I guess many Leica users get a 35mm lens for their first lens. With the 35mm focal length, you can keep a nice relationship with the subject by getting neither too close to nor too far from it. This nice distance perfectly matches your desire to use a Leica. There're four kinds of 35mm lens made by Leica: the Elmar, the Summaron, the Summicron, and the Summilux. This time I introduce the Summaron 3.5cm f3.5 because it's an excellent starter old lens that is easy to find at a reasonable price. However, I'm talking about one kind of old lens that had been produced since 1946 and each copy has different history and character. So, I should put this way. I'm introducing "my favorite L mount lens that is a little hazy," rather than "the Summaron 3.5cm f3.5."
I shot against the strong sunshine, but thanks to the Summaron's low contrast and rich tonality, I could get the shadow and I can see the detail of their clothes. 35mm focal length lets you crop naturally on a full-size, APS-H size, and APS-C size sensor.
The building is reflecting the strong light. The picture came out nicely because of the flare and the falloff.
This old lens changes all kinds of intense lights into a gentle light. This lens must have performed much better when it was brand new, so this current condition is never good at all. But, I like this unique depiction because of the perfect haziness. Old lenses are fun to use because each copy is different.
Gentle light makes happy scenes even happier. This is my favorite lens.
For me, the best appeal of this copy is this round-shaped flare. I got so excited when I first discovered an unexpected flare like this. This shot is a product of chance, but you will be able to plan it as you keep testing in similar situations, and you will take a masterpiece. In other words, each different lens creates different expressions, and they construct your own personal style. In search of such old lenses, your dry cabinet will be filled with the "personalities."
( Photo & Text : A.Inden )
Many people ask me how to choose a good lens, and my answer is simple. Just bring your digital camera with a mount adapter to your camera shop, mount the lenses on your camera and shoot. If you feel the picture is beautiful or cool, that's the lens (copy) you should bring home. Choose an old lens according to what you like, rather than what the standard says. Just meet many lenses and find your favorite one.
