5 Frames with a Leica M6 and Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 – By Nigel Cliff

Illya Swan replied:

Comment posted: 12/07/2019

This lens was the main companion to my M6 on a 2-month trip to Europe this summer, and it does just fine in low light. One thing to consider is its very soft nature at F1.4 and slight glow if direct light and is involved (studio strobes). You can reach me on Instagram if you'd like some examples. I've just finished scanning 20 rolls of film and will have plenty of samples soon.

Charles Arrington replied:

Comment posted: 12/07/2019

I have the Voigtlander as well but only used it on an M10. That barrel distortion is distracting, but for the price it’s a great lens. I still keep it around, but I do prefer the 35 Summicron, even though I do lose some light in the process.

Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 12/07/2019

What a fantastically blinkered comment. As any photographer worth thier salt will tell you, no camera is better than any other, as what makes a good camera is far more down to the photographer and their ability to shoot with it. My abilities with Leica cameras far outstretch those with a spotmatic, purely because I have used a lot of Leicas and haven't shot a spotmatic. Therefore, Leica cameras are better (to me) than spotmatics

Chris Pattison replied:

Comment posted: 12/07/2019

Ha! Ha! I have an SV and a 55mm f/1.8 Super Takumar, and that lens is the best resolving film era lens I have, except perhaps for a Fujinon of same aperture and focal length. I have next to no knowledge of rangefinder lenses, so I'd be a fool to comment on them.

Brett Rogers replied:

Comment posted: 12/07/2019

Frank, are you trying to come across as an insecure Pentax owner with a too-small penis? Because intentionally or otherwise , congratulations, you have. Spotmatics are terrific cameras, they could age a little more gracefully, but they are high quality. So are Leicas for that matter, and yes, I think they could stand up to age better, too. Whether one is more expensive than another, or a rangefinder instead of a TLR etc isn't the point. Different people find they get more keepers with a variety of cameras. That's the point. And if you can't fathom that, you don't know shit. I don't own a Leica BTW. I've always preferred Contax for various reasons that are unimportant to this discussion. I do have some Leicas here for testing/sale and I may be keeping a couple, but have not previously owned a Leica. I do on the the hand own a Spotmatic. I don't write as an outraged Leica owner. Merely as a photographer capable of realising that not everybody else has the same preferences or needs in a camera that I do. Next time if you must be contrary when you comment, then, at least be interesting, please.

Chris Pattison replied:

Comment posted: 13/07/2019

I went to college at Rolle in Exmouth. We used to get the train and drink in The Bridge Inn at Topsham. I had a part-time job at Richard's greengrocers. Being from County Durham, I wasn't always well understood by some of the clientele! Such a lovely place.

Theo replied:

Comment posted: 14/07/2019

Chris, my mum had a rolling bill at Richard's. Whenever she sent me to buy anything I'd also buy a bunch of grapes and finish them in the time I could walk home so she wouldn't know. Best system ever.

Johnny Martyr replied:

Comment posted: 15/07/2019

I don't think anyone would disagree. Probably the entire reason CV built the 40/1.4 Nokton was because it became obvious that the 35/1.4 which is a direct copy of the 1960's Leitz 35 Lux, was going to exhibit some easily addressed problems. But from a marketing standpoint, you can't just make a 40mm only with 35mm being supported by most bodies. I had some issues initially using the 40 on my M6 and R2 but it's only taken a few rolls to put the reservations aside. Of course, the very recently released 35/1.4 Nokton II is supposed to put an end to this conundrum.