The Leica M6 & 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux: A Match Made in Heaven?

[@agwithey]

Love your work Jamie. Those color shots of the purple outdoor furniture, stunning. I am shocked you only have 10k subs, makes no sense to me as your YT is so entertaining and such great visual storytelling. You rock! Oh and I consumed a nice coffee at 5am watching this from Melbourne, Aus!

[@jamie.dop_]

@@agwithey legend! Thanks so much for watching. Love Melbourne the few times iv been. Great people! Appreciate you watching and commenting. Means a lot! Cheers, J

[@paulhogden7454]

Loved the vid Jamie - great to see you using it in anger in colour and mono. I have an f1 Nocti and I love the swirl it creates!

[@jamie.dop_]

@@paulhogden7454 I have only ever played with that for an hour or so, haven’t used it in many circumstances but really enjoyed what I saw. Great lens to own! Thanks for watching and for taking the time to leave a message. Cheers Paul. J

[@chapsibnnoel3626]

Jamie, Doc Chaps. This video, from the content, to the scenic backdrops, to the music, was a top drawer, amazing, five star production. Awesome! But I think what most intrigued me about this video release was the timing and relevance wrt decisions I was trying make wrt my own kit. 50 is my favorite focal length and absent of the 50 f1.0, I am blessed to own all three other Noct lenses. The 75 1.25 is my absolute favorite portrait lens and the Noct 50 1.2 is my favorite walk around lens. Recently I purchased the M11 BP with the matching 50 1.2 BP. Owning an original Leica BP really excited me because as it begins to patina the story that camera and lens will telling will be mine. I liked the thought of it so much that when a friend contacted about a used M6 BP (Dragon 2000) I immediately purchased it. But now what I needed to decide was which lens to use on it. There’s a 50 Lux BP available but it’s an expensive buy. And while I prefer the 50 0.95 for B&W, especially with film, it is heavy to lug about. The 50 1.2 is awesome but I didn’t know how it might render color film. So do I spend extra cash for a 50 Lux or will my current kit suffice? I had questions and no real desire to buy anything else. And then I visit KZbin. Your video pops up and 26 minutes into it I had my answer. Don’t how you lined this up but you delivered this cost saving production right on time. Good man. Continued happiness and success to you and yours. Be Blessed, Doc Chaps

[@jamie.dop_]

@@chapsibnnoel3626 can’t thank you enough for putting in the effort 10/10 on this comment! Your collection of 50s is amazing. If you could only keep one??? Glad it was useful with your decision making, I always thought (and I know it’s impossible) but if you could make a 50 0.95 which is the size of the 1.2 then I would drop whatever money I had on it! Again, thanks for commenting and watching. J

[@chapsibnnoel3626]

Hard to choose. The size, weight, and character of the 50 1.2 is amazing, but there is pure magic in the 50 0.95. So in this we agree, downsize the 0.95 into 1.2 size and I’ll stand in the rain (with an umbrella) to purchase one. Be Blessed, Doc Chaps

[@chapsibnnoel3626]

Jamie, the Red & Black Leica bag shown at the opening of your review, where did you get it!?! The bag is super nice. Be Blessed, Doc Chaps

[@jamie.dop_]

@ this is in Red Dot Cameras. I love that bag and I think it’s mainly for display. But I can ask them for you?

[@wylie_photo]

Nice work Jamie. I thought the lens was OK on film, it didn't particularly wow me. But... it looked amazing on the monochrom, which did wow me!

[@jamie.dop_]

@@wylie_photo I agree with you! I think a more clinical lens is needed for film and then a lens with character and imperfections for digital. J

[@joseuribe430]

Ive read that the Light Lens Lab 50mm 1.2 “1966” lens is even closer to the original 1966 Leica lens than the newer version. They used the same original glass and hand polished the glass to replicate the original 1966 lens.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@joseuribe430 that may be true. I have heard nothing but incredible reviews about that lens! Yet to give it a try. Thanks for sharing that information:)

[@joseuribe430]

@ if you do please do a video on it compared to the newer Noctitlux 1.2. Thanks for your time. Love you videos! Where are you located?

[@jamie.dop_]

@@joseuribe430 I will email LLL and make sure to get my hands on the Leica 1.2 again. Thanks again. (Based in London)

[@joseuribe430]

@@jamie.dop_ awesome! Looking to buy one once I sell my left kidney, lol

[@NiCKLG526]

Thanks for your videos. You crush with your choice of music, frames, editing. You crush most KZbin channels with much more subs. Good luck and I keep my fingers crossed for the development of your channel. You are a perfect example that you don't have to have subs and make very valuable content. I currently have a q3 and q3 43 but because of your videos I'm thinking about buying the m6

[@jamie.dop_]

@@NiCKLG526 thanks for this comment. Really nice that you’ve taken the time to write this. Massively appreciate it. I’m trying to make content that I enjoy watching myself! You’ve got so class cameras there! Love that 43, the lens is crazy! Enjoy snapping away and hope to see you in the comments of another video one day. J

[@hodgesmatt]

Love the journey and creativity. 🚀🎄

[@jamie.dop_]

@@hodgesmatt thanks matey x

[@timoplants5869]

Another great video. I recently lost the base plate on my M10P but a new one should turn up tomorrow. I really like using my ‘Lux 50mm; takes me back to my youth when a new camera always came with a 50!

[@jamie.dop_]

@@timoplants5869 oh no! Not a good thing to lose. Glad the new one is inbound. Yeah that M10p and 50lux is wonderful and you can create some beautiful images with that set up. Bet you’re itching to shoot again after not being able to. Have fun. J

[@msamiullah001]

Thanks for doing both BW and color images !!!

[@jamie.dop_]

@@msamiullah001 you’re welcome, makes sense for a lens test as my subs remind me :)

[@lensman5762]

I bought a Voigtlander 50 F1.2 Nocton to go on my M240 and M6 and M3 a while back. It’s been the most used lens on my Leicas since. Lovely lovely lens, very sharp but not clinical. Good photography, BTW.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@lensman5762 iv yet to use that lens. Have seen so many beautiful images from it. Great investment. Appreciate you taking the time to comment and watch. Take care. J

[@barakbruerd140]

I love shooting with a longer prime. Most people think of a 75 or a 90 as a portrait lens, but I love shooting travel and documentary work with it. In fact, I only have two primes: 35 f1.4 and 85 f1.4 and then I keep a 16-35 for architectural work. I’ve never been able to make a 50mm work for me. I either wanted it to be wider or longer. 😂. I’m shooting with Sony at the moment, but i’m saving up for a Leica M. Love seeing the artistry you put into your shots.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@barakbruerd140 oooooo you won’t be disappointed with an M. Which one you going for ideally? Thanks for commenting. J

[@barakbruerd140]

11-P is my goal. Probably grab a couple Voigtlander lenses to start and work my way towards Leica lenses. I’m shooting film on my dad’s old Canon AE-1; so that’s my analog outlet for the moment.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@barakbruerd140 love the AE1. Such a beautiful sound too! The M11p is incredible, as I’m sure you know and when you get it in your hands it will all feel worth it and your work will flourish as your photography itch will always be there!

[@contemporaryartist6542]

Great, thanks! I only have 1 lens, 50mm Summicron APO. Astounds me daily. I decided to get it and nothing else cause $….

[@jamie.dop_]

@@contemporaryartist6542 well you’ve chosen a pretty damn good pens for your one lens! Good work and thanks for commenting. J

[@johnkasianowicz6536]

I was about to say the same thing. I have the APO-Summicron-M 35 and it is absolutely stunning (also, there’s no mistaking when the camera is in focus with an EVF). I’m waiting for Leica to produce a close-focusing version of the APO-Summicron-M 50. My 35 APO-Summicron and Summilux-M 50 have that feature and it’s handy. I had purchased the Summilux-M 35 FLE, and 6 months later, a close-focusing version was introduced.😢

[@contemporaryartist6542]

I would like closer focus if anyone can suggest an adapter?

[@johnkasianowicz6536]

@@contemporaryartist6542 There are several options to getting closer focus than a native M lens provides. 1) Leica’s Macro Adapter-M (M/N 14652). This works perfectly with the Leica APO-Macro-Elmar-M 90 mm f/4. That lens is collapsible, which makes it able to achieve focus at infinity even with the adapter on. This is an expensive adapter because it’s essentially an infinitely variable extension tube. 2) Extension tubes (e.g., Novoflex Macro adapter set sold by B&H). 3) A bellows (Leica made one for their Macro-Elmar-R 100 mm f/4, which I have) 4) A Leica ELPRO macro optical element that screws on the front of the lens (worked great with my Q2 Monochrom when I had one). I don’t know how well the APO-Summicron 50 works when physically moved from the film plane (which the first three solutions do). A Leica representative should have a good idea.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@johnkasianowicz6536 ahhh bad timing! Yeah that would be a touch. Who know, they are making moves slowly but surely! At least you have some other amazing options handy for now :)

[@punilc]

I’m actually thinking of picking this up, to complement my steel rim (35mm reissue). However, these 1.2 Noctilux second hand are phenomenal value.

[@WildlifeMoto]

Shame the lab scratched your negs. Some really nice shots there. Thanks for highlighting some of these shops, i'm local but never seen these places before.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@WildlifeMoto thanks for commenting :) Yeah bit annoying but not end of the world. Don’t take many bangers I wanna print it’s more to capture a bunch of frames to see if any of us like the lens and wanna pop it on the radar! Thanks again, J

[@mjcatto]

Jamie. Another very enjoyable video. I am currently sitting having lunch across from Leica Marseille. At 2pm I get my hands on an M11 Black paint and a couple of lenses. The SL3 is too heavy and more suited to Studio work with SL lenses. So I will be changing up the bag. Can’t give up the Q3 43. It is awesome (to me 😂). Keep these videos coming. My Leica blog is about to gain another camera gallery. It’s about time I made my way back to the Barbican. All the cool Leica kids hang there. Don’t know if I’d fit in…Cheers! Mark Expat Geordie split between France and Western Canada.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@mjcatto oh wow, you’ve got a fun day ahead of you! That M11 black paint is gorgeous. What lenses you getting? Also what’s the name of your blog? Thanks for watching too :)

[@mjcatto]

@ type walkacrossitall (all one word) into google for my rubbish 😊

[@mjcatto]

@jamie.dop_ I got the the M11 Black Paint with 50 lux close focus and 28 elmarit. Traded SL3 and 24-90 / 100-400. I am soooo happy. Hope you found my blog. Cheers Mark

[@jamie.dop_]

@@mjcatto what is the name of your blog?

[@mjcatto]

@jamie.dop_ walkacrossitall the monochrom gallery is just starting but growing bit by bit.

[@brianhinesley]

love the shot on 4:21 4:34 12:55 14:19 .what song is playing during canary wharf part? in your description it just says music - artlist "shrug"

[@jamie.dop_]

@@brianhinesley thank you so much for watching yeah I tend not to share the music because I then need to dive back into hard drives and open up old projects to find the track name therefore I just say our Artist as that is where I get all my music from, but I try and pick some of the best that I can find. It just takes time. Thanks for commenting too :)

[@brianhinesley]

@@jamie.dop_ well if you ever come across it, would love to add it to my music library :) thanks for continuing to share content! :D

[@CineFlightSim]

@@brianhinesley i need you -- steven bedall

[@brianhinesley]

@@CineFlightSim thank you so much! you rock

[@nelsonclub7722]

Leica: 'What are you going to Photograph with it?" Jamie: "E V E R Y T H I N G.............."

[@jamie.dop_]

@@nelsonclub7722 always! Want the maximum when testing a lens for real life use. Otherwise if I just took portraits then that’s only helpful for portrait photographers and with only a few days with the lenses I just shoot EVERYTHING! Haha Thanks for commenting pal. J

[@nelsonclub7722]

@@jamie.dop_ Not sure if you got the quote metaphor from the Film Leon - it was a bit tenuous- Gary Oldman in NY when asked who to bring and he responds by shouting - "E V E R Y O N E....!!" Carry on all good and golden in black and white

[@jamie.dop_]

@ hahaha I actually missed that! But know the exact quote! Tight reference!

[@marcgilles4520]

12:23 that song is amazing. Who’s the artist?

[@jamie.dop_]

@@marcgilles4520 sorry pal can’t remember which track I used here. All music is from Artlist. Try shazam :)

[@IntrovertAmateur]

Had an espresso and enjoyed it very much watching your video as usual :) That lens on film looks ridicilious good. Sometime I couldn't tell if it was really film or not. And you shots were gorgious as always. Since you have tested several Leica lenses in the past month, which one would you like to add to your own kit / possession?

[@jamie.dop_]

@@IntrovertAmateur hey bud, thanks as always for tuning in. Appreciated. Good question, I would say the 19mm Elmarit R f2.8. But I am shooting a video on the 18mm Leica M 3.8 which could take the podium! I would use that lens a lot I think. However, I regret selling the 0.95 Noctilux and will get that back one day!

[@dave_corney]

I use Fujifilm can you recommend me a manual lens for my system? Something from the TTArtisan or 7artisans range. Thank you.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@dave_corney absolutely. They are good lenses for the price. I have used the 21mm f1.5 which has minimal distortion and very sharp. It carries a bit of chromatic adoration but easily removable in editing and only noticeable at its fastest apertures. The 35mm f2 APO is lovely too. I would say this is their highest performing lens with sharpness to the edges and still carries a nice character in the out of focus areas. Best bang for your buck! Though, I would also look at the Light Lens Lab lenses which are a little more expensive but better optically performing as well as the second hand market for Voigtlander. Depending on which focal length you like they have the closest performing lenses to Leica as a fraction of the cost. If you like the lens in this video and are happy to spend a little more then I would look at the 50mm Light lens lab f1.2 though there weren’t a huge amount made and hard to find, but a wonderful lens from what I have seen (but not personally used). Best of luck! J

[@dave_corney]

@@jamie.dop_ thanks I’m actually after a x-Mount for my Fujifilm cameras with nice bokeh.

[@jamie.dop_]

@ apologies. I misunderstood. @jamesparsons__ is your man for that info!

[@dave_corney]

@ thank you I will contact James and see what he recommends.

[@D.Trider]

What’s the red bag in the thumbnail? Thx!

[@jamie.dop_]

@@D.Trider I’ll ask Red dot cameras who own it. Keep an eye on comments as I’ll answer as many as I can and hope I reply to this one too as a few people have asked

[@jamie.dop_]

@@D.Trider www.reddotcameras.co.uk/leica-bags/16284-leica-ettas-bag-coated-cavas-red-black.html

[@StephenPodrasky]

the 50 1.2 is a favorite of a lot of photographer's. I personally did not really enjoy the rendering wide open. The Bokeh was a little too chaotic and the actual sharpness was a little soft for my taste. Have not really used it stopped down. I prefer the .95. I noticed in the video the color of the Ferrari appeared orange on the video and then red on the film.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@StephenPodrasky I agree again with you about the 50mm’s. As for the video that will just be my average grading from the GoPro! Sorry

[@StephenPodrasky]

@@jamie.dop_ Still a great video. Just something I noticed. Thanks

[@yonmusak]

Been a while since I was in The Classic Camera!

[@jamie.dop_]

@@yonmusak me too. Some great little shops around there hey!?

[@yonmusak]

@@jamie.dop_ Yeah, the folks at the camera museum are great too, and have real knowledge in Hasselblads. They're associated with Aperture too, so I used to drop my Leica off with them and they'd factor the CLA

[@jamie.dop_]

@ I did not know that! Interesting and thanks for sharing :)

[@michaelacedeno]

I need to do more soul searching in used camera shops around town

[@jamie.dop_]

@@michaelacedeno let’s put it on the list then!

[@GroundedGlass]

Oh no! Is there a line of dead pixels on the m11m?! Great review - hope the camera is okay!

[@jamie.dop_]

@@GroundedGlass nope. That’s the M6 from the labs scan :(

[@GroundedGlass]

@@jamie.dop_ much better than it being the M11M :')

[@jamie.dop_]

@ that would be a disaster…. And expensive!

[@gayleruble6529]

Do you typically trust the meter? Ish???

[@jamie.dop_]

@@gayleruble6529 I do indeed. Often shoot without confronting it if rushed and often I’m fine but generally speaking I like to use the meter and find it to be fairly accurate. Thanks, J

[@roywallace9546]

Thanks "J" 📷

[@jamie.dop_]

@@roywallace9546 appreciate you watching. Hope you enjoyed it. :)

[@gayleruble6529]

Vodka and cranberry. I absolutely love how you mesh gear review be in the field. Can’t stand just listening to someone ramble about it gear in their studio. Also…constructive criticism…the ending of your vids are horrible. Meaning…don’t end them keep them going as I get depressed when they come to an end! LOL

[@jamie.dop_]

@@gayleruble6529 haha I like that! Thanks. I like making videos that I enjoy watching from others. Glad you like the style. Appreciate you watching and commenting. J

[@klinkhamerphoto]

Camera junkie Christmas video...scoring, sweating...pushing...😅