The Voigtlander lenses are probably the most underrated lenses on the market. Anyone who has used them agrees that they are professional level and they never disappoint. I fixed my 25mm Color Skopar onto my Fujifilm X-Pro1 and I took to the street.
First, I have to tell you that this lens works beautifully on the X-Pro1. Being a 25mm, or a 38mm equivalent, it has tremendous depth of field. Manual focus is smooth and easy. It is unobtrusive and looks cute, sexy and businesslike all at the same time. I shot using the X-Pro1's black and white application. The results were fantastic.
Next week Leica will announce a black and white digital camera. For the life of me, I can't see how they will improve over the X-Pro1. With this Voigtlander lens, and the Fuji 35mm f1.4 lens, the black and white looks like it was shot on film. I am almost tempted to just shoot in black and white with the X-Pro1. Almost, that is. The colour rendition on this camera is far too good to be neglected.
At 1,000 ISO there is very little noise in any picture shot with the X-Pro1. I found that shooting at 3,200 or 6,400 ISO rears a slight noise that resembles film grain. This gives the black and white pictures a look of the thirties, forties or fifties through a Leica. Composing is easy on this camera due to its low profile. Once the auto focus is fixed, you have the perfect camera. it's probably the first digital camera with a soul.
John,
ReplyDeleteNice work and insight. I kept the 25mm when I sold my M6, just waiting for my conversion ring to hit the street with the same combo you're using - I'll keep you posted. Cheers!
Patrick
www.patricksmith.fr
Thank you, Patrick. Thank you very much. I have just viewed your website. I am blown away that I should get such a compliment from such an accomplished street photographer. Please keep in touch.
Deletejohnsmith_2358@rogers.com
Hi John! Beautiful pictures! Thank you for sharing them with us.
ReplyDeleteI'm new to the photography world so please forgive me for asking what is probably an "obvious" question - were you able to directly attach the Voightlander lens to your X-Pro 1 or did you have to use an adapter?
Thank you again!
Thank you, G mac. I do need an adaptor for the X-Pro1. I use a Kipon adaptor http://www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?_nkw=kipon+X-Pro1+Leica&_sacat=0&_odkw=kipon+X-Pro1&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313 . When I bought, there were no other adaptors available for the X-Pro1. It is really great!. I use Leica lenses as well as the adaptor is an M mount. The Tele-Elmarit shots were mounted with this adaptor. For $80 is is worth it!
DeleteHi John,
ReplyDeletelovely shots, I am looking forward to more of them. Currently I am looking to acquire an X Pro 1 and the 35mm, with maybe the 18 as well. Oh alright, the 60 too, why not.
Having a couple of Leica lenses at the moment as well though I wonder about trying them. Is it safe to assume that you focus at maximum aperture, and then just before you expose the image, you stop the lens down to the taking aperture? Is there an easier way, apart from shooting at maximum aperture of course. I'm old enough to remember using the "preset" lenses, where this form of taking was routine.
Regards
Gary