The outfit really was accentuated by the late day sun. I also like the contrast with the dark background. Again the Leica Noctilux gives the image a unique look.
Leica M (240) with Leica Noctilux f1.0
Sunset
Blur was created by moving camera not long shutter speed. Gives the effect that the sun is much larger than it really appeared at the time.
Leica M (240)
Walking on the Beach
Family playing in the water at the end of the day. Noticed numerous photographers shooting pier for sunset photo. Photographers sometimes seem to focus solely on preconceived idea of what a good shot is and stop looking deeper. Camera automatic exposure was totally wrong so I switched to manual. Shot with noctilux so sunset was out of focus.
Leica M with Noctilux 1.0
November 1, 1977
Dealer cost and list.
Simplicity
Keep it simple..
Leica M8, 35mm 2.0
Leica table top tripod review
The Leica Table Top tripod and large ballhead has been with me longer than any other piece of photography equipment that I own. It has supported Nikons, Leicas, Hasselblads, and even a 4 X 5 view camera. If I don't have a full size tripod with me this wonderful little tripod is in my bag or jacket. I use it on the ground, on tables, on cars, on fences, even using myself as the base. It folds flat so that it can be slid into the back pocket of most camera bags. Back when I was a catalog photographer my biggest job required that I photograph the subject in 8 X 10 as well as 4 X 5. The large camera was on a studio stand that had a large center column that had a crossbar that slid up and down the pole with the camera attached. For the floor level shots, after I was done with the 8 X 10 I would slide the stand out of the way and shoot with the 4 X 5 on the Leica tripod. Amazingly stable but a little top heavy, but it worked.
I went to school for photography about 30 years ago and the photojournalism teacher Mr. Collins showed me a neat trick for the Leica tripod. He showed me how you could press the legs against your chest and with the long shaft that the ballhead has the camera was placed perfectly at eye level. Perfect for slow shutter speeds in low light. He said he had learned the trick from some famous photographer in the 50's whose name escapes me.
There are lots of small tripods on the market but I have yet to come across any that can rival the quality of the Leica. On most the ball head is to short and not practical in real world use. The combo sells for about $330 so it is not cheap. But it is typical Leica quality and will last a lifetime.
Tripod supported by wall
Leica 14100 tripod with 14110 Ballhead
Tripod compact for travel
Tripod supported by chest
Back Alley
I like the quiet moments in life. One block away there are thousands of people shopping.
Leica M8 and 35mm
Foggy Pier
Great day for photographing.
Most Boring Ad Ever
Not only did I watch the whole thing, I loved it.
Leica 1.0 Noctilux at Carnival
Leica M and Noctilux
Just couldn't resist. Went to the carnival with my Leica M (240) and Noctilux. The f1.0 isn't as needed as in the film days when I purchased my Noctilux but I just love that look that it has been known for for all of these years. Today we can just crank up the iso to get the shutter speed required for the shot. But I still like the glow that it gives off and since shooting at night the vignette goes with the subject matter. Focusing is just a matter of persistence. I tried Live View and Focus Peaking a few times and it does seem to help. The shot of the people on the ride in the air was focus peaking. I have no idea how I got the shot with the ride spinning around. Since the rides travels on the same track I just focused as the chairs went by and after a few revolutions took a few shots. The f1.0 aperture really didn't matter much except for one stop higher shutter speed or one stop slower iso. Walking around with such a small package makes shooting this kind of snap shooting more enjoyable. A Noctilux is huge by Leica standards but my outfit was not much larger than the small DSLR's that I saw people had hanging around their necks. For this kind of shooting it's just my camera and lens and battery in my pocket. No need to carry more equipment or even a bag. The camera has the standard neck strap on it but I wrap the strap around my wrist. Never around my shoulder or neck. Partly for security but mostly so that the camera is always ready. Having the camera ready in my hand gives my more confidence that I will get the shot. As far as performance goes test shots are not given for this lens. It is not very sharp, vignetting is very noticeable wide open and there is that glow. Although sharpness increases and aberrations lessen when stopping down, I don't feel that a Noctilux is a 50mm replacement. I think of it as an extra tool in my bag. I also own a 50mm Summicron for times when a normal field of view is what I want. I don't mind carrying two 50mm lenses.
