Vintage Lenses On Film - Leica Summitar 50mm and Zuiko 50mm Comparison

[@andychandler3992]

I dunno that one can say those older cameras are "just a camera" something about those older cameras, you can sort of feel the heartbeat of the workers and everyone else who's used that camera to take shots. Developing photos and bringing the camera back to life... an experience you really can't put into words.

[@brianmccutcheon3205]

I'm not alone ..........I shoot with over 30 cameras and love them all. Also have a large camera collection. You even talk about your cameras as I do. I enjoyed your slow pace of delivery, so refreshing:

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed the video!

[@JamesE707]

100% agree!

[@docDeutschmann]

I really liked to hear the properties of the film discussed in detail, along with some nice images to highlight the particular reaction of the film to the subject. I enjoyed that even more than the comparison of the lenses. I think I'd like more film "reviews" or "presentations" like this. Thanks for the good work!

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@alanread6596]

Another excellent video. I must say I love the old cars brings back memories.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it!

[@aidanhowgate5437]

I've just bought a iiia with a summitar 50mm f2, I can't wait to use it!

[@PhilOsGarage]

Fantastic shots of the cars and bikes, they can be a real test with much higher reflectivity than found in nature or an urban environment, as well as many curves, angles and details. Shooting old vehicles on film is a joy. One of my favorite shots I have taken was of a 1960 BSA shot on expired film in an old zenit 11. While it was only shot last year it looks period.

[@zenography7923]

It just seems to work, doesn't it? And cars and bikes are full of such interesting shapes they just cry out to be photographed!

[@AlejandroGonzalez-AGS]

Just came across this video…very nice indeed! I inherited a IIIf and Summitar 5cm f/2, same as you have. Difference that the camera was built in 52’ and the lens in 53’. This kit that included a original leather bag, old flash, Leitz filters and the incredible 5cm viewfinder, was purchased in late 53’ by an Uncle while in service with U.S. forces! Just wanted to add that the Summitar 5cm f/2 in the later versions post middle 52’ included a very nice lens coating as seen in the front element blue reflection providing much greater contrast! The earlier ones did not have this coating and just looked plain glass but of course of good Leitz quality! Cheers..

[@zenography7923]

I love using these old cameras - glad you're enjoying yours too! Thanks for looking in.

[@Kelkschiz]

Nothing quite like a v-twin engine. By far my favorite motorcycle engine :)

[@zenography7923]

I couldn't agree more...

[@osliverpool]

Nice vid, thanks. A suggestion for developing Adox Silvermax - maybe do a semi-stand dev, or at least agitate less than usual, to hold back the highlights a little and let the mid-tones and shadows build? I've not tried it with Adox myself yet (though I have a lot of it in the freezer), but it's something that worked well for me with the old Agfa APX-100 (in Kodak HC-110) in contrasty conditions, and Silvermax is based on the old APX-100 formulation.

[@nightcoder5k]

The art of photography. Nice video.

[@charlesmorgan8440]

Fascinating. I have no familiarity with Silvermax at all, but such heavy grain as well as serious contrast could be the result of over-development - the results were not ones I particularly like as I like the entire range of tones that exist in an image to show. I love the Leica III with Summitar, although the top speed of 1/500 does reduce the scope for wide open shooting at this time of year. It's a long time since I shot with a Zuiko 50mm though! I think I prefer them for colour work.

[@zenography7923]

I've not had the summitar long, but I do rate its colour rendition very highly, very nice indeed, and great Black and white too. And I think you're right, I may have overcooked the adox a bit...

[@justnoted2995]

The images you have shown seem to be mixed up between the two cameras: it would be more beneficial for us as viewers that you log the shots on each camera when you take the photos, and show the results on the screen when you present. It could be even better that way

[@GeorgeK356]

You're right about the Adox Silvermax, a veritable example of "Soot and Whitewash" as they used to say. Still, there are times, occasions and subjects that cry out for that rendition. Great channel - I discovered you only recently, have subscribed and am working through your "back catalogue" lol. Love your relaxed presentational style, keep producing the videos just the way you are. No need to change a winning formula. George

[@zenography7923]

Glad you're enjoying the videos - soot and whitewash is right!

[@Hektormydog]

Jaguar ‘reliable’… 😂 I remember back-in-the-day seeing a Jag with 5 people in it and saying they could take turns repairing it while on the go 😮 Maybe not the best comparison, a Leica in general is dependable, and I love my pre-war IIIb with Summitar combination for all the reasons you mentioned. Nice examples and explanations.

[@zenography7923]

Older Jags had tricky reliability, and I've heard modern ones can be unreliable too. But between you and me, the 94-97 models are bulletproof, as reliable as any Toyota!

[@rolft.7697]

Nice Video and Adox Review. Videos title though is a bit strange (I ve seen one pic only shot with the Zuiko lens......)

[@zenography7923]

Sorry, maybe I didn't make the shots from each lens clear enough. Thanks for looking in.

[@RomanSchatzphoto]

The car and camera combination suited the film choice nicely.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@ulfjonsson2122]

Another very enjoyable video! Congratulations! Regards Ulf

[@zenography7923]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@johnf4883]

pleased you are making regular videos

[@zenography7923]

Thanks, I hope you're enjoying them!

[@johnf4883]

@@zenography7923 very much so

[@boris1970able]

Wonderful video ! When you get a chance shoot some Fomapan 400 film , I think you’ll enjoy the results, it’s the opposite of Adox film ... Fomapan gives a real vintage look to photos... like the film that was used in the 40’s and 50’s

[@zenography7923]

That sounds like a lovely film, might work nicely in the Leica 2... Thanks for watching.

[@Walkslowlylooking]

Sir, I have just watched this video and it seems obvious that the Adox 100 was poorly processed. You are right, it should not have such obvious grain and should have much more subtle graduation of tones. In short, it was overdeveloped. If those negatives had come from my camera/film, I'd cut development time or change developer, perhaps increase dilution of the developer. And, I would make certain that the temperatures of all solutions from developer to hardening fixer were exactly the same. I'm quite busy photographically at present, but perhaps I can try some of the Adox with more careful development, Leica IIIc or IIIf, Summitar. I would bet my Leicas that with better processing the image quality will be much better.

[@zenography7923]

I bet you your Leicas you’re right! Think I overcooked it.

[@Walkslowlylooking]

@@zenography7923 It happens. I've been doing it 62 years and will hopefully live long enough to scorch another roll of highlights.

[@ioncladstudio2688]

I've had good success with low light use of HP5 using a hybrid long develop process I figured out over much trial and error and more than a few feet of film... I now want to try that high silver film for low light photography which you mention!.. the dev is basically a two stage dev, where you do a normal development cycle minus about 40%.. then pre-measured second dev cycle.. this time you calculate the amount of developer concentration to fully develop all the silver.. then let it sit to develop with only careful inversions a couple times to avoid settling and off axis density. The end result.. once you get the timing and figure out how much chemistry to add for stage two.. you end up with a regular development (stage 1) minus late stage fine shadow detail, stage two the 45min to 60min low agitation works to 'overcompensate' the shadow detail by extracting every last drop of light that touched the film. As long as you under expose by a stop or so for the highlight.. the long dev cycle shouldn't blow out the highlights. The end result is a dreamy image with unbelievably full shadows and hilight. :) I love your work.. thank you... I'm very curious now what could be done with that film. :)

[@MB-or8js]

Myself shooting with Leica IIIc and Summitar lens. Never used the Adox 100 film, but the results shown here remind me on the panchromatic Ferrania P30 film - very rich in contrast, a bit too rich maybe. Personally I prefer more greys and therefore the low ISO Ilford films.

[@zenography7923]

Yes, I think this film is a bit too contrasty for my taste - plenty more to play with though!

[@lrochfort]

Calm, considered and interesting as ever. I love my Zorki 1 and agree with all points about the Leica III. Was that a Jupiter with a focusing tab on the Zorki 3?

[@zenography7923]

It was indeed. I like this version of the Jupiter, but I do like the latest black body version too. Thanks for watching.

[@Wakodaf]

Thank you very much! ❤️

[@zenography7923]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@victorcarmelo8606]

What battery do you use in the Olly 10? I have an OM1n which I use occasionally with no battery (I use a hand meter) and was wondering if they use the same battery. First time on your site, loved the video, great cameras and cars so have subscribed. Thanks and regards.

[@zenography7923]

The om10 uses 2xLR44 batteries, still readily available, unlike the mercury battery used in the om1, A Wien cell is an available replacement, but apparently life is quite short. Glad you enjoyed the video, and thanks for subscribing!

[@otc-analogvintagetechnology]

Nice video as usual. I like super contrasty pictures and this Adox will be my next buy..... Want also play with a M39 Leica and here is my question: can I use my cheap soviet lenses (Jupiter 8, industar N 61) without any mod? Thank you Alessandro

[@zenography7923]

There's a difference of opinion about Russian lenses on Leica cameras - some say they won't focus properly and need adjustment, others say there's no problem. I've always found them to work well. Thanks for watching.

[@paulsancheski8618]

Didn't hear mention of how your film was processed, but the nomenclature on Adox Silvermax touts its fine grain and outstanding latitude, suggesting the grain is "comparable to tabular-crystal films" with a tonal range of "14 zones." (www.adox.de/Photo/adox-films-2/adox-silvermax/) Your mention of contrast and grain difficulties, and what I saw on the video begs the question: Was an Adox recommended developer/time/temperature employed?

[@zenography7923]

It was developed as per instructions

[@northstar1950]

If you look closely at the bokeh on your angel photo you can see the swirlyness that Summitars are well known for.

[@zenography7923]

I do like the Summitar look, the swirl, and the colours too!

[@johnrflinn]

How do you like the Leitz 50mm F2 Summar compared to the Summitar 50mm?

[@zenography7923]

I haven't tried the Summar - I've heard it's a nice lens, but that the glass is soft and easily damaged. Would love to compare them.

[@johnrflinn]

I have scanned some pictures my dad took with Kodachrome film using the 50mm F2 Summar in the 40's, 50's and 60's at my Flickr site if you wish to view them. www.flickr.com/photos/116856615@N07/?

[@sputumtube]

Not sure I understand why you're taking film images and then manipulating them digitally (e.g. the boat photo's)... Am I missing something?

[@55whiplash]

Pretty common these days, get your film images scanned and retain your negatives, print what makes you happy. But I see your point.

[@thegreatvanziniphotos5976]

Because as he said for this particular film, digital processing is basically required. Other films not so much.

[@zenography7923]

It's just one way of many to do photography I guess... Thanks for watching.

[@tekoppentekoppen761]

Can this lens fit on my FED2?

[@zenography7923]

Yes, indeed it will!

[@parratt-world]

There are numerous images on several websites and forums showing the fine qualities of ADOX SILVERMAX 100. The examples you show in this video illustrate one thing: You have absolutely no idea of how to develop a film. It's crap. Then you go off on a tangent about cars and motorbikes. What??

[@zenography7923]

Tranquilo hermano...

[@wassim2364]

☕️👍

[@60secmusic96]

Hey there, i like your videos very much, thank you for your good work! Would you do me a favor and help me? Would be very nice! I have some Leica 3g Cameras with some Zeiss Wetzlar Lenses, 35mm, 50mm, 90mm, 135mm, Summitar etc. - can i use them on my Sony A6300? I don't know, if there is a adapter, i think the lenses are from the 1950s.

[@zenography7923]

Yes, all these lenses will easily adapt to your A6300! All you need is a simple, so called 'dumb' adapter, L39 to Sony E-mount. Good news!

[@60secmusic96]

@@zenography7923 thank you!

[@Jonas-iz7rj]

Hello shoud i make you a new Intro for your Videos?

[@zenography7923]

Hi, so sorry for the late reply but yes, I would love for you to do that! If you'd like to, email me at [e-mail] Thanks!