🔴 CHARACTER not Clinical/ Boring! 💫 TTArtisan 75mm f1.5 Portrait Lens

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

✅ PRESETS - mrleica.com/presets/ ✅ NEW EBOOK - mrleica.com/ebook-model-photography-handbook/ ✅ TTARTISAN (Buy Here) - bit.ly/4670YA7 7 ways I can help you with your photography: ------- 1. Newsletter - bit.ly/3OLE37t 2. eBooks - bit.ly/3ziRkQ9 3. Presets - bit.ly/4erCB4t 4. Welcome Pack for Leica owners - bit.ly/3MTuPUY 5. Join our Patreon community - bit.ly/4ewAhcd 6. Jump on a Call - bit.ly/3lBkdgq 7. Request a Workshop - bit.ly/47ISKjG ------- 📷 LIGHT LENS LAB discount code - bit.ly/3Xieazn 📷 CAMERA BAG: bit.ly/3Uiva6w 📷 SEE MY GEAR: mrleica.com/kitlist/ 📷 LIGHTING KIT: Godox AD100Pro Flash - geni.us/UQMO Godox Mini Flash Trigger - geni.us/EDp03m Variable ND Filter - geni.us/QDC8 Compact Light Stand - geni.us/CC7G Thanks Tobi for the Biotar test images! instagram.com/tobias.spranger/ Model - instagram.com/ashagenvall/ ✅ CHECK EBAY - (US) ebay.to/2F0HoxY (UK) ebay.to/3ijzle2 ✅ SUBSCRIBED?: Don't miss another video! bit.ly/3qET0ZO ✅ NEED FILM?: mrleica.com/do-you-need-film/ ✅ COFFEE: Thank Matt with a coffee - www.paypal.com/paypalme/MrLeica

[@LukeWorrall-k6w]

I have one. I have been using this lens for half a month. Generally speaking, it is worth more than its price. First of all, I'd recommend adapting it to Nikon ZF. Compared with adapting it to Sony cameras, ZF will amaze you and you will feel a great improvement. Since I have both Nikon and Sony cameras, I have a profound feeling. When the aperture is fully open on ZF, the center sharpness is completely usable. After closing the aperture to f2, it is very good. In short, this is a refurbished replica lens. There is no need to worry about sharpness. This lens is worth more than its price. The workmanship is very exquisite and the sharpness is completely sufficient. Nothing to complain about.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Luke, yes great fun lens for the price 100%

[@HenleyBailey]

Looks like a great lens. I love that there's so many well priced and properly built vintage style/copy lenses coming out.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Henley! Yes me too!

[@jimbimedia]

thanks to Chinese enthusiast companies.

[@standfest_party]

As an owner of Helios 40 F1.5 (silver one): this lens cost me almost 2x less, it is new, the IQ wide open is better, and two major selling points: it is much lighter and it can be used with Techart LM-EA9 autofocus adapter! I extremely happy with the lens!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great! You can use this with those adapters unless it’s too heavy. Thanks for sharing.

[@TobiasSpranger]

Thank you for the great video! I really like the lens and I'm impressed how close it comes to the legendary Biotar. Without side by side pictures I couldn't spot the Chinese Biotar. Just as a quick add on, when you loosen the three tiny screws near the M42 thread, you can turn the lens until the scale is up and then fasten the screws again.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Tobi about the adapter and for the sample images to help people.

[@zoltankaparthy9095]

Yes, the lens is a good one. I am partial to Zeiss prescriptions even though I know very little. It is good to see you so pleased with a new lens. You and your model, Asha, are a good combo. Her lower lip, your eye, bingo!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Sandy, yes I like interesting lenses!

[@detlefhuettemann]

looking forward to check this lens out. I ordered mine few days ago.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great fun for the money!

[@Minotauros5]

Just came to say that the photo of Asha at 8:16 with her wearing a white sweater is gorgeous. Well done to you and Asha, Matt. Also, I have a late copy of the Helios 40 and I'm not sure that this TTArtisan would be different enough for what I might use it for. It sure looks awesome though and the price can't be beat.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! I’ve not tried the H40 yet.

[@jamescaldwell5]

Another Fantastic review. This lens is also priced perfectly to be added to a Christmas wish list. Have you tried the TTartisan 90mm f1.25? They used to make it in an L mount but now it looks like their website has it for the X1D mount. It’s a bokeh beast at full frame it must be crazy with medium format. Def worth trying if they will send you one.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Yes I’ve tried it. It’s huge and softer with more flare. This one is much better for character as copying a famous lens design.

[@Skipsul]

I would like to know how this compares with the other Biotar revival: the (very expensive) Meyer Görlitz 75mm 1.5, especially with regards to the quality of the glass and coatings.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

I’ve not tried the MG75, I did write to them a while ago. The TTA offers much better value for sure.

[@vampolascott36]

Wow! Beautiful images out of that Chinese Biotar. I thought I could get good swirly bokeh with my Voigtlander 50 1.2 Nokton, but that’s nothing compared to your lens. I just bought the Voigtlander 75 1.5 and I agree that it’s sharp with good contrast when shooting wide open.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes much more swirl than the Voigtlanders but yes their 75/1.5 is great.

[@jlwilliams]

Thanks for demoing this! Normally I'm lukewarm about the vintage-reissue lenses from LLL et al, because how “creative” is all this really if any yutz with a fat credit-card limit can buy the same effects? But I'm interested in this one because I have a soft spot for the original 75/1.5 Biotar; for several years I owned the scarce rangefinder-coupled LTM version, which I used on a Leica M4P via a simple screw-to-bayonet adapter. It was one of those infuriating lenses that always produced either magic or mush, nothing in between; try to make a simple headshot with sharp eyelashes and it might utterly fail you, but then point it into a window-lit room and suddenly everything was filled with ethereal atmosphere. I'd be willing to take a chance on the TTArtisan version in hope of recapturing that magic even occasionally… IF the M-mount version teased on their site ever actually materializes!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great! Yes fingers crossed we get the M mount version. (And agree I missed a few too, even with the SL due to its less predictable nature!)

[@Munichvintagelens]

I have the version 2 biotar and TT, did a comparison on digital and film, basically no difference at all. Not possible to tell them apart (different color cast on film that is corrected by awb in digital). IMPORTANT to note, lenshood was part of the lens calculation back in the day and without the biotar will flare like crazy as it was not corrected for side light. So in good lighting conditions or with hood you wont see a difference, in strong light and without you will. Biotar does rainbow flare, tt a bit red if at all

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks for sharing. Yes the older lens needs a hood for sure!

[@Spencer_White]

Great video Matt! 🙌

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you!

[@olio_benzina]

Great review as usual. When you say that the TTArtisan is 80/90% of the Zeiss, where is it actually inferior. I may have missed that in your description. From what I see on screen the TTArtisan looks as good or even a little better than the Zeiss.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks. 80-90% of the signature look (if you saw the comparison photos. Bit less swirl etc if compare both but it does have more contrast that some might prefer.

[@steven1811]

Matt, you did such a great job with this video. How heavy is this lens?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! ..Heavy. Too much to carry for most of my trips

[@ortonphotoart5770]

Ah, I have mixed feelings. I've been using a meostigmat 70/1.4 projection lens that has a similar optical formula to the 75 biotar. I'm pleased as I believe they are going to release an m-mount version which i will buy, but now it's available to everyone, my pictures may not be so unique. Great review as usual, thank you.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks. Yes I hope they make the M mount version too but it’s not the best lens to focus and recompose.

[@ortonphotoart5770]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom i use the meostigmat on the zf with the TTArtisans 6-bit adaptor. It has trap focus so in combination with the zf eye detect, focusing is pretty easy and accurate. The shutter fires when the eye comes into focus. I can even use it for fast moving street photography!

[@jls2975]

Hi Matt Try the Lux R 80mm 😊 Same extraordinary optics as the Lux M 75mm, half the price

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes! I've shot film with it but never found time to make the video. I'll have to try to get one to test again (I know they are nice*) Great tip!

[@sunny16portraits]

Cool stuff. Shame for the field curvature, I thought I actually noticed a slight misfocus on one of the photos you posted with this lens (could just be IG quality though) not that it’s any problem but if it happens all the time could be annoying. Still worth the price probably though!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes I missed some where the eyes were further from the centre and others have a sharpish yet missed look lol. A creative lens for sure but not predictable! Thanks Thomas

[@jimbimedia]

Poor girl, shivering in that cold wind brrrr

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha she picked the clothes. No we were really lucky with the weather and light. It made all the difference.

[@elliscofield9756]

I believe you can adjust the lens so the markings are facing up using a T5 torx screwdriver.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great advice, a Patreon just said the same. I’ll see if I have the correct tool as the screws are tiny.

[@Odins.Valhall]

Servus Matt✌Hi Matt✌ Again, this video is fantastically presented👌 yes, I would be very interested in the Biotar, but the price is already abnormal what is being asked on Ebay😢 I can still be glad that I own two 58s from 1947/1948 and they will definitely stay with me because they are still in very good condition, as far as the glass elements are concerned, they are also optically flawless, and technically they are handled very carefully anyway, even when used on the M240 here, mainly because the Sony A7II is allowed to recover😁 Otherwise you wouldn't have made the video if the TTArtisan didn't deliver almost the same performance and even at a very attractive price 👍👌. I haven't even looked because it's almost too big for me. I prefer to be light and compact when travelling, which is also possible with certain lenses, today for example the Summitar from 41 arrived and it was in very good condition and I was surprised myself, no haze/fog only minimal dust and technically everything works, I have a feeling that it will become one of my favourite lenses😉But first I have to take it easy as my big toe was unfortunately broken in an accident at work and give my left foot some rest, although I'm not the kind of person who rests but always wants and needs to be on the move😉. I would normally have a workshop in Munich tomorrow, but unfortunately I have to cancel here, which really annoys me. Maybe you know Pavel Kaplun, a German KZbinr who does a lot with image editing but also his style with Miho. Anyway, great video. Lg Anderl

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Sorry about your foot and thanks for sharing.

[@andrewrichards912]

You should have some tiny grub screws on your m42 adapter. If ypu loosen them you should be able tl rotate the lens so that the focussing scale is on the top

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Yes a Patreon friend also mentioned this. I’ll see if I have the correct tool.

[@andrewrichards912]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom should be a 2mm alan key

[@emilr.8769]

Will there be a video about the "new" Voigtländer Color-Skopar 50 F2.2?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes I've had the lens a while but I've got a pile of videos to do first. Soon

[@rexypoooo]

If they release a M version, I will retire my Jupiter-3 right away!

[@jlwilliams]

The TTArtisan website (follow Matt's link) mentions specs for an M-mount version, but it's not listed for sale on the site, so presumably it's either a teaser for a future release or just a mistake. I hope it's real; I would rather have an RF-coupled version because I personally have a lot of trouble doing through-the-lens focusing with either vintage or modern “heritage” lenses (e.g. TTArtisans' 75mm f/1.25.) The spherical aberration means there's not so much a “plane of best focus” as a “tunnel of pretty good focus,” so I spend a lot of time sawing back and forth trying to find the center of the sweet spot via a magnified view; focus peaking doesn't help because there's so little contrast. Rangefinder focusing may not be accurate enough for minimum focusing distance, but at more typical distances it's just easier: line up the RF and boom, you're in focus.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha the J3 is 50mm so there’s room for both!

[@rexypoooo]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom my bad, I mean J9, I need to get my Jupiter straight!

[@alebo62]

Some M42 adapters have a screw with which you can turn the thread so that the scale is vertical at the top. I think yours has this hexa-screw on the side.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Yes someone else spotted this. I’ll try it.

[@markusbuechter3766]

The lens has 3 screws at the field of focus scale for adjustment. An imbus key for the screws is included by TT Artisan. It took me 2 minutes to align the scales. So this is an easy fix.

[@67tagada]

Hi Matt. I prefer to keep my Nokton 1.5/75m....

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes it's a great lens for sure, especially on film for me.

[@GamachePhoto]

Matt, are you testing the X3-L trigger from Godox? Like it ?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes very good. Love the size and no batteries. Recommended. I linked it below. Not cheap but nothing else similar.

[@GamachePhoto]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom the link you provided is for the Nikon version, is that what you are using on your SL ? The Leica version of the X3 is available now here in Canada, mine is on order but won’t arrive until Dec.

[@webersteve1547]

I don't think that a "bad" lens is "creativity" . And it can ruin the picture if, for example, the backround is to busy, or the subject to blurred. It's a matter of taste, of course

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Agree, all a matter of taste for sure. A student in the US loved ultra fast modern lenses for shallow yet sharp vs shallow and softer as here.

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

Wish there is a Nikon mount version

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Just adapt it to Nikon

[@michaelcase8574]

Cartier- Bresson said ... Sharpness is a Bourgeois Consept. Of course, he didn't really do female model photo shoots. LOL

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha yes you can make non-models look arty too ofc!

[@stillben]

Thanks Matt, interesting but the results remind me of migraines, so for that reason, I'm out!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha thanks, yes maybe too swirly for some!

[@stefan_becker]

Great pictures and beautiful model, but in my opinion, swirly bokeh is definitely a matter of taste. I don't like it (at all). And I especially dislike it when the "bokeh rugby balls" also have glowing edges. The Voigtlander 75mm f1.5 pictures look really nice.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Yes definitely a matter of taste. The Nokton gives much cleaner more corrected looking photos. I love that one on film especially.

[@JHurrenPhotography]

Shooting it on my M9 would be saturated, but a crap shoot as there's no live view or visoflex on M9, no? My Chinese biotar arrived yesterday. I also did an m mount adapter for use with my close focus helicoid. Great idea!!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes fair point about M9! Sorry bad example + yes I love the LLL adapter!

[@JHurrenPhotography]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom good to know I'm not missing something lol. I've only tested this lens out briefly in the backyard. I'm really looking forward to getting to know it well

[@Dr_Pessimisto]

Does this mean that You can’t make creative pictures with modern corrected lenses 🙃?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

I add a mist filter if I'm limited to a modern less interesting lens :)

[@davidellinsworth3299]

He's alluding to using a lens' "faults" to creative effect.

[@davidlogan3874]

I just don’t get the constant fascination with bokeh and blurred out backgrounds…I’m more fascinated with a cinematography perspective and shaping a scene with light and an interesting background that is part of the story than a sterile blurred out background and another pretty face with no substance…just seems a bit lazy to me even with a $10,000-$15,000 camera

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks David, yes light is still #1 ofc and faster lenses do make us lazy as everything is mush. This one has quite distinct rendering so you need to account for it. I agree it takes more skill to shoot at f5.6 and still make interesting portraits. I just like the age old classic shallow dof look from the LF days (8x10, 4x5 etc). That’s my area of interest.

[@BoyGeorgiaX]

Wow so cool and superior. Never even considered that some people might not like this very specific video.

[@TimKimzey]

I agree, to some extent. But silly, because we already know that light is always the most important thing - whatever camera/lens you are using. Not everyone can always have the perfect b/g or light scenerio though, and there is still work and talent involved in getting "good" images with any tool, including a blur-enhancer. But, why are you even here? Go use all of your brilliant talent and don't waste your time on we lesser fools that also like to learn about a character lens for our toolbox.

[@davidlogan3874]

@@TimKimzey he does explain a lot about different Leica M cameras which I am about to buy so understanding about them is helpful…however my interest is with “street photography” which these cameras are ideal for -not maxing out the DOF without paying attention to all the different layers that make a good image. All that money spent on all that equipment and going to all these exotic places without caring about location and creating a scene that might be visually stimulating beyond how pretty a girls face is and smeared backgrounds is boring af and can be done/is done with cameras that cost 1/5 that of any Leica. From my understanding the reason to buy an M camera/lens is its compact size/mobility with using zone focusing etc. I’m not bashing him in particular since it is done with every camera brand. I’m simply saying there is a lot left on the table that these cameras are fully capable of that I would like to see beyond the generic DOF pretty girl pics I can find in any other camera brand…Leica in my opinion is special and a level above those cameras.

[@TimKimzey]

This post is specifically about a lens you have NO interest in, not about Leica bodies or "street photography," but a sub-$300 lens - yet you have to bother replying here, just to feel superior. BTW, i find the term 'street photographer' to be just as ​bourgeoisie, being a working photojournalist for over 30 years. @@davidlogan3874

[@David.G.P.]

Hi Matt, many thanks for this video. I currently have a Nikon D200, old but fully functional camera, and I am interested in acquiring the TTArtisan lens you review in this video. May I ask some questions? Please, if the info can be found in other video or web page, please let me know. Please, only reply the relevant questions and ignore the other ones, I am aware I am asking a lot. 1) In the TTartisan store page, I have found: "TTArtisan 75mm F1.5 Swirly Bokeh", $269.00, is this the one that you mention, right? 2) The "Application Model" section explicitly says: "The product is not compatible with Nikon F-mount via an adapter. Please contact customer service for more details", do you know if this incompatibility is only related to the infinity fucus, or there's something else? 3) The M42 to Nikon-F adapter, is it the only adapter that is needed? 4) In Amazon or eBay I have seen these adapters, from 2€ to 40€; do you know if the quality of the adapter can impact the behaviour or damage this lens (e.g, in one occasion I purchased a lens hood that damages the lens screw) 5) You mention the ND filter for flash. With my current lens I use an UV filter to protect it (dust, scratches,...), what about using UV or ND with natural or constant light? 6) What lens hood is recommended for this lens? Many thanks in advance.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

1) yes 2) no inifinity but works up close 3) yes 4) not sure, mine was cheap 5) ND is for less light yes (like flash), UV see recent video, some use, some don't. 6) no sure, any on Ebay that fit that size (shown).

[@David.G.P.]

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Many thanks for the quick turnaround, Matt.