This Black and White Camera Let Me Capture Zurich at ISO 200,000

Ever wondered how images look at ISO 200,000? Recently, I had the chance to visit Zurich, Switzerland, and document the beautiful city in black and white. Check out this review of the Leica M11 Monochrom and see why you might want one to capture your experiences in monochrome!
Download link for the ISO comparison files shown in the video:
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Curious about the f/0.95 Noctilux lens? Here are some of my other videos on it:
This Lengendary Lens Has Been My One and Only for 8 Years
• This Legendary Lens Ha...
leica 50mm Noctilux Comparision - f/1.2 Original, f/1, f/0.95, f/1.2 Remake
• Leica 50mm Noctilux Co...
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[@crayonman12345]

Banding is caused by lens profile being on in higher ISOs on monochrom. If you turn off the lens profile it will remove the banding. try it and let me know if it works.

[@NoctiGirl]

Oh wow no way?! Definitely going to give it a try. Thanks!

[@rolandrick]

Man, thank for that info, I’ll give it for sure a try. Interesting, shouldn’t one expect exactly the opposite? Besides, my favourite lens is the APO-Summicron-M 2/35.

[@CRO-dr4si]

Holy smoke ... I tried it on my IIIf with a 5cm 1:2 Summitar and then with a 90mm f/1.0 Elcan, both on Tri-X 400 and Ilford Delta 3200 and it seems to work just as you said when the lens profile was off. All kidding aside, that was a very useful piece of information. I didn't know that. Thanks for sharing!

[@TamarkinCamera]

3:27 - love this portrait!

[@NoctiGirl]

Hehe thanks! 😊

[@user-f_bomb9480]

Great video and beautiful pictures. You’re the reason I got to Leica. I had no idea that Keven was your boyfriend. He’s made all my straps and is now making me a black alligator bag. What a coincidence you guys are great. Thanks for the great content Brian Marshall

[@NoctiGirl]

Omg! Thank you so much! I'm really humbled 😊 How funny because I definitely know about the black alligator bag he's making. He's mentioned how flattered he is to have your support since you've bought a few straps from him and now a full on alligator bag. Thank you for your support! 😊

[@michaelrice2993]

@@NoctiGirl Link to his straps? Thanks!

[@NoctiGirl]

Check him out on Insta! instagram.com/decrypto_?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

[@Bunnyisms]

Wow! I love the way you did the black and whites. I love how purposeful you are with it. I feel like I also shoot differently when I'm doing black and white myself, but I'm usually using black and white film when I do black and white. Those lines and shapes really pop, and I love the contrast in your photos. The old lenses that are mostly clear in the middle are really fun. I think it really draws your eye to the center. That's why I love using some older lenses. So cool!! 💗

[@NoctiGirl]

Thanks for tuning in! I am such an old soul that I often feel like I was born in the wrong era. I love B&W photography. It brings me back in time and allows me to experience the world differently. I also love that old lens (Dallmeyer Super Six) that I tried! It was pretty hard to shoot but I agree, it draws your attention to the center of the frame. I just love cameras/lenses that challenge our normal perspective of the world 💖

[@Bunnyisms]

@@NoctiGirl Have you ever tried some of those old screw mount Leica bodies? While they don't take the Noctlux, (I don't think Noctilux was ever offered in screw mount) they're quite an experience

[@NoctiGirl]

I've definitely handled and played around with some older screw mount Leica bodies, but never actually shot through a roll. Honestly, the viewfinders on those things are so hard to see so I didn't even attempt to shoot with them 😆 But based on your recommendation, I should give it a try! 😃

[@Bunnyisms]

@@NoctiGirl If you use one of those, the 50mm Leica or Cosina Voigtlander brightline finders are a must have in my opinion. The Leica one is called the "SBOOI." They cost about the same, and are both 1:1 magnification. They're way better than squinting through the tiny 50mm peephole on the screwmount cameras. Most LTM cameras have two peepholes, and one is a dedicated rangefinder. I compose on the external finder then I move to the rangefinder peephole to focus. Because one of the windows is a dedicated rangefinder, the focusing view is really good. Right now I'm using a Nicca 3S which is like a dream (It's similar to the Leica IIIa and feels just like one), but I plan on getting my Leica IIIc restored in the coming year. My Nicca 3S was actually restored by my regular Leica repair person. I'm really not a huge camera girl. I'm mostly into lenses, but I have a lot of fun with it. It feels like smooth clockwork when you turn the knobs. At first I was like wow this is something, but after a few days, I was like "wow this is super fun!"

[@NoctiGirl]

Omg this is awesome! Thanks for the recommendations!! You definitely know your stuff 🤓 Though I enjoy vintage cameras & lenses, they need to be practical enough for me to want to shoot them lol. I'm lazy 😛 But I know what you mean about a nice, smooth lens when you rotate the tab. When it feels good in my hands, I feel like every shot I take with it is a masterpiece (at least to myself lol) 🤓😎😜

[@andrewfishkin6559]

Great, as always.

[@NoctiGirl]

Thanks Andrew! 😊

[@ronanderson5736]

Awesome photos Charlice! What an amazing camera, by an amazing photographer! Have a great time there!🙏🌹

[@NoctiGirl]

Thanks Ron! It was definitely a great time with a fun camera! 😊

[@makmak69L7]

Great video.. Amazing shots.. Many thanks. 🙏🏻

[@NoctiGirl]

Thanks for tuning in! 😊

[@danieloberdanner9809]

Cool Video! Love to see you liked Zurich, my hometown!

[@NoctiGirl]

Thanks for tuning in! Zurich is such a beautiful city!! 😊

[@vampolascott36]

I own the M10 Monochrom and it's my favorite camera by far. I chose the M10 because the used price was something I could afford. I really appreciate the dynamic range of the Monochrom for landscape shots. I can get great cloud detail by exposing for the bright sky while still retaining detail in the darker foreground. I use yellow and red filters quite a bit. My favorite landscape and street lenses are the Voigtlander 35 and 28mm Ultrons. My fastest lenses are the 50mm Summilux and Voigtlander 50mm 1.2 Nokton.

[@NoctiGirl]

That's awesome! Sounds like you have a cool collection of lenses! The M10M is also an awesome camera. A big upgrade from the M9M. Sounds like you also like contrasty, dramatic shots like I do. Enjoy and happy shooting! 📸

[@krolldavid]

Nice shots! Good explanation of the different use cases for this

[@NoctiGirl]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@robertlevite6875]

Another great photo travelogue. Thank you!

[@NoctiGirl]

Thank you for tuning in Bob! 😊

[@dpie4859]

Try the Ricoh GRiii. It has amazing sharp lens, great black and white modes in a small package with an APSC sensor.

[@NoctiGirl]

I've heard about the Ricoh, but haven't personally tried it. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@christopherrodriguez7223]

Fantastic opportunity!

[@NoctiGirl]

Thanks! 😊💖

[@chrisbogart687]

I had to go the budget route and went with a used Leica Q2M and really appreciate what shooting in monochrome only makes me a better photographer. I lust for the M11 M but can only imagine what it would be like.

[@NoctiGirl]

The Q2M is a beast as well though! I had the chance to try it out and I loved how easy and intuitive it is. Also it saves you the burden of deciding what lens to use it with. Have you tried the macro mode yet?? I loved it!! Macro with autofocus is awesome 😍

[@chrisbogart687]

@@NoctiGirl yes- that’s a big plus. The one saying that rings true is “Liberation through limitation “.

[@NoctiGirl]

Exactly 🥳

[@rolandrick]

Hey, cool video, I also love my M11M. The image at 0:48, did you use an orange or red filter or is the contrast solely done in post? - Explanation for non monochrome users, the raw files come quite flat out of camera and usually need some post processing in Lightroom Classic or so or you enhance contrast like in black and white film photography by filters, the contrast you add by so called push processing with the developer chemicals, pull processing is the opposite. - The gulls literally were flying a perfectly messed up swarm, if it’s not Photoshopped, that’s a once in a lifetime shot, congratulations. - Update, question answered at 6:15. FYC, I even use an orange filter to the clouds even more.

[@NoctiGirl]

Thanks for tuning in! Yes I did use a yellow filter on the lens, but I also increased the contrast in LR, because I just like my shots more dramatic and contrasty. I don’t like them super constrasty in-camera because I lose some details sometimes. I like to be able to choose what to keep in post 😉 Regarding “The Birds” shot, it’s actually a composite of the same scene photographed multiple times. The birds weren’t that crazy all at the same time, but there were so many birds flying around. I thought it’d be cool to put them all in the same shot. The result, as you saw in the video, is quite chaotic but surreal 😄

[@NineVoltDigitalCinema]

Beautiful photos, this looks like a perfect camera/lens combo!

[@NoctiGirl]

Thank you so much! It really is 😊

[@cwantuch]

Really nice pics and another interesting and informative video. thanks.

[@NoctiGirl]

Thanks for tuning in! 😊

[@crispin8888]

Please do review the Super Six. It seems to be a very special lens I'm also curious to know how it performs stopped down.

[@NoctiGirl]

It’s a beautiful lens 😍 but not easy to shoot with. Because it’s a vintage lens, it’s only sharp in the center. But the bokeh is amazing 😍❤️💖 Let me think about that video 😉

[@crispin8888]

@@NoctiGirl Of course, and there's absolutely no obligation. I'm just curious, and your photographs made with it do look very nice (of course !). I have Super Six envy ...

[@NoctiGirl]

Awww thanks! I'm very flattered 🥰 I could definitely share my experience and findings with the lens. It's a very rare lens so it's hard to find (needless to say expensive 😅) but that distinct bokeh makes me fall in love with the lens every single time I use it 😍

[@crispin8888]

@@NoctiGirl I'm sure ! It's a very special lens, and the only other useful information, which I have found, is a short review by Jerry Bei. (He reviews nice cameras and lenses).

[@NoctiGirl]

Oh ya! I don't know him well but I also found some info on his blog about the lens. I'll need to do some research before I can make the video. Will keep you posted 😉

[@Snaarf]

I regret selling my monochrome. 5 years later and I'm still kicking myself in the butt for it. Next year is my plan to get back into the Monochrom club. Got my eye on you M11Monochrom!

[@NoctiGirl]

Nice!! Which Monochrom did you have?? 😃

[@chapsibnnoel3626]

Charlene, you may have just caused me to exhume dead presidents from my wallet. Not nice. 😊 I have a M9 M. I’ve lusted over this camera and its fabled Kodak CCD sensor for years. With some help from my friends, I finally got my hands on one with the changed sensor and everything. The problem appears that the camera isn’t properly calibrated. But what’s worse is that the tech can’t seem to find any problems. My seller isn’t sure of our next move. This gets me back to you and this video. I think my option to preserve sanity and have my Leica monochrome body is to upgrade to the M11 M. Your images were exquisite. And I especially loved the Hitchcock birds over the river shot. Continued happiness and success to you and yours. Stay Safe and Be Blessed, Doc Chaps. PS I’m a subscriber to both your and Kevin’s channels. And learning that you two are an item , you just became the Leica Power Couple! Yea! Love his collection and his incredible handmade matching leather straps and bags. Peace!

[@NoctiGirl]

Awww thanks for tuning in! Hahaha and my name is Charlice by the way 🙃 When I got my M9M (got it used btw), I only had a choice of that or the 246. I chose the M9M also for the CCD sensor (replaced of course). I feel that the images from the M9M have a more ethereal quality to them. That and the images are very flat, so you have a lot of freedom to do what you want to them in post. I love the images from the camera, but every time when I use a newer camera, such as my M10P, I am reminded how much I enjoy the updated technology lol. So perhaps that's something for you to consider. The LCD screen on the M11M is very impressive. I don't need the Visoflex to shoot my Noctilux in the dark. I rely completely on the LCD and focus peaking. They work great! Thank you for your continued support! Flattered that you consider Kevin and I a Leica Power Couple 😊💖

[@dakotaxu4792]

Not to knock your Noct setup with the M11 but mine is on the Nikon Z9 because I need that grip. My next lens is the 75mm f1.25 Noctilux as I’m a portrait photographer. I bought the 50mm 0.95 Noctilux after watching YOUR video which was the catalyst for the purchase. I originally come from the Canon 1Dx but switched to the Nikon Z9 after getting tired of waiting for Canon to release a high MP gripped body camera. After I purchased the 50mm 0.95 Noctilux in silver I also purchased from B&H two black 62 - 64mm gear rings and slipped them around the lens to protect it just in case I ever dropped it. We are talking about a $14,000 lens after all. The gear rings are pretty thick and make the lens look cool.

[@NoctiGirl]

Nice! Sounds like you're all in! I was a Canon shooter for a long time as well, though I was on the 5D system (because I did a lot of video as well). Never had the chance to mount the nocti on my 5DIII because I had to sell everything to get the lens lol. The 75 nocti will be a great addition, though I am waiting on the 35 nocti to be released...

[@IamUke]

I am fortunate enough to have a Q2 monochrom and an M11 monochrom. Love them both but the M11M is my baby. Incredible images. I pretty much leave it on auto ISO.

[@NoctiGirl]

Omg! You must love B&W. That's awesome! They are both great cameras, though I'll admit it's nice to have autofocus sometimes 😅 Thanks for tuning in and keep shooting! 📸

[@IamUke]

@@NoctiGirl Nice to have waterproofing too. And that summilux 28! Great channel, keep it coming!

[@NoctiGirl]

Definitely! And I LOVE the macro mode on the Q series. So fun! Thank you for your support and stay tuned for more vids! 😊

[@StephenPodrasky]

I have the M10M. However have to upgrade to the M11M since I like to use the Noctilux outside during the day sometimes. Real nice video.

[@NoctiGirl]

That's awesome! Maybe we should just wait for the M12M. They are releasing them so quick now lol. Thanks for tuning in! 😊

[@jpm5205]

When you and Kevin get married, y'all will have amazing photos. ❤

[@NoctiGirl]

😂 thanks? 😅

[@IRus-pd3om]

I use the M10 Monochrom and am very satisfied with it, although I always liked the photos from the M9 Monochrom a bit better. Maybe it’s because of the CCD sensor in the M9 Monochrom. My favorite focal lengths are 21mm, 28mm, and 50mm. The new M11 Monochrom did not interest me because it doesn't have a base plate, and the camera's surface is too rough, like fine sandpaper. Moreover, most Leica lenses are not suitable for high resolutions. This is especially noticeable when adapting a Zeiss Otus to a Monochrom. Greetings from Zurich.

[@NoctiGirl]

I also really liked photos from the M9! I just wished the interface and technology were more updated 😅 I almost used it like a film camera in the sense that I didn’t rely on the LCD screen since you couldn’t really see any details anyway. Unfortunately I had to sell it and use the money toward something else 🥲 Thanks for tuning in! Greetings from Los Angeles 😊

[@KAROLCHECINSKI]

I think it only makes sense to invest in a BW only camera if you shoot BW only or if you're focused on low light performance. My Q3 results wouldn't differ from M11 results in BW in daylight.

[@NoctiGirl]

Definitely. The Q3 is a beast as well. I love how lightweight and easy it is to travel with that camera!

[@Gvacam1222]

This is the only m11 base body i kept 👌 with silver crown 35 and lux50CF

[@NoctiGirl]

That’s awesome!! 😊

[@wilfredshum3703]

I occasionally use the 50 mm Noctilux on my M10-M, but more on my SL2 when weight is not a concern. It is a bit hard for me to give up my Wetzlar edition for the M11-M. Thanks for your nice video.

[@NoctiGirl]

Wait... you have a Wetzlar edition M10M?! That's awesome!! I was also eyeing that camera but I resisted cuz the M11 was being released soon and I wanted to see what special editions would be released for the M11M. Nothing so far, but perhaps we should wait for the M12M now 😁 Thanks for tuning in! 😊

[@jamesrice670]

I can understand why you'd follow Kevin all over the world -- he's got that Jim Marshall Leica M246 -- and someone needs to keep their eye on that camera! Wonderful photographs in the Zurich shop with the M11M.

[@NoctiGirl]

Hahahaha he's got more than just that Jim Marshall... but you're right, someone needs to keep an eye on his cameras and help him use them. Annnnd that's me! 🙋🏻‍♀️ Thanks for tuning in! 😊

[@crispin8888]

A very interesting insight, thank you. I currently, almost exclusively, use Ilford XP2 currently, which is very nice, low grain C41 process film. I have two black and white digital cameras - a 246 and an M10M. I actually prefer to 246, although the M10M is technically better. Especially for the M10M I use a yellow filter to increase the contrast, although it can be improved out of camera. The RAW files are always very dull and need quite a boost. In any event, I prefer black and white, which feels more characterful, while colour feels more like a straightforward record. Add a Noctilux, and it's complete...

[@NoctiGirl]

Thank you for your support as always! I love the XP2. It's such a versatile film. Though I am a Kodak fan 😁 Kodak B&W film are a bit more punchier which is more of my style of B&W photography. I like them more contrasty and dramatic. What can I say, I'm a drama queen 😎 Oh interesting that you prefer the 246 over the M10M. May I ask why? They are both CMOS sensors right? I feel that the raw files from the M11M are more contrasty than the M9M. They still need some work in post (I always increase contrast) but not as much as the files from my M9M. Sometimes my files from the M9M are so flat that I can't tell if nailed focus. And the LCD is... as I said there to check if you got an image and that's it lol. But I totally agree with you! A B&W photo feels more characterful, and when shot with a vintage lens, it feels like I went back in time and took the photo 🥰

[@crispin8888]

@NoctiGirl Of course you can ask. This is the Internet. 🫡 I shoot XP2 at 200 ASA, and the results are quite contrasting. Very little work is required. Maybe I like the 246 because of nostalgia, but I used it with a 50mm Summicron APO and the results were very smooth and just satisfying. But, it's definitely not a night camera, and banding will occur. I just took my M7 plus 50mm Summilux plus XP2 to Chinatown, photographing old men (as one does). A bit like a lazy Noctilux day without the weight. The results were remarkably dreamy. (Latest Summilux version and not the Heritage version.) I've used the Summilux before on digital and didn't like the results. On film it's very nice. 🤓

[@NoctiGirl]

That's awesome! I feel like film is more forgiving in terms of sharpness. Some of the lenses (such as the APO lenses) are so sharp on digital cameras that the images almost hurt my eyes when I look at them 😆 I've used the 50 APO on the M10M and the results were fabulous with intense sharpness 😁 Please forgive my ignorance but if I remember correctly, you live in Singapore? And they have a "Chinatown"? Wouldn't the country itself be pretty Chinesey? 🤔 Sorry if this is a dumb question. I've been to Singapore once but didn't know about a Chinatown 😅

[@crispin8888]

@@NoctiGirl Singapore, correct, which is a multi cultural society, but predominantly Chinese. So, Chinatown is like an original enclave. There is also Little India, the Arab Street area, etc. 🤓

[@NoctiGirl]

Ahhh gotcha! So it's kind of like LA then. We also have different areas dedicated to different cultures. Part of what makes LA so interesting and charming. Thanks for broadening my horizons! 😃

[@syu9281]

Nice photos.

[@NoctiGirl]

Thank you so much! Glad you liked them 😊

[@gewglesux]

Hey Young lady.. This is indeed a lovely video I learned a lot.. Even though I have a Q2M it took me a while to muster up the strength to drop that coin on B/W only camera.. I would do it again in a minute. What do you think about what the M12 will have to offer? Heard anything? - when and if.. or whatever it's going to be called..

[@NoctiGirl]

I totally get it! You have to be pretty committed to B&W to own a B&W only camera. I've tried the Q2M and it's a beautiful machine. I love how easy it is to use it, and I don't have the trouble of deciding what lens to use it with (not that I have so many M lenses anyway 😅) Check this out about the M12 😉 leicarumors.com/2024/05/30/the-next-digital-leica-m-camera-m12-could-be-3mm-shorter.aspx/

[@gewglesux]

@@NoctiGirl Thanks for the link!!! I only have 2 summilux lens to go with my MP.I have heard some good and some bad about the M11 .. I have time before i'm ready. i'm not sure about the VF and what i would like it to be Thanks again..

[@NoctiGirl]

So I've tried the M11 and the chromatic aberration is horrible when used with my Noctilux. The Noctilux is already notorious for CA but it's magnified on the M11. I am guessing it might have something to do with the triple resolution technology, but this is not an issue on the M11M. I don't think I'll upgrade to the M11. I'll wait for the M12 😉 Check out my first impressions video on the M11 to see what I'm talking about: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKDGkKSCrNB4mKs

[@gewglesux]

@@NoctiGirl Thank you very much... I'm not ready for the "12" yet. This is indeed food for thought. I'm guessing it's going to be close to the Same Price point so that won't be a shock.I wonder if the Summilux would've had the same result? Gonna Have look at that link now.

[@gewglesux]

Ok I watched that video.. turns out i did see it before - I just forgot.. yea the CA was pretty obvious in those photos.I do agree that the CA sort of worked while shooting the Merc.

[@humankapital2000]

Yeah, I'm way too lazy to use ND filters, really enjoying the electronic shutter of the M11. Thinking about upgrading my M10M to a M11M just because of that.

[@NoctiGirl]

For sure. It’s quite convenient! 😄

[@SILVERGOLDWING72051]

My Q2M still gets an A in the details, though the M11 seems to be my choice lately.. nice video

[@NoctiGirl]

I love the Q2M! I have to admit, it's nice to have autofocus sometimes 😅 Also I don't need to worry about lens choices with the Q2M. So easy and versatile. Thanks for tuning in! 😊

[@lensman5762]

Is there any particular reason that a city, or for that matter any subject has to be photographed at iso 200000? Any particular merit attached to this?

[@NoctiGirl]

Sounds like you didn’t watch the video before making this comment 🥺

[@lensman5762]

@@NoctiGirl I have to admit that I didn't. I was just wondering why that title was necessary in the first place?

[@NoctiGirl]

To get you to watch the video of course lol. Also I did a test to see what ISO 200,000 would look like on an image. It's quite impressive actually 😎

[@hurlibuz1]

Telling that people in Zurich perhaps swim in their money and holding a leica m10 with summilux

[@NoctiGirl]

It's actually a Leica M11 Monochrom with a Noctilux but... thanks for getting that far into the video...

[@hurlibuz1]

@@NoctiGirl since there i was interessed in your video. Anyway, McDonald’s is for poor people. I prefer other restaurans in zurich

[@NoctiGirl]

Hahaha as you can imagine after buying the camera and the lens and the plane ticket and the hotel to stay in Zurich, naturally I became pretty broke so I could only afford meals at McDonald's. Though I did try a delicious fondue place in the city. Got any restaurant recommendations? 🤔

[@HeinoPaas-kq8yz]

Ca. 20.000€ 😅 ists a joke

[@NoctiGirl]

🥲

[@adden2242]

I could never afford a camera that ONLY shoots in B & W.. Leica just too pricey.. My Sony works jsut fine.

[@NoctiGirl]

I think it depends on your subject matter and style of photography. A B&W only camera makes sense for someone who shoots only or mostly in B&W. But Sony is great! 😊

[@illicit008]

Pentax

[@NoctiGirl]

What is your favorite Pentax camera & why? 😃

[@illicit008]

@@NoctiGirl The K3 iii monochrome is a great alternative to Leica. Id like to see other companies enter the game.

[@noyo1444]

Totally overpriced for what it is.

[@NoctiGirl]

I’m sorry 😭💔☠️

[@LunarCatOnAir]

The comparison with TMax seems very accurate. Wish it could be more the old silver juicy Tri X 🥹

[@NoctiGirl]

Hahaha thanks for tuning in! 😊