G’day everyone, former G.A.S. sufferer here! Although in my case it’s more accurate to call it Gear Experimentation Syndrome since I would typically enjoy using one vintage film camera/lens combination at a time before selling it on and buying something different. With a bit of luck, this process is fairly cost neutral too, given that the new gear depreciation already happened decades ago. My own experimentation trail involved most film formats and brands, until it slowly narrowed to small 1970s rangefinder cameras and TLRs. The trail ended perhaps unsurprisingly at the Leica M6, which was a gift from a close friend of mine.
Much has been written about this legendary camera! One less-known fact is that its 35mm frame lines are actually consistent with a 40mm view for subjects more than 2-3m away. This just happens to be how I prefer to capture the world so…drum roll…enter the Voigtlander! This is a truly exceptional lens. It is fast, tiny, very well-built, plenty sharp from wide open, and quick to focus with a finger tab. It can also be easily modified to show 35mm frame lines on any Leica M camera instead of the default 50mm frame lines. Taking it apart for lens helicoid lubrication is straight forward too with guides readily available. Bokeh is “classic”, meaning that out of focus areas are generally pleasing but can be a bit unpredictable wide open with an outlining effect for some busy backgrounds.
The final puzzle piece was Rollei 80s black and white film. I personally value high contrast, high sharpness and low grain, and this film delivers in spades! Best use is on overcast days or subdued light as contrast can be difficult to tame when sunny. This is due to its extended red sensitivity compared to other films but on the upshot, it has a hidden talent in infrared photography. All in all, a wonderful film!
This camera-lens combination has been an absolute joy to use and more than anything, it just works. Thank you for your interest!
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Dan Castelli on 5 frames with a Leica M6 and Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4 – by Dean Vuksanovic
Comment posted: 28/04/2019
Another 40mm lens aficionado! Liked your article - we could be 'twin sons of different mothers.'
I had the M6, but sold it off because of the LED lights in the viewfinder - I found them too distracting. I eventually replaced it w/the M4-P. I outfitted it with the Leicameter MR that is much more to my liking. I have a M-Rokkor 40mm f/2.0 with the frame index tab machined to bring up the 35mm frame lines. It's a kit that fits me like a nice pair of shoes.
The viewfinder in the M4-P is identical to the M6. I ran some sample photos w/a borrowed 35mm lens and the 40mm...as you aptly stated, there is virtually no difference between the angle of view between the two lenses when you're about 6 ft. away from your subject. Sssh! Don't tell anyone!
I like the bold geometry and sharp contrast of shots "Shibuya", and the expression of the young woman in Todai-Ji" is priceless - like praying her horse will come in first.
Continued good luck with your photography.
Comment posted: 28/04/2019
Comment posted: 28/04/2019
Dan Castelli on 5 frames with a Leica M6 and Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4 – by Dean Vuksanovic
Comment posted: 28/04/2019
I don't think of myself as a 'street photographer' in today's current sense...I like to capture tiny, human moments that bind us together.
Too much political schit nowadays pulling us apart.
George Appletree on 5 frames with a Leica M6 and Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4 – by Dean Vuksanovic
Comment posted: 28/04/2019
Good pics and fantastic lens. I got it for a Leica M8 (it becomes about 50) and later got used to mount it on an M7. By the way how do you modify it to make it frame 35 mm lines (other than making fix the left camera switch).
It also becomes a pretty 60 with aps-c sensor cameras, that way improving d.o.f. sometimes. Really lovely thing.
Yes, the 40 sounds likely lack of character for many (not enough wide neither entirely "standard") and also perhaps some old fashioned: lots of cheap film cameras used it. But it has its own personality.
Thanks
Comment posted: 28/04/2019
Petr Vorel on 5 frames with a Leica M6 and Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4 – by Dean Vuksanovic
Comment posted: 28/04/2019
this is exactly my combination as well. I have had the lens since it was pretty much introduced and used it on Bessa R3a and Minolta CLE. They do actually have 40mm framelines so it was perfect on them. It bothers me though that it brings up the 50mm framelines on the M6 and I am hesitant to peel the lens mount to bring up the 35mm framelines. I am now thinking about Summarit but it feels sad letting go this lens.
Comment posted: 28/04/2019
M on 5 frames with a Leica M6 and Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4 – by Dean Vuksanovic
Comment posted: 28/04/2019
The new CV 1,2/40 suffers less from theses malady. I have an M6 (0.85 finder) with which a 40mm optics may be more useful than a 35 that fills the entire frame.
Comment posted: 28/04/2019
Peter on 5 frames with a Leica M6 and Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4 – by Dean Vuksanovic
Comment posted: 28/04/2019
Good to hear from another 40mm shooter out there!
Dominique Pierre-Nina on 5 frames with a Leica M6 and Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4 – by Dean Vuksanovic
Comment posted: 29/04/2019
I was just in Japan and bought loads of Rollie film. Great results from your shoot.
I have thought about a 40mm so I might just give it a try.
Thanks,
Dominique.
Sroyon on 5 frames with a Leica M6 and Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4 – by Dean Vuksanovic
Comment posted: 13/05/2019
Comment posted: 13/05/2019
Comment posted: 13/05/2019
Röd White on 5 frames with a Leica M6 and Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4 – by Dean Vuksanovic
Comment posted: 26/12/2023
Nice article and another 40mm lens fan here. I’ve had three now, starting with the 40mm Summicron C which I modded for 35mm frame lines on my M4. More recently the Voigtländer Heliar 40mm f2.8 which is very sharp indeed and works well for my film taste which is very similar to yours. My latest is the Voigtländer 40mm f1.2 Nokton which has to be my favourite lens of this last year. Vintage glow wide open and modern sharp as soon as you start to stop down so almost two lenses in one.
You’ve also reminded how good Rollie 80s is, and when best to use it. I bought a bulk roll last year and haven’t used it so much but agree flat light suits it well. It would be a great combo with my 40mm Nokton.