No man, on the Leica analog cameras 28mm framelines were not "the standard" by any means. In fact the M3, the M2, and the M4, all considered the three best Ms by many did not include 28mm framelines. The analog Ms did not have the 28mm framelines until the Canadian made M4-P. All subsequent models did. But to claim that 28mm was "the standard" when the three most iconic Ms did not include them is entirely misguided.
Dear Scott, I had not taken into consideration those vintage cameras. Then there are those prototypes as well which I am surprised you had not mentioned. M4-p, all the way up to the present which spans decades is the standard.
Use the widest angle lens like a 28 or 25mm. put it on f8 or f11 and look at the depth of field range you will find that it covers infinity down around 3ft or less. this is the zone focusing dream come true. just point and shoot. faster than auto focus.
My favorite lens serie is Summicron and I am in the middle of buying the new 28 mm Summicron. Because I use it for street and very much also for portrait. But hey we all have different taste and references
I've been doing documentary photography, linked to "street photography", for a long time and there is one lens that should be in the video, the 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit. At 1.4 or 2.0 work in the streets is almost impossible, same for the Summilux 35mm, there is no way. The 28mm f/5.6 on the other side is only for very favorable light. The aperture setting is not emphasized enough in this review. Aside, the Elmarit 28mm is also a lens that is relatively affordable. "Zone focus" I've never believed in it, an amateur approach as far as I'm concerned, it just doesn't give you depth in your work. Keep on the good work in doing the reviews, I enjoy them :-)
You are absolutely right about Leica 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit. I own this beautiful compact lens and it is great for street photography. As far as aperture settings, I have covered that in my other videos especially for Leica Summilux 35mm. Appreciate your comments.
You also can use the Leica summicron 40mm f2 from the 70s that comes with the Leica CL. A very little, light invisible lens in the streets. And affordable too. About 500 to 600 Dollars in good condition. There is no frame line in the Leica Ms for 40 mm. But you can guess in comparison with the 50mm frame line very good.
What I don't like about 28mm is that that's the focal length most smartphone cameras have. I had a Ricoh GR II that I loved but ended up selling it because the pics looked like cellphone pictures.
don't be offended, but i think your reason of not using the 28mm focal length is rather dumb. There are TONS of great photographs that are captured by cell phones, there are even cell phone photography awards. And on top of all, there is a reason why cell phone makers choose this focal length, Apple probably consulted shit load of experienced and well known photographers on choosing the focal length, well guess what, the end result is 28mm.
The question is "What do you do with your pictures?" If you just watch them on your screen or send them on social networks, no need to buy a camera. A smartphone is ideal. Otherwise, a good lens worth it. But keep in mind that 120 billions of pictures are taken each year ; 100 billions with a smartphone. It is not a coincidence.
Oz, I would love to know your opinions about how a lens's depth of field scale influences whether or not you choose to zone focus with it. Some lenses, like the 35mm Summilux you featured, have A LOT of info in the DOF scale, including markings for F/1.4 and other apertures you would never use if you were zone focusing. This was a big reason why I chose the slower and cheaper (don't hate me) Voigtlander 35mm F/2.5 Color-Skopar. It has a very minimalistic DOF scale design, showing only a few apertures that are nicely spread out for easy and quick viewing/adjusting on the go. Please let me know in a comment (or in your video) if you've thought about this in the past.
Hello Andre, thank you for your question. Firstly, let me clarify something important. Whether a person is attempting to do Zone Focusing with Leica Summillux or Summicron, it is absolutely as useful as any other "slower lenses" from Leica or any other make. The faster lenses provide more options, especially under low light circumstances. It is for this reason if one can afford a faster lens it is often advisable to buy one because it is a more versatile tool. Leica Summilux and Summicron lenses their widest apertures say f/1.4 or f/2 can still be used in Zone Focusing but are "near impossible" for those who have not mastered the art and subtilities of these faster lenses. As for your choice of Voigtlander 35mm f/2.5, it is a superb lens, a bargain for what it delivers. So, I congratulate you on your choice. Using it for Zone Focusing will mean that you will need to download an app for DOF to your smartphone to check the distancing which is the most accurate way to use Zone Focusing. I will be doing a video on Zone Focusing soon so please make sure you check our videos regularly.
Very good explanation of the focal lengths, but it would have been stronger if yo would've included some sample photos of the same street scenes at the different lengths.
No rule in photography. I had a 35mm F2 most of the time on my M6, but a 50mm F1.4 80% and a 28mm F2.8 20% on my M240. Currently, I use a M4/3 with a 25 F1.4 (50 eq) and sometimes a 75 F1.8 (the smallest, lightest and sharpest 150 equivalent ever made) for street photographie and it's a delight.
I've seen people argue this before, i.e. the best lens for street photography. Seldom does anyone consider Leica's 75mm f/1.2 lens in 'street photography' discussions. It's a big lens and it's a heavy lens, but the 75mm f/1.2 is my first choice when I plan to shoot on the street. If I choose to shoot 'wide open,' which I often do, I absolutely must have Leica's Visoflex EVF installed. Except for its weight and size, it's an amazing lens.
Ricoh 28.mm on a Petri gx1. 5.9 mm 28mm 2.4 equivalent on an 8.1 megapixel Ricoh gr digital camera from 2006. My favourite for street and candid. I used Nikkor 28mm lenses back in the 1960s and 1970s as a press photographer. Very few people were using Leica. Nikon Slrs were the mainstay, not Leica. No
It is possible that I am mistaken......but I don't think the M Typ 240 has frame lines (in the viewfinder) for a 28mm. You stated that the M240 and M 10 had these frame lines. Am I correct ? The M6, on the other hand, DOES have 28 mm frame lines. I know this for a fact.
28mm is full frame on a M240. That's why I chose this lens. Roughly all you see in the rangefinder is what you get on your picture without consideration on frame line. However, yes, M240 has frame line for this focal lens. And on a M6 you have these frame lines : 35-135 mm, 50-75 mm and 28-90 mm.
I have used 21, 24, 28, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 85, and 90mm prime lenses for street photography. On my Leica rangefinder, I normally carry the 21mm f/1.4, 35mm f/1.4, and 90mm f/2 for street photography. The 35 is my personal favorite. On my Leica Contax rangefinder, I normally carry the 28mm f/2.8, 45mm f/2, and 90mm f/2.8 for street photography.
I still prefer 35 more than 28 even for the street photography because getting too close to the subject with 28 is not good for both distortion and intimidation to the subject. I always dream about the Leica Q with the 35 equipped. That will be the best combo for the street photography in my opinion.
No man, on the Leica analog cameras 28mm framelines were not "the standard" by any means. In fact the M3, the M2, and the M4, all considered the three best Ms by many did not include 28mm framelines. The analog Ms did not have the 28mm framelines until the Canadian made M4-P. All subsequent models did. But to claim that 28mm was "the standard" when the three most iconic Ms did not include them is entirely misguided.
Dear Scott, I had not taken into consideration those vintage cameras. Then there are those prototypes as well which I am surprised you had not mentioned. M4-p, all the way up to the present which spans decades is the standard.
very enlightening video for newbies of street photography who are starting out with leica digital RF
Thank you Chirag..
Use the widest angle lens like a 28 or 25mm. put it on f8 or f11 and look at the depth of field range you will find that it covers infinity down around 3ft or less. this is the zone focusing dream come true. just point and shoot. faster than auto focus.
My favorite lens serie is Summicron and I am in the middle of buying the new 28 mm Summicron. Because I use it for street and very much also for portrait. But hey we all have different taste and references
I fell like you should be smoking cigar while doing this review. 👌
Anyway I like the 28 and 50mm combo. 28 for objects and 50 for people.
Would love to have a few Cohibas. Perhaps, a kind supporter of our channel would mail a few. :)
Great video! Learned so much!
Great info as usual - many thanks
Thank you for your support.
Excellent presentation. One thing that you did not mention is that use of a wider angle lens enables you to use a slower shutter speed.
I've been doing documentary photography, linked to "street photography", for a long time and there is one lens that should be in the video, the 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit. At 1.4 or 2.0 work in the streets is almost impossible, same for the Summilux 35mm, there is no way. The 28mm f/5.6 on the other side is only for very favorable light. The aperture setting is not emphasized enough in this review. Aside, the Elmarit 28mm is also a lens that is relatively affordable. "Zone focus" I've never believed in it, an amateur approach as far as I'm concerned, it just doesn't give you depth in your work. Keep on the good work in doing the reviews, I enjoy them :-)
You are absolutely right about Leica 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit. I own this beautiful compact lens and it is great for street photography. As far as aperture settings, I have covered that in my other videos especially for Leica Summilux 35mm. Appreciate your comments.
You also can use the Leica summicron 40mm f2 from the 70s that comes with the Leica CL. A very little, light invisible lens in the streets. And affordable too. About 500 to 600 Dollars in good condition. There is no frame line in the Leica Ms for 40 mm. But you can guess in comparison with the 50mm frame line very good.
Great videos!!! thank you
Appreciate your support.
My favourite focal length for street photography is 24mm. Get more sense of place when shooting with it.
What I don't like about 28mm is that that's the focal length most smartphone cameras have. I had a Ricoh GR II that I loved but ended up selling it because the pics looked like cellphone pictures.
don't be offended, but i think your reason of not using the 28mm focal length is rather dumb. There are TONS of great photographs that are captured by cell phones, there are even cell phone photography awards. And on top of all, there is a reason why cell phone makers choose this focal length, Apple probably consulted shit load of experienced and well known photographers on choosing the focal length, well guess what, the end result is 28mm.
The question is "What do you do with your pictures?" If you just watch them on your screen or send them on social networks, no need to buy a camera. A smartphone is ideal. Otherwise, a good lens worth it. But keep in mind that 120 billions of pictures are taken each year ; 100 billions with a smartphone. It is not a coincidence.
Ricoh GR II sensor is much better and bigger that any cellphone in 2020.
I would love to hear your opinions on zone focusing. Hope to see a video on it soon!
Creating a video on the Zone Focusing. Thank you for the suggestion.
Oz, I would love to know your opinions about how a lens's depth of field scale influences whether or not you choose to zone focus with it. Some lenses, like the 35mm Summilux you featured, have A LOT of info in the DOF scale, including markings for F/1.4 and other apertures you would never use if you were zone focusing. This was a big reason why I chose the slower and cheaper (don't hate me) Voigtlander 35mm F/2.5 Color-Skopar. It has a very minimalistic DOF scale design, showing only a few apertures that are nicely spread out for easy and quick viewing/adjusting on the go. Please let me know in a comment (or in your video) if you've thought about this in the past.
Hello Andre, thank you for your question. Firstly, let me clarify something important. Whether a person is attempting to do Zone Focusing with Leica Summillux or Summicron, it is absolutely as useful as any other "slower lenses" from Leica or any other make. The faster lenses provide more options, especially under low light circumstances. It is for this reason if one can afford a faster lens it is often advisable to buy one because it is a more versatile tool. Leica Summilux and Summicron lenses their widest apertures say f/1.4 or f/2 can still be used in Zone Focusing but are "near impossible" for those who have not mastered the art and subtilities of these faster lenses.
As for your choice of Voigtlander 35mm f/2.5, it is a superb lens, a bargain for what it delivers. So, I congratulate you on your choice. Using it for Zone Focusing will mean that you will need to download an app for DOF to your smartphone to check the distancing which is the most accurate way to use Zone Focusing. I will be doing a video on Zone Focusing soon so please make sure you check our videos regularly.
Very good explanation of the focal lengths, but it would have been stronger if yo would've included some sample photos of the same street scenes at the different lengths.
Hello Eric... We are releasing a guide to Zone Photography which will include sample photos.
No rule in photography. I had a 35mm F2 most of the time on my M6, but a 50mm F1.4 80% and a 28mm F2.8 20% on my M240. Currently, I use a M4/3 with a 25 F1.4 (50 eq) and sometimes a 75 F1.8 (the smallest, lightest and sharpest 150 equivalent ever made) for street photographie and it's a delight.
I've seen people argue this before, i.e. the best lens for street photography. Seldom does anyone consider Leica's 75mm f/1.2 lens in 'street photography' discussions. It's a big lens and it's a heavy lens, but the 75mm f/1.2 is my first choice when I plan to shoot on the street. If I choose to shoot 'wide open,' which I often do, I absolutely must have Leica's Visoflex EVF installed. Except for its weight and size, it's an amazing lens.
What equipments were you using to shoot the video? I think the color of the video is very Leica style!
RED Camera. Lenses are Zeiss Cinema Primes.
I think for street the 24 and 50 mms are the best.Too bad there is no 24mm frame line in the leica M.
And what about very wide angle? Sometimes I use 17-24 mm and it's ok.
Good focal range. Very versatile.
Merci beaucoup 🦘🥂
Ricoh 28.mm on a Petri gx1.
5.9 mm 28mm 2.4 equivalent on an 8.1 megapixel Ricoh gr digital camera from 2006.
My favourite for street and candid.
I used Nikkor 28mm lenses back in the 1960s and 1970s as a press photographer. Very few people were using Leica. Nikon Slrs were the mainstay, not Leica.
No
It is possible that I am mistaken......but I don't think the M Typ 240 has frame lines (in the viewfinder) for a 28mm. You stated that the M240 and M 10 had these frame lines. Am I correct ? The M6, on the other hand, DOES have 28 mm frame lines. I know this for a fact.
28mm is full frame on a M240. That's why I chose this lens. Roughly all you see in the rangefinder is what you get on your picture without consideration on frame line. However, yes, M240 has frame line for this focal lens. And on a M6 you have these frame lines : 35-135 mm, 50-75 mm and 28-90 mm.
I have used 21, 24, 28, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 85, and 90mm prime lenses for street photography.
On my Leica rangefinder, I normally carry the 21mm f/1.4, 35mm f/1.4, and 90mm f/2 for street photography. The 35 is my personal favorite.
On my Leica Contax rangefinder, I normally carry the 28mm f/2.8, 45mm f/2, and 90mm f/2.8 for street photography.
I still prefer 35 more than 28 even for the street photography because getting too close to the subject with 28 is not good for both distortion and intimidation to the subject.
I always dream about the Leica Q with the 35 equipped. That will be the best combo for the street photography in my opinion.
😊
For street photography you don't need fast lenses.
Of course, you don't, just use a smartphone.
I need fast lenses when I am shooting street after sunset.
Ты бы ещё лёжа на кровати рассказывал.
мое любимое место