Street Photography - With the Leica 135mm and Leica M6

[@issacasimov]

this lens works well for aviation and sports photography. bit of challenge but fun. M11 with EVF

[@writershootsfilm]

The 135mm brings back memories of sports photography for uni & my first job as a grip in Miami where the DP had Leica gear. It's tough to shoot but when it hits, it's a great & unique look. Hopefully you find Gold next time. Thanks for the cool photos & commentary. Liked & subbed.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@writershootsfilm thanks so much. You’re right… tough, but when all lines up Leica is banging! Appreciate the support and taking the time to leave a message. Means a lot. J

[@crispin8888]

Thank you. XP2 is my favourite black and white film.

[@jamie.dop_]

I was chuffed with XP2. Had some average results in passed but that can be put down to user error on my half. Thanks for watching and thanks for commenting! J

[@crispin8888]

@jamie.dop_ You're welcome. I use a Leica M-A, 50mm Summicron APO, XP2 and the Sunny 16 Rule and get results that I prefer to my M10M. Very little grain, too.

[@Narsuitus]

Thanks for the 135mm street shots. I have never shot anything longer than a 90mm Summicron on my Leica M6 rangefinder. When I need something longer, I carry a Nikon SLR with a 135, 180, or 400mm.

[@jamie.dop_]

90 is a great lens. Only used it on digital. I think any long lens analog stuff tends to be shot a lot on Nikon. They have a superior range of lenses with far greater variety whilst holding a wonderful quality to them. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Where can people see your images? Would love to have a look at 400mm! J

[@AlexIvory]

loved this man

[@jamie.dop_]

Thanks Alex. Appreciated! Hopefully you will enjoy the ones I keep putting out :)

[@colinclark3218]

C41 processing or other? I know you can process it in normal B and W developer as well. I once processed a roll in 510-Pyro and was not pleased with the results. Next time I'll do it properly.

[@jamie.dop_]

Good question. Yes I have always done XP2 with C41 processing. Was really happy with the results!

[@colinclark3218]

@@jamie.dop_ Thanks Jamie. I'll definitely use C41 next time.

[@sc1]

Those are some great shots.

[@jamie.dop_]

Thanks so much. Have you shot much 135 before? Was my first time and it’s a great challenge. Maybe not for all but for me I found it tough but also rewarding :)

[@sc1]

@@jamie.dop_ The longest I own is the Leica 75mm APO-Summicron. I don't use it often, but your shots with the 135mm I found interesting.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@sc1 I have just shot that lens myself. What a lens it is! I can see why you picked one up yourself. Are you mainly shooting portraits? And are you shooting it much on analog or only digital? Thanks for commenting. J

[@sc1]

@@jamie.dop_ The 75 APO is so sharp and has amazing colors. I like to use it for portraits and car photography. But I'm trying to get more into street photography. I just recently plunged into analog! So challenging, but so much fun. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHOQY6qvm9yIhqs The MP is a beautiful piece of equipment, but I still use my M11 too. I must consider trying to use the 75 for street. (I've been using mostly 28 and 35 until now)

[@jamie.dop_]

@@sc1 ahhh man… your MP is stunning. Love the case too! Those images turned out real nice. Well done. That elmarit is great. Did you shoot wide open at 2.8 or stop down a little more? Also great to see you make all kinds of videos and not just photography. Keep it up :)

[@haithamalmuzayan3050]

Good job, but for the color shots what was the film you used ?!

[@jamie.dop_]

Was finishing off some Kodak gold. Was learning the focus… and not very well haha

[@sneakingelephant]

lol @ your comment about feeling like you are doing an interview due to the length of the lens. I bought a cheap broken 135mm hektor a while back (it turned out that it was working perfectly fine and that the seller mistakenly thought the focus ring was stiff). I started shooting it just yesterday for the first time and it was a ton of fun but I also felt that akward length on my side as well. I ended up holding the camera by the lens that way a couple times and it felt so strange. I definitely will need a longer strap as well

[@jamie.dop_]

Exciting for you! Do you know what I mean by it’s not a lens you would keep on your camera permanently? Where will I and others be able to see those images you’ve taken? What camera are you using as well? Would love to see! J

[@yorkshiremike5083]

You should have a play with the collapsible 90mm macro elmar 👌 It's a massively underrated lens and complements at 28mm summicron very well 👍🏻

[@jamie.dop_]

Great idea. I’ll see if Red Dot Cameras have one in stock. What would you suggest shooting on that lens?

[@MikeMcDermott-wv7ew]

It’s great for impromptu portraits when out and about with a 28mm. Isolation shots and tighter shots to help tell a story, say hands, cutlery, bike components, subject matter. The beauty of this lens is that when collapsed, it’s tiny. You can carry it with you and it takes up no space, extended, it’s not really any bigger than a 50. It’s tack sharp from f4 and far easier to focus than a 135. You won’t need a magnifier. I don’t use the macro attachment often but it’s nice to have. It’s a hidden gem in the lineup and those that know, know.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@MikeMcDermott-wv7ew great info. Thank you and noted and forwarded this message to the lads at RDC. Much appreciated. Have a good weekend fella. J

[@IntrovertAmateur]

Such amazing shots Jamie! 135mm shots on film is not often on YT, even more rare on Leica M. Makes me want to try 135mm on film myself, but I won't try this on my M6, since I don't have the opportunity to try this lens out. But since I found and got an Olympus OM1 + 50mm for 40€ this week, I might now search for a 135mm for my OM1 to try it on low budget - that's your fault :D Keep up your great work! Your videos really inspires me to shoot my M6 more, despite the high film prices + developement. One question: What is your favourite 28mm on Leica M? I'm currently eyeing on the 28mm 2.8 Elmarit latest version 11677.

[@jamie.dop_]

Lots to unpack here!! Firstly, thank you for taking the time as you always do. Sounds like you found yourself a good deal on that 50mm. Will be interesting to see how that works out for you. My personal favourite is the 28mm Summicron version ii. I love the Summilux however for a 28mm I want something compact and still sharp and full of character. Voigtlander have some wicked 28mm that are good sizes too if that matters to you. I can’t say I have tried the elmarit however I have seen videos of others and it looks promising. In all honesty, any Leica lens will bring you joy to use and stunning results. You can’t really go wrong… if money isn’t an issue!

[@IntrovertAmateur]

@@jamie.dop_ thanks for your reply man! :) I will also keep my eyes open for those 28mm Voigtländer lenses. I definitely have a soft spot for small and compact - camera and lenses, and seems like that Elmarit 28mm is quite small even on the M System. Despite loving small lenses, I also lately did an impulse buy on the previous version of the 50mm 1.4 Summilux - it was below 2000€ and I couldn’t resist 😅😀 If I sell it would definitely make a profit, but damn that lens is crazy nice. And again now looking for a 28mm to make a nice pair combo 😊

[@jamie.dop_]

@@IntrovertAmateur what!That’s a steal! Mental. Yeah stunning lens. Crystal sharp and beautiful render. You got yourself some kit! Plenty of toys in the bag, only issue with people like us… there’s always room for more ;) J

[@IntrovertAmateur]

@@jamie.dop_ So true brother! 🙏 I just have to remind myself everyday to go out and practise the craft instead of gear shopping. But that gear part is much easier, specially with two small kids 🤣

[@jamie.dop_]

@@IntrovertAmateur and it’s fun right! Shopping, getting gear can break cycles and the way we naturally think about photography when faced with a new set up that acts different, renders different and feedbacks to the user different. Don’t feel bad buying new gear and not spending it on your kids (if that ever happens), as they will likely inherit it and either use it or sell it for maybe more!

[@lightloving683]

Film with a Leica and longer fixed focal lengths is more suited to a R body. And adds the flexibility of using the R platform’s stellar array of zooms and macro (specialty) lenses. And beyond that, the ability to use R lenses, specifically ROM, to the SL digital bodies with a R to SL adapter. The M has always been a complement to my R analog system. The R being my gateway to Leica in the late 90s. Adding the M into the mix after. And with the SL2s with R adapter, it likewise, a complement to my M digital system. I’d love to see your take on the R system. And perhaps giving R lenses a try on the SL. It’s quite seamless, in my use case. Analog and/or digital.

[@jamie.dop_]

This is a great comment. Lots here. I very nearly picked up and R yesterday and am interested in the lens line up for that system. Interesting to match it with an SL. Out of interest what R lenses would you like to see if I was to use it with my SL2 and also what subject matter would those lenses be best used for? Thanks for feeding some inspiration to take on a different type of video. J

[@lightloving683]

@@jamie.dop_ R lenses are as extensive as M lenses. Lens design were often similar between both lines. My 'Jam', pun intended, are Elmarits and an occasional Summicron, for fixed lenses. Typically smaller (and affordable) for travel. But I also enjoy the R's zoom offerings, specifically the Vario-Elmar-R and Vario-Elmarit-R. I'd be interested to hear your take on the R equivalent of your M6, the Leica R6 or R6.2 with a late model 50mm Summicron-R, 28mm Elmarit-R V2 or perhaps a 80mm Summilux. Or a Leica R8-R9 with a specialty lens. Like the ROM versions of the 60mm Macro-Elmarit-R (a favored lens) and the 100mm Macro-Elmarit-R On an SL2, a zoom,; suggest a ROM version of the 35-70mm f4 Vario-Elmar-R. I much prefer the lower resolution of the SL2-S. I find it's sensor quite a good match for R lenses. Its quite 'filmic', especially in monochrome. That said, any R lens really and your world as you see it. Enjoy Jamie, look forward to your next video.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@lightloving683 lots hear to unpack. Very kind of you to take the time to get this all over to me. I will see what RDC have in store! Much appreciated. J

[@tsuijoyce9741]

Yes, I also prefer M 135mm f4 !

[@jamie.dop_]

@@tsuijoyce9741 it’s a great lens! Have since used it and love it. Can’t really go wrong with any Leica lens! :)

[@Shephard1978]

Saul Leiter be like “bruh” 🤣 Great vid! But yeah, would recommend looking at the work of Saul Leiter who famously shot with longer focal lengths on the street. May inspire you to try some different things with a long lens.

[@jamie.dop_]

Great insight! Thank you for that. I will look into Saul and see what I find! Appreciated. J

[@_H_2023]

@@jamie.dop_ You have just missed the Saul Leiter Exhibition at Milton Keynes, sadly you would now have to go to Berlin to see it. The silver/ gelatin prints were all done during the 1950s by Saul. Once the exhibition is finished in Germany it will travel back to U.S. It was a stunning exhibition and I think its a once in a life time visit.

[@elguapo5620]

Great content as always! Perhaps you could do a tour of Red Dot Cameras to showcase their goodies for those of us who are far away. It's unfortunate to hear about the rude experience at Mr. Cad's shop. People should remember that the film community is small, and word travels fast. I was going to suggest a tour of their shop and what they have to offer, as it would have been excellent marketing for them. It would benefit both sides.

[@jamie.dop_]

Thanks so much, always appreciate comments that are as thought out as yours. Red Dot and I are about to do a series of lens comparisons and are starting next week with their 50mm Summicron line up. I hope this will be informative and engaging. I will pass on your recommendation for a tour as well. Great idea! J

[@alberte58]

Looks that making in-focus images is a little problematic with a rangefinder. I love the 135mm focal length and own several of them for my Nikon camera’s. The smallest, cheapest, but still with excellent image quality is the Nikon AI 135mm f/3.5 F-mount lens. An Another lens with focus on image quality specific is the heavy, expensive, big Zeiss Sonnar 135mm f/2.0 ZF.2 lens. Both works fine with my Nikon SLR’s, using manual focusing. With my Z camera I like to use the autofocus Plena (Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8S) lens. Very big, but excellent image quality.

[@jamie.dop_]

Wow that F2 must be incredible!! Where can we see those images? Would be very interested. Never been a fan of Nikon until I got into analog. Then they kinda play top dog in the field with some amazing cameras and lenses. What are you mainly shooting with a 135?

[@alberte58]

@@jamie.dop_ Google my name and you find images with these lenses under sub-gallery “Equipment” and “Film”

[@marcowikstrom5556]

You might be surprised at how good a 1960s 135mm Elmar is. Might not be able to tell the difference especially with B&W film.

[@manojbhartigupta6555]

👍❤️👍

[@jamie.dop_]

@@manojbhartigupta6555 thank you!

[@tsuijoyce9741]

I prefer late Leica 135mm f4!

[@marckyokay]

Why? I’m considering buying that one :)

[@_Just_Some1]

2:58 what a shot. 😅

[@jamie.dop_]

@@_Just_Some1 thank you! Love the black and white of that image. And the elevated angles adds a little something!

[@_Just_Some1]

@@jamie.dop_ 😂😂you just got yourself a new subscriber!

[@Maartenols]

12:51 Don't be so harsh on old people. They know stuff. They do... Thanks for the upload btw.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@Maartenols I wasn’t really involved. I watched the owner be a nasty man to yet another person looking to support his store and as iv seen before, he was rude to his customers. It’s not harsh, it’s fact. I have never had any real issue with them before but I see how rude they are to others and it’s not ok. If someone is fat and you call them fat, it’s harsh. If someone is fit and you call them fit, it’s fact. Where’s the difference? They seriously know their stuff when it comes to cameras, but so do many walking in the door. They wouldn’t know that because they just assume everyone is new into film and they are the masters. Not the best mentality and they lots me retuning to that store again and they would have lost others too from that day. It’s not about what’s harsh or kind, it’s about reality and I was sharing yet another pretty average experience. Shame

[@brianhinesley]

sorry to see that focusing with it was such a pain in the ass, and caused missed shots, my favorite off focus shot was the people on the narrow boat at 4:26

[@jamie.dop_]

Yeah when I took that I thought it would be a banger! I didn’t have the magnifier then and that made a world of difference! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! J

[@Dan_photo]

Looks like it’s a bit difficult to nail focus.

[@jamie.dop_]

You’re bang on! It takes some time to get used to but also takes time to slow down and dial it in properly. It required patience which doesn’t come naturally to me and also breaks my usual flow of having a fast pace on the streets. That’s why I’m not so sure it’s a great lens for street photography but it certainly renders some great results and is a little different to usual street styled snaps. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. J

[@ForeverBrooklynNYC]

2:58 🤌😉

[@jamie.dop_]

Thanks so much. Appreciated :)

[@314LA]

For advertising, this is all good. But if you were telling the whole truth, then a vintage lens from 1960-1965 is better in quality, lighter and 90% cheaper, its price in mint condition is up to $300. Compare that to the price of 3500, dude.

[@jamie.dop_]

This isn’t advertising. This is my personal opinion. I am comparing this lens to other 135mm lenses or similar that I have used on Canon, Blackmagic and RED cinema cameras. Sorry, I should have made that clearer. In terms of lighter lenses, yes there are probably many from a vintage line or a third party supplier, however I have not yet tried them. Is there a particular lens you had in mind and could recommend? Always open to trying new gear! Appreciate you taking the time to comment. J

[@314LA]

@@jamie.dop_ Ok. Try - LEICA ELMAR 135mm f/4 1960-1965, 39mm filters, 405g

[@zacherius137]

3:41 focus is off in the back. Shot right after focus is on the girl on the left instead of the girl in the center cheering. But basically all your shots are mediocre at best. You have way too expensive pro gear for the amateur shots you make.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@zacherius137 charming