tim_gee Posted August 11, 2003 Share Posted August 11, 2003 Dear all,What LTM or M lens has given you the most satisfying portraiture results esp in B&W?I like that slightly soft creamy look often seen in older Leica shots and it's really what I'm looking for. I know Stephen Gandy finds the 50/2 Summar interesting.I would be most interested in your coments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ray . Posted August 11, 2003 Share Posted August 11, 2003 Certainly not the Summicron for flattering portraiture, unless the subject is very photogenic and/or very young. But you probably already know that. That lens is relentless in showing every single detail and flaw, seemingly ones you didn't even know existed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfm Posted August 11, 2003 Share Posted August 11, 2003 I love my collpsible Summicron(50) for portraits. I gives amazing clarity, with smooth bokeh and lovely dimensions. You might also thy any Summicron 35mm f/2 (non- asph) and get in real close. Quite the same qualities. all best, Jeffrey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grant_. Posted August 11, 2003 Share Posted August 11, 2003 depends on the shot, of course.... hence, i'ave no faves Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ken lai Posted August 11, 2003 Share Posted August 11, 2003 The collapsible summicron and 75 lux if you are looking for creamy look and smooth bokeh. Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travis1 Posted August 11, 2003 Share Posted August 11, 2003 Yes, I like the collapsible 50/2 too for portraits. Putting aside the content of the pictures shot, this lens gives real smooth bokeh wide opened and very creamy tones. I exchanged this for a 3rd version 50/2 however, and is waiting to get it back soon. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
furcafe Posted August 11, 2003 Share Posted August 11, 2003 For 50s: Zeiss 50/1.5 Sonnar, Nikon 50/1.4 Nikkor-S, Voigtlander 50/1.5 Nokton (original for Prominent, not the current Cosina, although their Nokton is a nice lens, too), Canon 50/1.8 & 50/1.4. For telephotos: Zeiss 85/2 Sonnar, Nikon 85/2 & 105/2.5 Nikkor-P's, Canon 85/1.8 & 100/2. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
el_fang Posted August 11, 2003 Share Posted August 11, 2003 90/2.8 Elmarit. I had both M and R versions (same optical formula). A killer combination with Delta 400. If the subject had a less than model complexion, I would go Tri-X or HP5+; in extreme cases, Delta 3200 @ ISO 1600; and in very extreme cases, Delta 3200 @ 6400 through a Softar II smeared with Vaseline. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al_kaplan1 Posted August 11, 2003 Share Posted August 11, 2003 85/2 Nikkor without doubt! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ralph_barker Posted August 11, 2003 Share Posted August 11, 2003 Aside from the characteristics or "signature" of a particular lens, the choice really depends on what you personally call a portrait (i.e. how close? head and shoulders only?), and what you feel is a pleasant perspective. Shooting close with short lenses is trendy right now, but few portrait "clients" will appreciate the distortion caused by fore-shortening. A 75mm is about minimum in my opinion, longer being even better for "classical" portraiture. Check out the "B&W Portrait" thread a bit further down the message list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steven_fong2 Posted August 11, 2003 Share Posted August 11, 2003 Hi Tim, 'slightly soft creamy look'? My choice would be the Summitar. Only do portraits with it. It's only good for that too:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tito sobrinho Posted August 11, 2003 Share Posted August 11, 2003 Tim, please explain "creamy look". I thought that "creamy look" was due to development and or printed on the defunct Ektalure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerry_lehrer Posted August 12, 2003 Share Posted August 12, 2003 Tito "Creamy look" is just a copout for lack of critical sharpness. Jerry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grant_. Posted August 12, 2003 Share Posted August 12, 2003 critical sharpness is a copout for lack of interest Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tim_gee Posted August 12, 2003 Author Share Posted August 12, 2003 "Creamy look" is a description not an explanation. Whether it's the "lens signature," the development process, film type or all three, I'm interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bas1 Posted August 12, 2003 Share Posted August 12, 2003 90mm Fat Tele-Elmarit and 50mm Summilux. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patricks Posted August 12, 2003 Share Posted August 12, 2003 well, i really did like the 50'lux but now I use what I got, i.e. a Konica Hexanon 50/2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephen_w. Posted August 12, 2003 Share Posted August 12, 2003 The 75 'lux can't be beat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_perkins2 Posted August 12, 2003 Share Posted August 12, 2003 Has to be the current 50 f2. Shot from a distance, or 35 closer in. Think Cartier Bresson. If you're really looking for close in intensity and out of focus goodness, use a Hasselblad.<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom_duffy1 Posted August 13, 2003 Share Posted August 13, 2003 I like the 50 Summilux M, especially with tri-x or delta 400, but my all time favorite is the older 90mm Sumicron R between f2 and f4. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott squire nonfiction Posted August 13, 2003 Share Posted August 13, 2003 75mm Voigtlander. Tried the 75 Lux, liked it, but a) that's one big lens, and b) that's one 'spensive lens. The CV makes lovely pictures and costs a little more than a large Frappucino. Beautiful things it does on color film. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
george_b1 Posted August 13, 2003 Share Posted August 13, 2003 90mm 2.8 Tele Elmarit (thin). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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