5 frames in Venice with the Leica 50mm Summicron V4 on a Leica M10

One month after I got my street photography dream lens – the Leica 50mm Summicron Version 4 – I took it with me on a short trip to Venice.

I came upon this lens sooner than I expected. I have always been a 50mm shooter at heart but never really jelled with the TTArtisan 50mm f1.4 that I had been using with my Leica. Although I was always happy with the images it produced, the size and weight always put me off using it and gave me a pain in the wrist after carrying it around for more than an hour. The flare control is poor and the hood adds even more size. I also think it looks ugly on the front of the beautiful M10 – petty I know, but I’m sure I’m not alone on 35mmc, in camera aesthetics being one of the reasons to shoot vintage styled cameras.

All of these negative points were me basically justifying myself purchasing another expensive 50mm lens. After a lot of research, I decided that the Summicron Version 4 was the one for me (due to it being the smallest and lightest Summicron with modern rendering and even a focus tab). I started saving for a future purchase when I came across a deal that I couldn’t refuse so handed over all the money from my piggy bank and I was now owner of the most famous street photography lens there is.

Now I just hoped I could create some images worthy of the expense.

Despite the fact my rangefinder was out of alignment (I discovered this a few months later), I am quite happy with some of the shots I managed to get. Here are five of my favourites:

I was shooting at f5.6 or f8 most of the time so the alignment issue’s didn’t seem to affect most of my images anyway. I am regularly impressed by the detail and colours resolved from this 45 year old lens.

As far as I’m now concerned, the 50mm Summicron is the perfect partner to an M camera. The weight and balance is just right, the focus throw is spot on, the frame-lines are not blocked at all and it looks great. Occasionally I put the hood on but I have only noticed lens flare creep into 2 photos in 8 months shooting so far. Please do not let the lens flare naysayers put you off this lens – it really is a non-issue.

I hope I have finally found the one lens that will stay with me for a lifetime and I, if I can find a trusted vendor, am considering getting it serviced and 6-bit coded soon.

I am very happy with my purchase. There is only one problem – that 50mm Summilux ASPH tempts me with her crazy subject separation, built in lens hood, crazy bokeh and artistic lens flares. I know the Summicron is the perfect street photography lens for me but that doesn’t stop me wondering…

If you like these images, please check out the rest of my street photography project of shots from Italy, titled “La Bella Vita” at my website www.lukekennyphoto.com

Or find me on Instagram @Kickstand

Thank you,

Luke

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