🔴 WHY LEICA? | The one LENS that made me buy a Leica 

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Matt... you have no idea how you have influenced me. I bought the M11 last year, while getting my kit on.. I researched about Voigtlander lenses and you popped up.. AND the I bought the 40 mm Voigt... !!! MY GOD what a lens... anything you point it at turns to gold. Closely matched by by Zeiss 35.1.4 Distagon ... similar master of a lens.. and of course My Elmar 28 . Voigt 90mm is a monster ... ... so that 40 mm is truly a future legend. A thousand thank yous for that alll the way from Mumbai.

After spending my entire life as a photographer carrying large and heavy cameras, from 5x7 to 4x5 inch to extensive 35mm equipment, I have now discovered the smaller formats for myself. Two things are remarkable: firstly, the quality that APSC offers and secondly, the pleasure it brings back to photography. It's incredibly fun to take photos with one of these small and light cameras and their great image quality. Photography gives me as much joy again as I felt when I was very young. Splendid.

Love love love my nokton 1.4, just has an edge over the similar minolta I started with. Pairs beautifully on the SL.

There's a weird trend on RU-vid that people who shoot Leica feel the need to justify why they shoot it. We've been beaten into apologizing for our choice of camera. It is ridiculous. If I want to spend a million dollars on a camera that does nothing, then that's nobody's business.

In spite of what you are saying, I never see people (RU-vidrs ;) with such a glow in their eyes , if they are talking about enjoying to shoot on simple M- Mount or Q´s... What counts is the joy you have while taking Photos. 😊

Glad you are giving some love to VM classic 40m! I have one of them as well and VM 35 classic V1. Both are great lens used on my Leica CL. Great photos as always - artsy for sure...

My first Leica was the Leica SL and It was you who convinced me to buy it! :) I love it to bits! Then I got the M8. Then the M6! I never looked back since! All thanks to you! Cheers, sir! Always love your content! :)

Nice strory Matt 🎉 Thanks for sharing

I love a video to see the journey of a photographer! This is wonderful. I too started my professional career in 2013, but coming from the film day of the 90's with Canon EOS 5, the natural progression for me is to keeping my self in the Canon ecosystem with my existing lenses, so the 5D mark ii became the choice for me. I think I, and a lot of us, were carried away by perfection in optical performance and autofocus capabilities that we forgot what makes photography interesting. I was chasing after all the cleanest L glass, and the fastest fail-proof eye tracking auto focus, and the R5 became my work camera. But there is something so contagious about Leica that as soon as you experience one, you can never go back. Once I picked up my M240 last year, I was inspired to photograph things outside of my typical array, while TT Artisan Lux copies and vintage Canon screw mount lenses were good, I don't think I hit the sweet spot until I picked up the Voigtlander Classic 35mm SC II. That lens along with the 50mm Summarit f/1.5 really sums up the entire system for me. Like you said, I even went and tested out the X-Pro when I was shopping for a digital Leica, but I just cannot do it for APS-C, and I am so glad I stick to my hunt for a M240!

The tale of one lens and how it influenced your career is fascinating and inspiring. It is also a convincing argument for full frame (I shoot ASP-C, which works for me) without being dogmatic about it. Thanks for sharing truly useful videos.

I have the MC version which I got for my film CL body. I now use it on my M3 and M4-2. I think this is how I came across your channel Matt, which has helped me spend my money!

I just got my first Leica. An M5 almost unused pristine from Japan with a 50 mm summicron V4 F2. All thanks to you mate! I've been with Nikon since childhood. I have an F3T and FE2 a Z8 and a Zf and an F4 and a range of nikon glass

Watching you on RU-vid made me realize I needed a Leica. I bought 21 and 50 Voigtlander manual e-mount lenses for my a7III to take on a trip to Japan. The idea was to make the camera more compact. Then I dropped down the Voigtlander, Leica rabbit hole on RU-vid when I found your videos. I originally wanted to get a used M10 as a travel camera, but after I started using it, I'm too afraid to take it with me on the streets and possibly be a victim of a bash and grab in a foreign country. That said, I felt very safe shooting in Tokyo with the Sony, and the red-light district there is very photogenic, especially at night.

Thanks for all your very informative content. Because of you I got into shooting film and just bought a Leica iii b with a Summitar 2/50 and I love it. (Although it has to go to repair directly, because the the rapid wind is damaged)

What a great journey Matt, and well explained. A lot of us can relate, and personally speaking i am glad to add that in the past 23 years when photography became a real hobby, i have tried nearly every format known, from the tiny Minolta 16/Minox to 8x10 and the likes. Still aiming to try liquid emulsion on glass plates but i do envision that to be quite messy 😂. Kudos to another well presented retrospective - Ralf

Love to hear about your journey. I have had my M3 for years. Added the R8 for my commercial work for a model shoot project. Now I have M4, M6, iiif, m240, M10M, SL2, SL3 and Leica lenses. I have not had much luck with non-Leica. Not sure why. Keep up the great work

What an engaging, rich video. I love your earlier photos Matt and when you got the M9 ( love the camera lust-have around that segment! ) that seems like a catapult moment. When I got into photography, there was nothing but manual lenses so I knew no other and it's a blessing tbh. I still use them now solely ( though occasionally get a lazy moment and think oh sod it I'll get this or that AF). I use Fuji ( x-t1 ) and 5d mkii with a focusing screen, plus 3 Leica r lenses and a Zeiss 50mm 2.8. Oh, plus a 7 Artisans 25mm f2 ( what a nice surprise that little thing is, too ). I shot my brother's wedding back in the '80s, on an old Nikon film, and portraits always were my favourite thing really. Bokeh hadn't been invented then, but I liked the blur wide open and the subject isolation. I can get that with the Fuji and Leica 50mm f2 wide open, though not as dramatically as full frame would. Again, super super video Matt, loved it👍😊

Great to know you history with Leica! It’s interesting to discover how you started and the point that loving shooting wide open and not stopping down, this happened to me too… my story was with the Nikon 50mm 1.8G that was always on my Nikon @ 1.8 😊. Still love that effect today, but don’t use it that much 😅. Best regards, my friend!

The Voigtländer 40mm 1.4 is my favourite lens in 2024, I will shot any picture with this particular lens in following months. I really enjoy it and I exactly understand your perspective

That Voigtlander 40mm 1.4 is also my first Voigtlander. I pair it with my Sigma fp from time to time.

I bought the 40/1.4 as a tele lens for my Olympus E-P1. I loved it there. Then I also got a M9 and the 40 was my standard lens there. It is a really lovely lens.

Great story. Thanks for sharing! For 45 years I was just a sporadic M4 shooter. Then I started watching you on RU-vid. I shoot almost daily now. I now have a Minolta CLE, a new M6, an M11 in addition to the old M4. The Voigtlander 40mm Heliar gets moved from camera to camera. ..Avery

My first M lens was the Nocton classic 1.4 too .Single coated version and yes I can`t seem to be able to trade my CL system in either. The body is also a lovely platform for M lenses too .

I have all the Leica cameras you mentioned except the CL. I started with the M6 over 30 years ago. On it was the 35 mm Summicron version 4 which I am still using today.

The 40mm f/1.4 was the first M lens that I purchased with a Bessa R3A great lens and my most used lens on the Leica M2 & M240. Great video and stellar images

Matt, there’s no problem getting a vintage look on an APS-C camera with modern lenses that cover full-frame sensors. Just take out one or more of the groups inside the lens. 😊

Had an M9 and now have an M11P. If you want to use Leica glass you can get some insane results with a Sigma FP-L. It’s a quirky camera but paired with M glass it’s absolutely mental.

Great video!

I bought the 40 f1.4 quite early on too. That and the 21mm f4 were a compact 'travel' set combined with an A7s. When I first got an M10 they were my only lenses. But I don't pick up either these days, you might have encouraged me to dig them out again.

Matt, thank you. For a long time I've watched your videos and dreamed of using a Leica for my personal photography. I use dlsr's and now mirrorless for my weddings and even adding the Nikon Z8 to my kit just didn't feel special. Switched to Sony and their wonderful GM lenses and after 2 weddings just found them the same as everything else. 2 weeks ago I got an M9 and just can't put it down. Beautiful images. A joy to take everywhere. I want to go out and take photos again!!

The Leica M10D with Leica Summilux 28mm is an incredible combination. I find myself reaching for it exclusively nowadays. I have a Voigtlander M-Mount 35mm and it, too, renders fabulous images on my Leica cameras.

Ha! I have that 40mm that I bought to use with an adapter on my Fuji cameras years ago and then I used it with my first Leica also. Mine was used with the Monochrome type 246. I still use it today.

I own an M2 and had no desire to get anything more until I stumbled on the M1. Strangely, the 40mm makes it easier to use the m1. Permanent 35 and 50 framelines. So I’m pretty confident composition a photo with it. (So long as distance and dof is correct)

I only have a M6, planning to upgrade to MP one day. Also would like a M10 or M11. But the thing I like is that you won't ever rely on a software update for auto-focus being faster/more precise. Or a new system that makes the old system obsolete. An M9(with updated CCD sensor) is just as good as a M11 for focusing...

Nice story. I'm happy to hear your enthusiasm for the very affordable Voigtlander Nokton. I'm still shooting an M9, but have been feeling inspired to take the plunge into film again -- which I haven't shot for years. Do you recall which frames lines the 40mm triggers on the Leica, the 35 or 50?

I have this voigtlander lens too and for similar reasons. However, my copy has a loose front barrel. Anyone know where I could get it repaired ..?, I love the focal length and rendering. I live in the USA. Thanks for the fun and really informative videos.

Just joined the 40mm R3A gang. Loving it so far

Love this lens! It's my go-to on my digital Leica, being one of the sharpest lenses I own. I wish Leica focused more on producing lenses in the 40mm focal length.

I previously used a Fujifilm X100s and a Nikon D800e. I then switched to a Leica Q2, and all of a sudden my photos were no longer boring. I am keen to try different focal lengths and M lenses, so I will probably get a Leica SL3 as my second camera.

Itsa gidjin. I have other cameras I like a lot but a Leica, and I really like the M8 and M9, always feels good in my hands. Another good, well done and interesting video. Thanks

My first Leica was a Digilux 2, and from that point on I guess I was hooked. The simple design and superior build quality of a modern Leica is hard to beat. And of course Leica’s pleasing optical perfection and robust lens construction is the best. I just wish they weighed half as much. Spending a day in the field raising a M body with a Summilux 50 or a SL2 with a 24-90 to my eye in order to compose and focus is like doing bicep curls.

Thank you for your views on this lens, Matt. I've been considering acquiring one for a few years now, but already having Zeiss 50mm and 35mm, it makes me wonder *when* I would choose the 40mm to shoot. So far, only for low-light is my answer, but you've got me thinking that it has more use to me than just that. After all, lens changing with M-mount is trivial. Cheers!

Same Lens was it for me - 40mm 1.4 SC is absolutely awesome! Switched to the 35mm 2.5 though and I love it with an S5, SL & CL in my Bag. Great and affordable combination if you get some good used prices. :)

Similar story here. I got VM 40mm 1.4 for my Sony Nex Camera, which got me hooked. It was VM 40mm 1.2 that tipped me over to Leica cameras, few years later. I love 40mm field of view.

I just got a 40mm nokton and compared it to 35 nokton on digital and im blown away it is as sharp if not sharper and it hits that sweetspot. It has a bit less vignetting (checked with waveforms) and looks absolutely lovely. I had it many years ago on my cl but sold to keep the summicron 40, big mistake the nokton is larger but better imho.

Great video and now I’m afflicted and need to buy one. Question though: any tips for coping with having to shoot this through 50mm framelines such as M6 or M2 or M3?

Great story, as always and I keep coming back to your photo on 9.04. (The boat in the snow) Would love that on my wall!😉 From the two versions of the 40mm, which one would you (now) recommend? The MC or the SC?

Matt, good of you to share your experience and thoughts of what cameras you used. Leica has always been a premium priced camera, because of its build quality. I could not afford any decent gear when I was in college and even years after. This interlude gave me a chance to compare and understand the differences between the brands and designs. Eventually I purchased a Nikon D70 and later a D90. Then a Pentax Spotmatic SPII, Nikon FM2 Leica M3 and Kodak Retina IIIC. I used my Nikon D70 & D90 to help raise funds for schools with my studio lights and backdrops, a lot of fun. I use a Voigtlander 50mm f1.5 Nokton with my Leica M3 and it rocks. Truly think the Voigtlander lenses are very sharp for much less cost than a Leitz lens. Interesting discussion 🤔

Interesting video, thanks for that, came at the right time as I’m researching Voigtlander lenses. Any idea as to the differences in terms of output between the single and the multi coated versions of this lens?

I own a Minilta CLE, came with a 40mm Rokkor, F2, nice lens, used it on my M6,M9 and M10 and always get great results, I even use it on my M8 and in this one in particular I like that it gives me almost something like a 50mm

As I have already described, in other replies to your other presentations, the lens that led me to add the Leica M system was the Summilux-M 50mm ASPH, a post-retirement self-gift. I do very much like working with the 40mm focal length, having used the Canon 40mm STM lens on EOS EF cameras, and a Voigtlander 40mm SL II lens on Nikon F-mount DSLRs, so, I can foresee myself acquiring a 40mm M-mount lens, sooner or later. I wear eyeglasses when shooting, so, cannot quite see the 35mm frame lines, anyway, when using an M Type 246, which might make a 40mm lens a good fit.

40mm is a great focal length between the popular 35mm and 50mm standards. While I started out with 50mm kit lens back in the day but almost 20yrs I got the almost pancake Pentax 43mm f1.9. I love the focal length and just as well that Pentax still have their full frame K-1ii DSLR however the body is big while the lens is tiny. 43mm is the diagonal of the 24mm X 36mm frame making it the true normal 😀

Now that I am re-watching this, for about the third time, I just remembered that I had strongly considered adding a Lumix G1, ‘way back when, seemingly a thousand years ago, in order to be able to use a Leica M lens, acquired pre-owned, on an affordable camera body. I cannot recall, now, whether I had already zeroed-in on the Summilux-M 50m ASPH, or was still considering a number of M lenses. I remember switching my attention to the M8, the M9, and then the M Type 240. When I could finally afford to buy a pre-owned Summilux, and a Leica M camera, in April 2018, it had just become possible to finally buy a new M10, without having to first be on a waiting list. (I had to permanently scuttle plans to acquire a long-planned Nikon “super-telephoto” lens, for low-light birds/wildlife, to buy into the Leica M system. Six years later, I remain OK with that decision.)

Thanks for sharing

Nice lens. Reminds me of the Canonet QL17 GIII I had years ago.

Are Voigltander lens mount F are optically close to the mount M voigtlander lens?

That was the first ever m-mount lens as well. On my M8. :)

I’ve got the 40 f1.2 and love this thing except I wish it had a focusing tab

Hi Matt, I always wonder: all lenses on Leica M got different focus points- Nokton 40/1.4 got back focus, 35.12 + 50/ 1.2 are the same and nearly perfect- not possible to get all sharp on Leica M without adjusting for each lens.... how do yo get it sharp? Best, Kim

As I like to use Leica M, be it with film or digital, for privat and (semi-) professional work as they are so wonderful to handle and the outcomes I produce with them in connection with them Leica lenses I just like very much. They support my way to make my photographic vision visible. I tried some of those Voigtländer- lenses and sold all of them (35 mm different types, 40mm, 50mm different types) quite happily without hesitation and do use the original Leica lenses, older and newer ones with much more “satisfaction”, and nearly no need for to many adjustments afterwards:-)

Awesome video Matt cheers. I’ve shot and still shoot many brands film and digital but I keep coming back to my Q2. I have a couple of old LTM 50s I just bought for reasonable prices they’re in transit looking forward to trying them on my newly acquired canon L3 I thinking I need to buy a bigger shovel and a head lamp this rabbit hole is deep as fek n plenty of side shafts 🙄📷❤️

Matt you've reviewed a lot of lenses since you started your channel. However when you get on a flight to Poland to shoot models which one 35mm and which one 50mm would you pack with your SL?

I use this lens on m11-p. the 40mm on this 60M pixel has advantages. which is 1.3x and 1.8x feature. 40x1.3 is around 50mm, 40x1.8 is around 75mm. And the frame line of this lens shows 50 and 75mm line. This is the smallest and the best travel and daily kit lens.

Matt, this is a great episode of sharing !!! I am a 50mm shooter and Leica 50mm f1.4 summilux is my only choice for traveling with one camera / one lens combo. Since you recently have shard a great deal of Nikkor and Voigtländer lenses. I am wondering whether you have ever tried (or heard from other Leica M shooters) the legendary Nikkor 58mm f1.2 ai manual lens on Leica M? I would love to hear about your feedback if possible. Happy Shooting !!

I recently have fallen in love with Olympus / Zuiko Pen half frame lenses from the F/FT/FV cameras. But on Fuji's APS-C. On the second gen sensor, it's just brilliant... and low $$$

Last hollidays with Minolta CLE, Voigt 40 (and Elmarit 28 😊 ) and some rolls

If I was starting my Leica journey again I would seriously consider having the 40mm instead of my 50mm Summicron and Voigtlander 35mm Nokton f1.5. How do you manage the framelines? Does it come up as a 50 or a 35?

M8 I know you like your alternative lenses but I am a leica lens fan. Thinking bessa r2 to go cine vision3.. is it worth going analog.. £6.99 per roll..... can't afford a m6. I suppose the other way round stick with analog as digital so expensive.. I want to try my leica lenses on the vision3 roll... sure you know share wr going with this...

APS-C just requires you to use a wider lens for the same equiv FF focal length. So 24mm for a 36MM FF eqiv.... 28mm for 42mm.... and Voigtlander makes either.

My lens is Summilux SL 1.4 Matt and you shall try it

Hi Matt, now you made another video of the lovely Nokton 40/1.4... i own the MC, which is really cool. Like it much - but honestly, i must admit that i really *love* the way smaller Heliar 40/2.8 VM even *much* more. The Noct is way much being underrated - yet it's better than the old M-Rokkor 40/2 (v2), but the F1.4 should only being used if desperately needed - better to see the Nokton as a 40/F2 lens, therefore, the bokeh & sharpness is by design better. I only own the CLE, but for the 40mm FL, both lenses are being perfect - and these Voigtländers naturally have been designed for the matching Voigtländer Bessa R3A/M rangefinders into mind.

I shot on a Leica M3 with the 50mm Summicron until I bought the Voigtlander 40mm f1.4 then I sold my Summicron. On the Leica M3 the entire viewfinder is close enough to a 40mm FOV so I just ignore the frame lines.

I found that 40mm is basically like my eye sees the scene most of the time, and now I wanna 40mm for my Nikon film cameras, but couldn't find any options so far in my region, and 28mm, probably that famous AI-S f/2.8, which will also give me 40mm on my aps-c fuji X-T3, but again, can't find this lens in my country (there was only one nasty seller that afaik are still trying to sell it for like $380).

Hi Matt✌ I would be interested to know when you started directly with Leica 😁 And whether it was really a reason when you bought the 40 mm Nokton. Leica had also been on my to-do list for a long time, but it was just too expensive for me because it's very price-intensive. I had already given away all my AF lenses over 10 years ago and since then I've been a junkie for old lenses. Now a big part of travelling as a foot zoomer and the different perspectives. Simply the character and also certain small flaws that they have, but that's what makes it so interesting 😉😎Until not too long ago I owned the R system, first the R4 then the R8 (unfortunately it didn't work anymore? so I sold it and got myself an R6.2 and the R6. But then the weight started to bother me and the size also played a role 😁My desire to switch to the M system was already planned. Which then came true. I got the M3 but then I wanted the M6 too, so I stupidly sold the M3, which annoyed me a bit. And then I got the M240 because the digital was also appealing as it was then possible to use my old M42 for a long time even though I still have the Sony. But it's all the more fun to see the results👌 However, what bothers me a bit is that even the newer models don't have a stabiliser, which I would like.As always a great video definitely keep up the great work and also your pictures are mega👌👌👍👍 Lg Anderl

Leica do have the Summicron 40mm f2 with the rubber hood . Beautiful and very small lens much better than the similar Minolta . I used it often on my M8 till later on sold both to a friend for him to shot Monochrom . The M8 probably the first Leica Monochrom made . I shoot leica since late 1960’s at very young age , followed my father who is photo journalist . I’m now in my 70’s and retired .

I love my Voigtländer Lenses on Sony Cameras, I also love my Zeiss Lenses on Sony Cameras and I like Sony GM Lenses and all the adapted Lenses on Sony. There are no perfect cameras, but Sony Cameras are close enough to be nearly perfect for me, no other brand have so many new Lenses to choose from.

I don’t shoot Leica but there are a couple I’d like to own . Definitely one of the Monochrome. I’ve been looking at the M5 a lot . But thinking maybe an m4

The best flexible system (ie not fixed lens) is the XT series. I had an XT4 but wasn't a fan of all the customisable options, extra buttons etc. I started with an M6 and 1) love rangefinder focussing and 2) the absolute simplicity of the camera. If I could afford an M10 I would buy one. I found the Q smoked the X100T in colours and image quality. Time for you to upgrade your SL (to a 2 or 3). I wasn't that impressed with the SL (1). Big and expensive and not quite the Leica image quality I'm used to.

A good photo is taken by the photographer... and not the camera... the Fuji X100V is more than enough. A good meal is made by the cook and not the pan! But how we allow ourselves to be manipulated by the industry! Leica is a status symbol for people who need to show off!! I will never sell my X100V! Greetings from a Swiss living in the Caribbean❤

This Nocton is single coating version ?

Can I mount this lens on canon 7 ? I really want it 😁

Matt, I see the glasses. Age is catching up. The Leica manual focus days are now numbered.

Super :)

When is your next workshop in Poland?

Well I’ve got something to say about full frame mirrorless… they were relatively small when they were introduced, but now they are flipping bigger than the dslrs!! 😩

I've got this lens with the Leica Minolta cl it has the 40mm frame lines as you well know I've also shot a summicron 35 mm aspheric on my Konica RF I found it almost too perfect does that sound mad I sold it with profit perhaps not so mad I like glass with character I feel it lends a lot to photography sometimes perfection is a Bain bizarre n'est pas

interesting thoughts, I had a friend in my youth who used leica cameras and made incredible pictures. I was pretty naive and thought that the brand was one of his secrets. 20 years later I bought my first leica. My pictures were the same, but I enjoyed it to make photos much more. From that moment, I was sure, that Leica M is the right camera for me. In the last 25 years I owned 18 Leica cameras M and R and a lot of lenses. I definitely don’t need the newest camera from Leica, but I enjoy it very well. Not other cameras has this emotion to me.

😊

I am so sorry I sold my Leica M9... I got more 'special' images with that camera....

Why? Why not!!

Film already wasn't economical to shoot in 2013? Good thing you didn't get carried away with that in the last 10 years or so then...

You need additional viewfinder on camera Leica with this lens...

Because I like ka

Go medium format

Why Leica? The lens can be adapted, so: Too much money and to little sense? or maybe it's just a love affair.

You make it look like the image is cropped and it is not cropped but smaller because of the size of the aps-c sensor. If you think spending $6000 will make you a better photographer then waste your money on that over priced camera.

WHY DONT YOU NAME THE LENS IN THE DESCRIPTION SO I DONT HAVE TO WATCH THE STUPID VIDEO?

The Nokton 40? Really? SMDH. Of all the classic lenses out there, that really rather average lens from Cosina is the one you went gaga for? Give me a Summitar or even the Nokton 50/1.5 Asph LTM over it anytime.

Great to see the M8 mentioned, I find it takes fantastic BW shots if you dont use the IR cut filters on it !! And I agree I took 1 pic with my M8 and was hooked on that CCD look , so nice