
Great to hear Andrew, and thanks!
Matt, there’s no problem getting a vintage look on an APS-C camera with modern lenses that cover full-frame sensors. Just take out one or more of the groups inside the lens. 😊
Haha thanks John, you know I'm not skilled enough to even dismantle lenses to clean let alone DIY them! :)
Glad you are giving some love to VM classic 40m! I have one of them as well and VM 35 classic V1. Both are great lens used on my Leica CL. Great photos as always - artsy for sure...
Thank you! Yes great little lens(es)!
As I have already described, in other replies to your other presentations, the lens that led me to add the Leica M system was the Summilux-M 50mm ASPH, a post-retirement self-gift. I do very much like working with the 40mm focal length, having used the Canon 40mm STM lens on EOS EF cameras, and a Voigtlander 40mm SL II lens on Nikon F-mount DSLRs, so, I can foresee myself acquiring a 40mm M-mount lens, sooner or later. I wear eyeglasses when shooting, so, cannot quite see the 35mm frame lines, anyway, when using an M Type 246, which might make a 40mm lens a good fit.
Thanks, yes the 40mm is nice and easy to approximate. Consider the 40mm f2.8 Heliar too.. see that video. My go to for travel/ street.
I bought the 40 f1.4 quite early on too. That and the 21mm f4 were a compact 'travel' set combined with an A7s. When I first got an M10 they were my only lenses.
But I don't pick up either these days, you might have encouraged me to dig them out again.
Nice! Yes I had the 21/4 early on too! TBF I use other lenses more these days but I used the 40/1.4 recently for a trip as it's one of the smallest fast M lenses. Worked great.
40mm is a great focal length between the popular 35mm and 50mm standards. While I started out with 50mm kit lens back in the day but almost 20yrs I got the almost pancake Pentax 43mm f1.9. I love the focal length and just as well that Pentax still have their full frame K-1ii DSLR however the body is big while the lens is tiny. 43mm is the diagonal of the 24mm X 36mm frame making it the true normal 😀
Thanks! Yes I guess that's why some of the early fixed lens RF cameras had 40mm lenses.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom i never researched why, technically, most of the pancake lenses from many lens manufacturers have been at our around 40mm. But it was certainly a popular focal length once and I find it very flexible. I also shoot Fuji and that have their 27mm pancake which on APS-C is also 40mm equivalent!
@@shred3005 it’s an easy FL to make small as I understand
Similar story here. I got VM 40mm 1.4 for my Sony Nex Camera, which got me hooked. It was VM 40mm 1.2 that tipped me over to Leica cameras, few years later. I love 40mm field of view.
Great! The 1.2 is excellent. I reviewed that when it came out.
I have all the Leica cameras you mentioned except the CL. I started with the M6 over 30 years ago. On it was the 35 mm Summicron version 4 which I am still using today.
Great, the CL is nice if you want something smaller but if you already have the M10 that's the next best (and FF!)
What a great journey Matt, and well explained. A lot of us can relate, and personally speaking i am glad to add that in the past 23 years when photography became a real hobby, i have tried nearly every format known, from the tiny Minolta 16/Minox to 8x10 and the likes. Still aiming to try liquid emulsion on glass plates but i do envision that to be quite messy 😂.
Kudos to another well presented retrospective - Ralf
Thanks Ralf! I've done half frame to 4x5 so far haha. You might enjoy the next video I have planned!
Hiiii❤❤❤❤❤I love your work, your shares, your art and your photographic style and your smart pedagogical way. GRATITUDE. I have also this great lens, I pair with my black M3 and my Sony 7 RII.
Black M3! Very nice ..and thanks for
The Leica M10D with Leica Summilux 28mm is an incredible combination. I find myself reaching for it exclusively nowadays. I have a Voigtlander M-Mount 35mm and it, too, renders fabulous images on my Leica cameras.
Strong combo! Yes I hear not much comes close to the Lux M (even Q cameras with the similar lens)
Matt, thank you. For a long time I've watched your videos and dreamed of using a Leica for my personal photography. I use dlsr's and now mirrorless for my weddings and even adding the Nikon Z8 to my kit just didn't feel special. Switched to Sony and their wonderful GM lenses and after 2 weddings just found them the same as everything else. 2 weeks ago I got an M9 and just can't put it down. Beautiful images. A joy to take everywhere. I want to go out and take photos again!!
Thanks and congrats on your M9! Yes 100%.. Leica just make you want to shoot.. and that's a good thing!
In spite of what you are saying, I never see people (TH-camrs ;) with such a glow in their eyes , if they are talking about enjoying to shoot on simple M- Mount or Q´s... What counts is the joy you have while taking Photos. 😊
@@alexandrafasciano9501 thanks yes 100%! You’ll see me smiling with Leica, Nikon, Hasselblad and other film cameras!
I just picked up my first Leica camera, the M6. I paid for it with no money out-of-pocket by cashing out my credit card points points. 💰💰💰🤑🤑
No way! That’s a lot of points!! Nice :)
Great to know you history with Leica! It’s interesting to discover how you started and the point that loving shooting wide open and not stopping down, this happened to me too… my story was with the Nikon 50mm 1.8G that was always on my Nikon @ 1.8 😊. Still love that effect today, but don’t use it that much 😅. Best regards, my friend!
Thanks Victor!
Matt, good of you to share your experience and thoughts of what cameras you used. Leica has always been a premium priced camera, because of its build quality. I could not afford any decent gear when I was in college and even years after. This interlude gave me a chance to compare and understand the differences between the brands and designs. Eventually I purchased a Nikon D70 and later a D90. Then a Pentax Spotmatic SPII, Nikon FM2 Leica M3 and Kodak Retina IIIC. I used my Nikon D70 & D90 to help raise funds for schools with my studio lights and backdrops, a lot of fun. I use a Voigtlander 50mm f1.5 Nokton with my Leica M3 and it rocks. Truly think the Voigtlander lenses are very sharp for much less cost than a Leitz lens. Interesting discussion 🤔
Thanks Norman and great story too, thanks for sharing. Yes Voigtlander lenses are often excellent.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Perhaps you can help resolve the debate I am having. Also own a Leitz DR Summicron 50mm f2.0. Excellent condition and glass, but they made these lenses with more metal and weight. That is why I use the Voigtlander 50mm Nokton f1.5 lens, which is faster but also lighter. Are shooters who use Voigtlander lenses on a Leica not making best use of Leica quality by not using a Leitz lens? I keep asking myself this question.
@@normandong4479 different lenses give different pictures/rendering but there is no right/wrong. I use both brands a lot.
Had an M9 and now have an M11P.
If you want to use Leica glass you can get some insane results with a Sigma FP-L. It’s a quirky camera but paired with M glass it’s absolutely mental.
Thanks for the tip. I still haven't tried the Sigma
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom please please please do! I’ve been following your channel for years. You’re the reason I even got into Leica in the first place. I think the sigma FP-L will blow you away. If you’re ever in NYC I’ll even let you borrow mine.
@@zkramez thanks and thanks very kind! If I can a chance I will
Now that I am re-watching this, for about the third time, I just remembered that I had strongly considered adding a Lumix G1, ‘way back when, seemingly a thousand years ago, in order to be able to use a Leica M lens, acquired pre-owned, on an affordable camera body. I cannot recall, now, whether I had already zeroed-in on the Summilux-M 50m ASPH, or was still considering a number of M lenses. I remember switching my attention to the M8, the M9, and then the M Type 240. When I could finally afford to buy a pre-owned Summilux, and a Leica M camera, in April 2018, it had just become possible to finally buy a new M10, without having to first be on a waiting list. (I had to permanently scuttle plans to acquire a long-planned Nikon “super-telephoto” lens, for low-light birds/wildlife, to buy into the Leica M system. Six years later, I remain OK with that decision.)
Great that you considered the G1 too! Yes I also waited til I got my M10 (see the latest video, you'll see the mark which made it cheaper).
As I like to use Leica M, be it with film or digital, for privat and (semi-) professional work as they are so wonderful to handle and the outcomes I produce with them in connection with them Leica lenses I just like very much. They support my way to make my photographic vision visible. I tried some of those Voigtländer- lenses and sold all of them (35 mm different types, 40mm, 50mm different types) quite happily without hesitation and do use the original Leica lenses, older and newer ones with much more “satisfaction”, and nearly no need for to many adjustments afterwards:-)
Thanks Jens, yes there are lots of nice lenses for the M system so something for everyone :)
Same Lens was it for me - 40mm 1.4 SC is absolutely awesome! Switched to the 35mm 2.5 though and I love it with an S5, SL & CL in my Bag. Great and affordable combination if you get some good used prices. :)
Great! Yes the 2.5 pancake is super small which I love. I still have it. (Check out the 40mm Heliar and 28m Skopar newer lenses - see vids). My new goto
Itsa gidjin. I have other cameras I like a lot but a Leica, and I really like the M8 and M9, always feels good in my hands. Another good, well done and interesting video. Thanks
Thanks Sandy!
I use this lens on m11-p. the 40mm on this 60M pixel has advantages. which is 1.3x and 1.8x feature. 40x1.3 is around 50mm, 40x1.8 is around 75mm. And the frame line of this lens shows 50 and 75mm line. This is the smallest and the best travel and daily kit lens.
Great! Yes the size and speed make this lens a great one to have. I used it for a recent Poland trip, i'll try to share that video soon.
I love my M8 and Monochrome. No lens in particular convinced me into the system but a friend who still shoots an M8 professionally convinced me to get a good deal on one and if I didn’t enjoy shooting it, he’d buy it off me cost price.
Also - I like your glasses
Thanks Paul! Both great cameras! I needed new glasses for driving and they help hide my face so I thought I'd wear them in some of the videos haha.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom haha. Properly had a laugh there. I wear contacts but have glasses too. I’m so short sighted they are probably bulletproof. Great video and loved hearing your Leica journey. The size was a huge thing for me. Never looked at a DSLR again (tho the Fuji x100F was my gateway into “rangefinder” style cameras). I hope Lumix do a GX series for L Mount
Thank you for your views on this lens, Matt. I've been considering acquiring one for a few years now, but already having Zeiss 50mm and 35mm, it makes me wonder *when* I would choose the 40mm to shoot. So far, only for low-light is my answer, but you've got me thinking that it has more use to me than just that. After all, lens changing with M-mount is trivial. Cheers!
Hi Chris, you don't need this lens. It just happened to be the lens that push me to Leica but any similar M lens could have had the same impact. That said if you want 1 lens then it might be what you need. The size and speed is great.
My favourite prime is the Lumix Leica 50mm (25mm) f1.4, I use it mainly for street on an Oly M10. It has nice colours are they Leica look I have no idea. I used to go the Leica shop in Vienna. They were a bit steep:)...TBH I miss more the compression that I used to get on the OM-2n film camera but film is expensive compared to digital and you need space...
Nice! Yes MFT give a compact setup. I have the 15mm & 20mm for small primes.
Just joined the 40mm R3A gang. Loving it so far
Welcome!! Great lens on the R3A
I shot on a Leica M3 with the 50mm Summicron until I bought the Voigtlander 40mm f1.4 then I sold my Summicron. On the Leica M3 the entire viewfinder is close enough to a 40mm FOV so I just ignore the frame lines.
Yes! the M3 pairs so well with the 40mm. I do the same. Great shout!
I found that 40mm is basically like my eye sees the scene most of the time, and now I wanna 40mm for my Nikon film cameras, but couldn't find any options so far in my region, and 28mm, probably that famous AI-S f/2.8, which will also give me 40mm on my aps-c fuji X-T3, but again, can't find this lens in my country (there was only one nasty seller that afaik are still trying to sell it for like $380).
For Nikon F the answer is very easy - Voigtlander Ultron 40mm f2. I use it, love it.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom oh 100% yeah, but I can't afford it 😭 photography is just my hobby and the most expensive lens in my really small collection is Voigtlander 58mm f/1.4 (besides that I only have Fuji xf 18-55 and Tokina 100mm f/2.8 macro)
APS-C just requires you to use a wider lens for the same equiv FF focal length. So 24mm for a 36MM FF eqiv.... 28mm for 42mm.... and Voigtlander makes either.
Thanks but that doesn't help make for "more artsy" pictures sadly, APS-C crops the centre of any FF lens so you're crop out the nice edges on any lens, wide or long. APS-C is perfect for those that love sharpness across the frame and no vignetting* (Using FF lenses*)
That was the first ever m-mount lens as well. On my M8. :)
Great! Excellent performer on the M8!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Yep, especially in B&W. Sometimes I look back at old photos and regret ever having sold the M8.
The best flexible system (ie not fixed lens) is the XT series. I had an XT4 but wasn't a fan of all the customisable options, extra buttons etc. I started with an M6 and 1) love rangefinder focussing and 2) the absolute simplicity of the camera.
If I could afford an M10 I would buy one. I found the Q smoked the X100T in colours and image quality.
Time for you to upgrade your SL (to a 2 or 3). I wasn't that impressed with the SL (1). Big and expensive and not quite the Leica image quality I'm used to.
Thanks Chris, the M10 prices will start to come down as more people switch to the M11 (or SL3). No I'm still very happy with the SL (you know my heart is in film so that's my area of focus)
I recently have fallen in love with Olympus / Zuiko Pen half frame lenses from the F/FT/FV cameras. But on Fuji's APS-C. On the second gen sensor, it's just brilliant... and low $$$
You do well to find those lenses! I wanted to do the same with my CL but couldn't find lenses nor adapters (some years ago) I have the film Pen F so I know the lenses are excellent!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom If your definition of "excellent" lens is "ballistic wide open" Those old half-frame Zuikos on APS-c are pretty rad. They can make boring images look pretty cool.
Nice lens. Reminds me of the Canonet QL17 GIII I had years ago.
Thanks! Yes!
Hi Matt, now you made another video of the lovely Nokton 40/1.4... i own the MC, which is really cool. Like it much - but honestly, i must admit that i really *love* the way smaller Heliar 40/2.8 VM even *much* more. The Noct is way much being underrated - yet it's better than the old M-Rokkor 40/2 (v2), but the F1.4 should only being used if desperately needed - better to see the Nokton as a 40/F2 lens, therefore, the bokeh & sharpness is by design better. I only own the CLE, but for the 40mm FL, both lenses are being perfect - and these Voigtländers naturally have been designed for the matching Voigtländer Bessa R3A/M rangefinders into mind.
Thanks Marc, yes even though the Nokton is great when you need a fast lens the Heliar LTM is better if you are happy with f2.8
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Exactly. The Nokton is great, but my Heliar 40/2.8 VM is greater.
Leica do have the Summicron 40mm f2 with the rubber hood . Beautiful and very small lens much better than the similar Minolta . I used it often on my M8 till later on sold both to a friend for him to shot Monochrom . The M8 probably the first Leica Monochrom made . I shoot leica since late 1960’s at very young age , followed my father who is photo journalist . I’m now in my 70’s and retired .
Nice! I actually went for the Minolta over the Leica for better flare resistance. I might do a new video for it in the coming months as it's nice size.
I’ve got the 40 f1.2 and love this thing except I wish it had a focusing tab
Great lens! Yes I am a sucker for a nice focus tab (even if some of my lenses don't have them)
Awesome video Matt cheers. I’ve shot and still shoot many brands film and digital but I keep coming back to my Q2. I have a couple of old LTM 50s I just bought for reasonable prices they’re in transit looking forward to trying them on my newly acquired canon L3 I thinking I need to buy a bigger shovel and a head lamp this rabbit hole is deep as fek n plenty of side shafts 🙄📷❤️
Thanks Paul! Yes the hole is BIG.. see the next video I have planned for this haha
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I'll warn my bank cheers.....
I have this voigtlander lens too and for similar reasons. However, my copy has a loose front barrel. Anyone know where I could get it repaired ..?, I love the focal length and rendering. I live in the USA. Thanks for the fun and really informative videos.
Sorry to hear Steve, I'm sure any local camera shops with good skills can fix it for you.
Nice strory Matt 🎉
Thanks for sharing
Thanks Rob! Proving a lot more popular than expected. It's always the videos I least expect that do better and the ones I'm excited about, do terrible haha
Last hollidays with Minolta CLE, Voigt 40 (and Elmarit 28 😊 ) and some rolls
Great combo! I did the same lenses with my film CL before.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom yes and Minolta CLE is a mini M7 😉
Matt, this is a great episode of sharing !!! I am a 50mm shooter and Leica 50mm f1.4 summilux is my only choice for traveling with one camera / one lens combo. Since you recently have shard a great deal of Nikkor and Voigtländer lenses. I am wondering whether you have ever tried (or heard from other Leica M shooters) the legendary Nikkor 58mm f1.2 ai manual lens on Leica M? I would love to hear about your feedback if possible. Happy Shooting !!
Thanks! I have the 50mm f1.2 Nikkor but i've never tried the 58mm sadly. Maybe in the future if I get a chance!
😊
Thanks!
Nice story. I'm happy to hear your enthusiasm for the very affordable Voigtlander Nokton. I'm still shooting an M9, but have been feeling inspired to take the plunge into film again -- which I haven't shot for years. Do you recall which frames lines the 40mm triggers on the Leica, the 35 or 50?
Thanks, I think I mention the framelines in the video linked at the end. 50mm I think.. If you get an M3 the full VF is 40mm*
I don’t shoot Leica but there are a couple I’d like to own .
Definitely one of the Monochrome. I’ve been looking at the M5 a lot . But thinking maybe an m4
Great. For film they all do the same job so get the cheapest one in good condition. For digital it's more complicated and depends on what you want from the camera. The M240 offers good value for those starting out.
Hi Matt✌
I would be interested to know when you started directly with Leica 😁 And whether it was really a reason when you bought the 40 mm Nokton. Leica had also been on my to-do list for a long time, but it was just too expensive for me because it's very price-intensive. I had already given away all my AF lenses over 10 years ago and since then I've been a junkie for old lenses. Now a big part of travelling as a foot zoomer and the different perspectives. Simply the character and also certain small flaws that they have, but that's what makes it so interesting 😉😎Until not too long ago I owned the R system, first the R4 then the R8 (unfortunately it didn't work anymore? so I sold it and got myself an R6.2 and the R6. But then the weight started to bother me and the size also played a role 😁My desire to switch to the M system was already planned. Which then came true. I got the M3 but then I wanted the M6 too, so I stupidly sold the M3, which annoyed me a bit. And then I got the M240 because the digital was also appealing as it was then possible to use my old M42 for a long time even though I still have the Sony. But it's all the more fun to see the results👌 However, what bothers me a bit is that even the newer models don't have a stabiliser, which I would like.As always a great video definitely keep up the great work and also your pictures are mega👌👌👍👍
Lg Anderl
Hi yes as explained in the video the 40mm lens was 100% the reason for getting the Leica. I liked the RF size and focusing and the colours and rendering once I saw the M9 photos. I'd bought one within a few hours and that was the end of my Nikon disappointed in 1 click. Best decision I ever made for cameras. (Any small great M lens would have likely had the same impact , it was just the only M lens I had at the time)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom the size of the lenses for Leica is what also appealed to me, actually the complete system, small compact but strong and the character.😉was one of the deciding factors.👍👍
I have both, the 35mm and 40mm Nokton f1.4. And, I use more another 35mm. The Ultron f2 instead of the 2 faster lenses. So maybe I'll sell the 35mm Nokton and keep the 35 Ultron for the modern look and the 40mm for its vintage soul and because it could replace a Summilux 50mm AND 35mm.
Yes agree, I sold my 35mm Nokton and kept the 40mm & Ultron.
My lens is Summilux SL 1.4 Matt and you shall try it
Very nice!! (and thanks!)
I love my Voigtländer Lenses on Sony Cameras, I also love my Zeiss Lenses on Sony Cameras and I like Sony GM Lenses and all the adapted Lenses on Sony. There are no perfect cameras, but Sony Cameras are close enough to be nearly perfect for me, no other brand have so many new Lenses to choose from.
Thanks! Yes one of my Patreon enjoys his Sony cameras too
Great story, as always and I keep coming back to your photo on 9.04. (The boat in the snow) Would love that on my wall!😉 From the two versions of the 40mm, which one would you (now) recommend? The MC or the SC?
Thanks, contact me via the MrLeica.com blog if you want a copy of that print for your wall. I've only ever used the MC but the SC will hopefully give a nice more vintage look.
M8 I know you like your alternative lenses but I am a leica lens fan. Thinking bessa r2 to go cine vision3.. is it worth going analog.. £6.99 per roll..... can't afford a m6. I suppose the other way round stick with analog as digital so expensive.. I want to try my leica lenses on the vision3 roll... sure you know share wr going with this...
Yes I shot v3 before it became cool. Nice film. Just remember to develop at home or send to special lab (can't send to normal lab***) Camera - depends what lens you use. Bessa are not accurate enough for a fast 50mm. See my "EBL MrLeica" video. That will help you a lot. You don't need Leica but Bessa are not ideal for shallow DOF portraits.
Great video and now I’m afflicted and need to buy one. Question though: any tips for coping with having to shoot this through 50mm framelines such as M6 or M2 or M3?
Haha, I'm not saying buy it, this was just my journey. If you use the M3 the 40mm is very easy as just use the full VF area.
Matt you've reviewed a lot of lenses since you started your channel. However when you get on a flight to Poland to shoot models which one 35mm and which one 50mm would you pack with your SL?
Sadly never that simple! Size, speed, character, subject all give different answers
Are Voigltander lens mount F are optically close to the mount M voigtlander lens?
Great question! I'll answer it slightly differently if I may. My eyes are used to M mount sharpness and I needed better for my Nikon cameras so I now use mostly Voigtlander SL (F mount) lenses on my Nikon bodies. Awesome lenses and half the size of many regular Nikkor lenses.
Thanks for your answer. I use Nikon F2SB with 40mm SL2S. I love yours videos especially Voigtlander lens F.
Hi Matt, I always wonder: all lenses on Leica M got different focus points- Nokton 40/1.4 got back focus, 35.12 + 50/ 1.2 are the same and nearly perfect- not possible to get all sharp on Leica M without adjusting for each lens.... how do yo get it sharp? Best, Kim
Hi Kim, I often now cheat and use an EVF /Leica SL. In my M9 days I didn't see an issue but a good Patreon friend says like you, that he can't calibrate for all lenses so picks a few to use with the camera.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thank you! Great work👍
If I was starting my Leica journey again I would seriously consider having the 40mm instead of my 50mm Summicron and Voigtlander 35mm Nokton f1.5. How do you manage the framelines? Does it come up as a 50 or a 35?
Comes up with 50mm as I remember then just crop tight for 40mm
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom That’s good. I think I’d just aim using the 50mm lines knowing I had a bit of flexibility by actually having 40mm a bit like using the 35mm framelines on a Q2
Matt, I see the glasses. Age is catching up. The Leica manual focus days are now numbered.
Haha no I just thought I’d wear them as they’re new. I’ve needed glasses since I was 18 but don’t normally wear any (except for driving!) .. yes RF still better than SLR for this issue.
Haha no I just thought I’d wear them as they’re new. I’ve needed glasses since I was 18 but don’t normally wear any (except for driving!) .. yes RF still better than SLR for this issue.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I am in a similar situation. I was born with one eye that has poor vision. I have one eye with great vision, but as I age, I am heading toward no good eyes. So far, I am still fine with manual focus, but who knows for how long.
Great video!
Thank you!
A good photo is taken by the photographer... and not the camera... the Fuji X100V is more than enough. A good meal is made by the cook and not the pan! But how we allow ourselves to be manipulated by the industry! Leica is a status symbol for people who need to show off!!
I will never sell my X100V!
Greetings from a Swiss living in the Caribbean❤
Great to hear Roland. Yes agree the camera doesn't matter if you enjoy using it. Same with the lens. The lens shared here is not the best but it made me love photography. (Leica are only better than a Fuji if a Leica makes you inspired to shoot more. (A story I often receive from viewers). If you love your Fuji that's all you need). (I've never owned a digital Fuji but I was very happy using my old MF film Fuji in the past). (Some people love iPhone photography so there is something for everyone).
Thanks for sharing
Thanks Charles
interesting thoughts,
I had a friend in my youth who used leica cameras and made incredible pictures. I was pretty naive and thought that the brand was one of his secrets. 20 years later I bought my first leica. My pictures were the same, but I enjoyed it to make photos much more. From that moment, I was sure, that Leica M is the right camera for me. In the last 25 years I owned 18 Leica cameras M and R and a lot of lenses. I definitely don’t need the newest camera from Leica, but I enjoy it very well. Not other cameras has this emotion to me.
Spot on. Leica won't make your photos better by magic but they will make you shoot more..which may in turn improve your photos with time.
This Nocton is single coating version ?
No MC (SC lenses have a blue SC font on the front, unmarked ones are MC)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaComThanks a lot.
Interesting video, thanks for that, came at the right time as I’m researching Voigtlander lenses. Any idea as to the differences in terms of output between the single and the multi coated versions of this lens?
Thanks! Depends on the lens. If you saw my 75/1.9 video there is near no difference.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaComhow about in the case of this particular FL? There's an MC and an SC version from what I understand
I've got this lens with the Leica Minolta cl it has the 40mm frame lines as you well know I've also shot a summicron 35 mm aspheric on my Konica RF I found it almost too perfect does that sound mad I sold it with profit perhaps not so mad I like glass with character I feel it lends a lot to photography sometimes perfection is a Bain bizarre n'est pas
Yes agree, I like less perfect lenses on digital especially
Well I’ve got something to say about full frame mirrorless… they were relatively small when they were introduced, but now they are flipping bigger than the dslrs!! 😩
Oh dear, that’s the main plus for me, the old size.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom even when you go for a run? I think there’s a demand for smaller cameras if you look at e.g. the success of Fuji x100v
@@18yearsoldnot I was running with my 1931 Leica again today. I normally run with film as digital is only for models/ clients, testing lenses etc
Can I mount this lens on canon 7 ? I really want it 😁
Sadly not! That's why LTM cameras are cheap(er).. you can't mount the desired M mount glass
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom thankyou for your feedback sir!
When is your next workshop in Poland?
Hi, no planned dates yet but I post my plans on the monthly MrLeica.com blog newsletter if you get that
Why? Why not!!
Haha, true!
You need additional viewfinder on camera Leica with this lens...
I have one but I learnt to just estimate 40mm.. very easy to do
Film already wasn't economical to shoot in 2013? Good thing you didn't get carried away with that in the last 10 years or so then...
Haha it was half the price actually! £20 for 120 Kodak 5 pack, £2-something a roll for Foma :) ..Kodak Gold, 3 for under £10, Fujicolor C200, under £3 a roll... the good old days!
Super :)
Thanks!
I am so sorry I sold my Leica M9... I got more 'special' images with that camera....
Leica are missing a trick no re-releasing the classic M9 (if they could get the sensors)
Go medium format
Film yes, if digital only if proper MF / 645 size like H6 or PhaseOne
Why Leica? The lens can be adapted, so: Too much money and to little sense? or maybe it's just a love affair.
Thanks, if you saw the bit of the video looking back to 2013 Leica was THE only small camera option at the time so that's why Leica. Now it's easy to get small FF mirrorless cameras so as I said I would have likely ended up with a Sony or Nikon if I was in the same position today. (That said, once you try Leica it's near impossible to ever be happy with anything else.. sadly..)(for digital*) ..I've never heard anyone move backwards, from Leica to Fuji, or Leica to Nikon..
Because I like ka
Haha, they are very nice!