is this THE portrait lens to rule them all?
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Published 2024-04-27
📺 - • king of bokeh
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📷✨ Dive into the vintage charm of a classic portrait lens! Have you ever wondered what makes the Leica 75mm f/1.4 stand out in the crowded world of portrait photography? Why do photographers cherish this lens designed in the 1980s, and how does it hold up with modern mirrorless cameras across various brands? Discover the unique qualities that might make this the portrait lens to rule them all!
In this deep dive, we explore:
What is "image quality" beyond mere sharpness, and how does the Leica 75mm f/1.4 redefine it?
How does bokeh contribute to a lens's reputation, and what does "good" bokeh even mean?
Why might vibrant and rich color rendition be crucial for portrait lenses, and how does this lens handle skin tones?
How do different focal lengths affect your portraits, and why might 75mm be more beneficial than the classic 85mm?
What are the implications of using a manual focus lens in an era dominated by autofocus technologies?
How does this lens integrate with different camera systems like Leica M, SL, and even non-Leica brands like Sony, Canon, Nikon & Fuji?
What historical context and design philosophy underpin the 75mm Summilux, and why might the version produced under Dr. Walter Mandler's supervision be the one to seek out?
Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a curious enthusiast, join us as we answer these questions and more, revealing why the Leica 75mm f/1.4 might just be the most transformative piece of gear in your camera bag. If classic aesthetics and timeless design speak to you, don't miss out on discovering the magic of this legendary lens!
🎥💡 Subscribe and share your thoughts! Have you used this lens? What are your experiences? Let's discuss in the comments below!
00:00 Which Lens?
00:14 What is the Image quality like?
06:13 How does it handle?
07:19 On M Cameras?
08:52 On SL Cameras?
09:51 On Canon, Nikon or Sony Cameras?
10:37 On Digital Medium Format?
11:28 Who isn't this lens for?
12:35 Who could this lens be for?
13:32 My final recommendation on which version to get
16:37 One last bit of honesty about this
All Comments (21)
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❓ What's your most important portrait tip or trick?
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Hey Oli, love your videos! Thanks for making them. Would love to see even more content.
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Me: "Oh that looks awesome!" Checks prices: "Nevermind"
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I'd heard of the Leica look, now I've learnt of the Leica look! I bought the M240 and was looking for a lens. I am sold on the Leica 75 lux. Thank you.
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Your videos are a not yet well known treasure. Keep it up.
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Excellent discussion. I have a Summilux-R 80mm (1986), which was introduced by Mandler at the same time as the 75mm. It has similar qualities and is somewhat cheaper than the 75mm on the used market.
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It's been a while since I didn't see someone taking pictures that I considered inspiration beyond the masters of photography such as Cartier-Bresson, Peter Lindbergh, etc. and I think you can enter in that category. I'm not comparing you with the goat but I can see inspiration in your photos, you can really transmit a mood and a point of view that is quite hard to find. Congratulations ❤
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I owned it in the film days, loved its rendition (you express very clearly what makes it so lovely) but had a hard time focusing it wide open at portrait distance. It really challenges the limits of rangefinder focusing. It is also large and heavy for a M lens, and I traded it in for a 75mm summicron, which is much more practical but less magical. Anyway, that 75 'lux will be fantastic on any of the current generation of mirrorless bodies, and I deeply regret not owning it anymore. Unaffordable for me at current prices with my current revenues. I have been told that the latest Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 behaves very similarly. Have not seen any serious comparisons though. Thanks for the video.
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You’ve just made my day. I own the version 2 😊 excellent review. You’ve covered all the bases and some
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Thnx Oli, great again! Love reviews of real photographers 😊👍🏼
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Lovely review about this lovely lens! I own the v2 like you and have shot some of my all time fovorite photos with this lens! Thanks for all the amazing example photo's, they're lovely!
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Super mate as always
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Great review Oli, and wondeful photos !! Thanks a lot, always super inspiring 🚀 This 75 Lux is a dream portrait lens for sure, even more on a SL body. For now, I am enjoying my (not so fancy, but still great) 50 Lux ASPH. Did you already try this one in the past ? 🙂
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This is the lens I use most often for portrait. It's beautiful.
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Love your lens reviews. Best on YT. 👏 Have been really liking 75 fl recently, using it primarily in combination with 35mm as go to setup in my bag. I have the voigt 75 nokton and quite enjoy it, always tempted to jump on this lens but as you say it won’t make me a better photographer, so for now I think I stay with what I have. Also finding used copies in Switzerland has not been too easy. Thanks for the review, looking forward to your next vid!
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Nice review. I had this lens some years ago, spent a huge amount of money for a complete revision (cemented lenses made it expensive), sold it later because I misfocussed it so often on my m9. Today I would be happy to have it, as focussing with the evf is much easier. On the other hand my portrait fotography moved more toward the wider end lately
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I like using an old Soviet Jupiter-9 85mm f2 for portraits...
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I have had the 75 lux V2 for years and I love it too. Will never sell. Got to take it for a spin on the SL3!
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My personal favorite full-frame head & shoulder portrait lens is the Nikkor 85mm f/1.4.
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Great video! I love the photos you took with this. If you like R lenses, you should try the 100mm macro--it's one of the best lenses I've ever had on any system. The 75mm focal length is surprisingly awesome and unique. I love the micro contrast on Manler's design. Your videos are excellent. Looking forward to your next piece!
