Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2004/11/12
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I had recently purchased a used Bessa R2 and CV 50mm f/1.5 Nokton kit used. I ran a few rolls through it and was severely disappointed. My old Canonet with a partially-working meter turned out much nicer photos. I decided to give the body one more chance and picked up a Leica 35mm f/2 Summicron pre-ASPH used. I ran a single roll of Ilford FP4+ through it today and processed it in my home 'darkroom' this afternoon. I was nervous while waiting for the strip to dry but was very relieved once I looked at the photos with a loupe and later scanned them in. They're easily the sharpest 35mm-format negatives I've ever shot! Everything about the lens seems lovely.. contrast, bokeh, etc. I've always held my Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8 AIS lens in the highest regard and have been very impressed to see the little Leica rise to the challenge. Sadly, because of my horrible luck with previous rolls in this camera, I didn't bother 'wasting' my time shooting anything worthwhile or even bothering with proper composition. I simply wanted to get through the roll as fast as possible and see if previous bad photos were the result of the lens or something with the body.. so I don't really have any decent shots from the roll. Just some simple test photos with no photographic value (with some odd choices for focus points). http://www.pbase.com/image/36267122/original.jpg http://www.pbase.com/image/36267120/original.jpg http://www.pbase.com/image/36267125/original.jpg Anyway, I've been very happy with this first adventure with Leica equipment.