Category: People

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Leica 90mm macro-elmar user report

About 10 weeks ago, I got an email from Dale Photo telling me that a Leica 90mm macro-elmar with the adapter was available and I was next on the list to have the opportunity to purchase it.  I had the 90mm summarit which I think is very nice and under appreciated.  I opted in buying the macro-elmar because I wanted a telephoto (for a Leica it’s considered telephoto) lens that could be used for portrait and also close-up (even though it’s called “macro” I don’t consider it one) photography.  It’s also collapsable, making it easier to fit in your bag.

I don’t consider my self an expert and I’m definitely not a “specs” guy.  If you do a google search, you will probably only find 1 or 2 reviews of this lens.  It’s hard to find any real world pictures though (flickr has a few).

In the few weeks having the lens I’m extremely impressed.  I don’t consider it a true “macro” because you can’t get any closer than 0.5 meters (0.7 meters without the adapter).  The amount of detail and sharpness at such close proximity to your subject is simply amazing.  My only wish is that it had a lower aperture (lowest f-stop is 4) so that I could shoot at higher shutter speeds and not need a flash or tripod.

P.S.  All images are un-cropped.  If you are interested in seeing the full-size image let me know.  Also, eventually I’ll shoot a few with it attached to my Sony NEX-7.  I’m pretty sure these images will also be amazing (the 35mm equivalent will be 144mm).

ISO 2000 1/90 90mm without adapter

ISO 200 1/30 f/4 with adapter

ISO 2500 1/90 f/4 90mm without macro adapter

ISO 160 1/180 f/8 90mm with macro adapter and flash

ISO 160 1/180 f/8 90mm with macro adapter and flash

ISO 160 1/180 f/8 90mm with macro adapter and flash

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Sony NEX-7 & Zeiss 24mm f1.8 shots

I posted my first picture using my new Sony NEX-7 on Saturday.  I used my Leica 50mm summilux (80mm equivalent) lens and I had a few people inquire about pictures with the Zeiss 24mm f1.8 lens (38mm equivalent).  Today’s post includes pictures using the 24mm lens.

So far I’m extremely impressed with the quality of the camera and lens.  My previous camera experience includes “point and shoot”, Canon dSLR’s (including the 5D Mark II), and my Leica M9-P.  I’ve grown accustomed to shooting with manual focus and forgot how nice it is sometimes to just let the camera do it.  Most of the reviews out there will tell you the Sony NEX-7 autofocus is slower than other cameras in its class but acceptable.  I don’t have any other experience shooting with other micro 4/3 cameras but so far I have absolutely no complaints about the speed.  I think the speed is 100% acceptable and most would not be disappointed.

I use Apple’s Aperture for my camera raw processing and library and currently they don’t support the NEX-7 raw files.  I’m trialling Phase One’s Capture One software since it does support it (I actually like the software but unsure if I want to use it in my workflow).

The pictures today are jpegs converted from raw files in Capture One.  Little, to no editing was performed.

ISO 100 1/250 f/1.8 Zeiss 24mm

ISO 100 1/320 f1.4 Zeiss 24mm

ISO 1600 1/50 f/1.8 Zeiss 24mm

 

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Sony NEX-7

August I pre-ordered the much anticipated Sony NEX-7.  I’ve been wanting a good back-up camera for my Leica M9 and thought this would be the camera to have.  Wednesday, I got my wish.  B&H Photo surprised me (I didn’t get the typical shipping notice in my email) with my NEX-7.  I’ve been shooting with it constantly the past few days and so far I’m amazed how “light” and “snappy” it is.

This is my first shot posted using the NEX-7.  I have the Sony 24mm Zeiss lens but I also have the Novoflex M-mount to Sony E-mount adapter.  This was taken with my Leica 50mm summilux.

ISO1000 1/60 f/1.4 50mm summilx (80mm equivalent)

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Carrying the little one!

I’m sure some get tired of seeing me post pics of my baby girl all the time.  First, she’s very photogenic and second, she consumes almost 100% of my time right now outside of work.  Last, it’s my blog therefore I guess I can post whatever I want. LOL.

My family has been in Louisville for the past few days and while my wife works, my baby girl and I  have been walking the streets.  I should say, I’ve been walking the streets with her attached to my waist.

This second picture was taken at Maker’s Mark.  It’s a local restaurant that makes its on Bourbon.  I’m not a whiskey drinker but their food was fantastic (it’s seasoned with bourbon).

ISO 1000 1/45 f1.4 50mm summilux

ISO 320 1/30 f.14 50mm summilux

 

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Standing

Our baby girl is not only crawling now but standing.  In our family room we have large windows and we often times catch her climbing up to look outside.  These pics were taken after our last snow fall.  I think she was really interested in all the white stuff on the ground and window.

ISO 160 1/125 f1.4 50mm summilux

 

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Our Future @ 8 months

For the past 2.5 weeks I’ve been without my camera.  I had to have my M9-P repaired because the shutter release kept sticking.  Fortunately, it was fixed and delivered to me last week, just in time to get our baby girls 8 month picture.  It’s definitely becoming more difficult to get her to sit still.

Here is a link to last months picture.

ISO 400 1/60 f/4 28mm elmarit

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Washington Monument

It can be a challenge trying to capture shots that are different than others, especially when shooting in popular tourist attractions.  Every time I travel to places like Washington D.C. I take the traditional tourist shots but also try to capture a different perspective.

A friend and I were at the Lincoln Memorial taking pictures and I noticed this couple looking onward towards the Washington Memorial and I snuck up behind them and capture this shot.  I was shooting without a tripod in darkness and was only able to capture this because I was using my 50mm summilux (shot at f/1.4).

ISO 1600 1/12 f/1.4 50mm summilux

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Huh?

Our dog Abby is known for her facial expressions.  She’s a very intelligent dog always trying to figure out what we are doing and what we are saying.  I snapped this picture soon after I received my Leica M9 and 50mm summilux.

ISO 160 1/180 50mm summilux

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Street Photography and Pink Umbrella’s

If you go to flickr, 500px, or any street photographers website I will guarantee that you will find a picture of someone with a pink umbrella.  I suppose it’s because it sticks out like a sore thumb or because of the contrast in comparison to its surroundings.  Next time you see one, I bet you take a picture.

Here is my “pink umbrella” (the color is close enough).   I like the guy next to her looking at his phone but I wish the “Chicago Sun-Times” dispenser wasn’t sitting there (people still read newspapers???).

P.S.  I’m going to try to add my picture settings to all my pictures now (I’m always interested in others therefore I’m sure some are interested in mine).  Last, since I use a Leica M9 and the aperture is set on the camera lens, sometimes I will not be able to add this info because I can’t remember what I had it set at (exif information in the pic does not include it because it ‘s a truly manual camera and lens).

ISO 160 1/1500 50mm summilux

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