Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH f/1.4

Test: Leica 50mm Summilux vs. Undisclosed Lens #7.

2018, 7Artisans 50mm f/1.1, Inspiration, Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH f/1.4, Leica M10, Q&A, Teaching point

Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH vs. Undisclosed Lens #7.

(EDIT January 4, 2018:  I have revealed the identify of Lens #7 here.)

  • Both lenses mounted on a Leica M10
  • @ f/1.4
  • @ minimum 0.7 m focus distance (nonetheless, notice the field of view difference)
  • Identical default sharpening settings in Lightroom
  • No post-processing (nonetheless, notice colour differences)

 

Entire scene (please click on image to enlarge):

–

100% centre crop (please click on image to enlarge):

–

Which one is “superior”?:

Clearly the Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH.

Will I still continue to use Undisclosed Lens #7?:

Yes.  I value this lens for its “flaws”.

—Peter.

Oh the irony.

2018, Favourite, Inspiration, Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH f/1.4, Leica M10, Portrait, Prosophos Custom Lightroom Presets, Q&A, Teaching point

Today I finally figured out how to properly process my Leica M10 files (the irony is that last weekend I announced the end of this blog).

After months of experimentation, I created a custom preset in Lightroom that strikes a nice balance between punching up the contrast and colour, enhancing skin tones, and preserving detail.  The overall effect is subtle, which is what I want.

Most of the commercial presets I’ve tried result in cartoonish effects (specifically, with respect to colour shifts and detail obliteration) that are painted over with digital “grain”, so I’ve avoided using them.

Here is an example of my preset in action:

(click for a larger view)

–

Here is another example:

(click for a larger view)

–

I can’t wait to work with this (and possibly fine-tune it some more).

By the way, I want to thank all of you who took the time to write to me, both on this site and via email, with words of encouragement.  I am very grateful for your kindness.

—Peter.

Season’s Greetings… and…

2018, Favourite, Inspiration, Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH f/1.4, Leica M10, Print, Within 200 feet of My House™

For almost a decade I’ve enjoyed posting images and engaging in discussion with fellow photographers and photo enthusiasts on this site.

Truth be told, it wasn’t always a fun process, and I wasn’t always happy doing it.

I did however strive to be honest… with you and with myself.  I was wrong about some things, changed my equipment far too frequently, and often overestimated my abilities and influence.

And I documented it all, here.

Now I believe the time has come to stop posting.  Knowing myself, I will continue to have an intermittent presence online (I love the photography community far too much to completely stop interacting with all of you) but it won’t be here.

Thank you for your attention and support.

I hope 2019 is kind to you and your loved ones.

(And please remember to enjoy Life’s Little Moments.)

Season’s Greetings.

—Peter.

 

EDIT: December 29, 2018.

After a restful holiday and an almost complete recovery from illness, I’ve decided to keep this blog going for as long as I can.  Thank you again for all of your messages of support.

—Peter.

↑ Leica M10 + Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH f/1.4.