efix:photography - News. Thoughts. Pictures. » leica

The smallest 28mm M-mount lens

efix — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:52:23 +0000

Japanese optics manufacturer MS Optical has been renowned for quite some time for their conversions of all kinds of lenses from and to all kinds of different mounts. A while ago, they created the smallest ever 35mm lens for Leica M-mount, the MS Optical Super Triplet Perar 35mm f/3.5, a lens which was instantaneously recognized for its optical qualities. After the original version of the 35mm Perar had sold out, MS Optical introduced version II with slight modifications. This lens is recognized as one of the best 35mm lenses for Leica M-mount ever.

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SLR Magic 50mm T0.95 for Leica M

efix — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:12:13 +0000

Just recently, Hongkong-based lens manufacturer SLR Magic, best known for their affordable alternative manual lens options for Micro Four Thirds and Sony NEX, have announced production of a new super fast 50mm T0.95 lens for Leica M mount. The lens is thus a direct competitor to the crazy expensive yet legendary Leica Noctilux 50mm f/0.95.

The new SLR Magic 50mm T0.95 lens for Leica M

The “T” designation means that the lens’ actual maximum light transmission is that of a theoretical f/0.95 aperture opening with now light loss. In a typical [...]

Dear Leica, (UPDATED)

efix — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:03:07 +0000

I am aware that you are in the middle of restructuring and expanding your business. Mr Kaufmann put a lot of money into you, and I do not believe he did so without expecting compensation. Lisa Holding Germany has acquired most of your stocks by now, and just recently Blackstone started investing in your company. On the other hand, you are about to expand your production facilities, building a completely new complex in your old home, Wetzlar.

Being a big fan of your products and your philosophy, I welcome all this. I welcome the fact that Mr Kaufmann saved [...]

Camera news: Canon G1X, Fuji X-Pro1, Sigma lenses

efix — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 07:30:34 +0000

Only a quick update, as I’m currently at work and don’t have time to write a full article. Two interesting new cameras have just been announced, one that has long been rumored, another one that comes as a surprise. Also, Sigma has announced two interesting new lenses.

Canon G1 X

The Canon G1 X

The Can0n G1 X is the latest iteration of Canons acclaimed G-series enthusiast’s compacts that started with the G1 back in 2000. Traditionally, the G-series models have been advanced point-and-shoot cameras with small sensors, medium-fast lenses, a complete range of [...]

My photographic christmas wishlist

efix — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:55:45 +0000

These days I’ve been thinking a lot about stuff I’d like to treat myself with for christmas. Alas, the budget for new toys roughly equals zero this year. Still, being the gearhead that I am, here’s a list of what I would have Santa bring me

M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 — Olympus’ latest Micro Four Thirds lens offering, equivalent to a 90mm portrait lens / short tele in 35mm terms. Being raved about by everyone who has it, and generally getting quite favourable reviews. This would complement my Lumix 20/1.7 nicely for a two-lens kit.

New M9 firmware claimed to solve SD card problem

efix — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 07:36:49 +0000

Leica Camera AG have released firmware version 1.174 for the Leica M9, claiming to have solved the issue that would render certain SD cards unusable, as well as corrupt their contents. You can find an official statement, a link to the new firmware as well as a recap of the original story over at Leica Rumors. Certain SanDisk cards still remain problematic in use with the M9, though, so make sure your card is compatible before using it.

The new firmware is being discussed in the German and English sections of L-Camera Forum.

Stainless steel sculpture cites complete Leica camera history

efix — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 06:34:54 +0000

Via Leica Rumors.

Chinese sculptorLiao Yibai created an enormous, 350kg weighing stainless steel sculpture which at first sight looks like a Leica M film camera. But when you look closer, each viewing angle conveys a citation of a different piece of Leica camera history. For example, the sculpture features a battery compartment like an M6/7/P, a rewind lever like an M2, a Leica decal like the M6+ cameras, a shutter speed dial like the screw mount Leicas, a shutter button with on/off switch like the M7/8/9, a back with LCD and buttons like the M8/9 [...]

Quote of the day

efix — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 07:40:40 +0000

Bellamy Hunt on the topic of the Leica Summicron 35/2 ASPH.:

Now I am not going to sit here and give you a detailed description of this inner workings of this lens, as I don’t want to deprive poor old Ken Rockwell of readers.

LOL

First user report on the new CV Nokton 35/1.2

efix — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:07:08 +0000

The new Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.2 II lens seems to be available in some parts of the world already, and a user at rangefinderforum.com has posted some first thoughts and sample pictures taken with a Leica M9.

He claims the lens has better contrast wide open than its predecessor, is still sharp at f/1.2 and still exhibits pleasing bokeh. But judge for yourselves: http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=110011

News & Articles | August 5th, 2011

efix — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 07:56:43 +0000

It seems it’s time for another round of news and articles! Over the past weeks, I’ve been collecting interesting links again, which I’d now like to share with you.

Section 1: Micro Four Thirds

The Photography Of Amos Chapple This really doesn’t need many words. Amos Chapple is an avid traveller and records his adventures using Micro Four Thirds cameras by choice. Look at his pictures and you’ll know why they say it’s the photographer that takes the shot, not the camera. Amazing stuff!

DSLR Magazine: Olympus PEN Lite (E-PL3) test The Spanish DSLR Magazine [...]