hi there
I can't tell you how much I disagree. The Mandler lenses are lovely, but there are a lot of truths around which need to be examined. I give you two examples
1. The 35 cron IV is the bokeh king
Just like the new FLE it sometimes gets it badly wrong
2. The 75 'cron APO is too clinical
Spend an hour with one and you'll appreciate it's organic and delicate character.
My favorite lens for my M9 is my Noct f/1.
I shoot a lot of cage fighting and sports images with it. It's really my one Leica lens that I feel I can't replicate with anything else.
The new Noct is fascinating but, to me, ultimately uninvolving.
The current 50 'lux looks lovely but I can't see replacing my Noct with it so I think I will be forever unfulfilled.
My least favorite is my 75 'cron APO.
I have spent a lot more than one hour with it.
I find it uninteresting and dull. My Nikon 85 f/1.4 on my D3x is far better, in my opinion of course.
I may get a 75 'lux just so I have at least one lens longer than 50 mm for my M9 that I like.
I always respect your opinion but I do feel there is more than a kernel of truth to the old saw about Mandler lenses having more character.
As an aside, I have been shooting Leica RF's since I was 9 years old. I still use the same IIIa that I shot with then. But the new 50'cron has me thinking I may be reaching the end of the line with Leica glass.
In my last exhibition I had one image that was printed over 100 inches long. I shot it handheld in the studio with my D3x and Nikon 24mm f/1.4. I had plenty of resolution and people could get quite close. If I need more I can get a D800E.
It is going to be hard to see where $7,000 standard lenses and, probably, $15,000 exotic lenses fit into my workflow. For the studio, I prefer my Nikon. For action, I don't need that kind of resolution, not to mention my focus is never EXACTLY perfect with rapidly moving subjects. Therefore, much of the benefit of the new super lenses would probably be lost.
My Leica action photos would benefit far more from a camera with a decent buffer, better high ISO and a modern LCD.
If the M10 does all that I will get one.
But, Leica glass may be reaching the point where it doesn't help me.
Also of note, my Olympus EM5 has recently replaced my M9 as my light weight but high quality travel camera.
Anyway, just musing.
All the best,
Bill
Fashion meets Fighting
April 2012 – Bill Fulcher |