Finding the “right lens/film/sensor/camera” combination:

In last week’s blog post I fiddled around with the Leica M8 and an Infrared Filter (because the M8 is extremely Infrared sensitive). Even though all of my wide and so-called “normal” focal length lenses demonstrate a very prominent “hot spot” when photographing with an Infrared Filter. This requires significant post production work on the computer to balance the tones. I should never have sold my 28 mm Elmarit. It performed beautifully with the M8 and IR. The 28 Summicron, 50 Summilux Asph, and 35 Summilux Asph — not so much — they all produce prominent hot-spots with IR.

So I’ve agonized over what lens to acquire for this singular purpose. Something to simply leave on the M8 as the IR tool. I didn’t want to spend much cash as one never knows which lenses will produce these IR hot spots. I also didn’t want a “dog” in my bag. I looked at various possibilities in the 28 to 50 mm range. I watched the old Canons in the various markets; and a couple old Nikons. I also tracked the 40 mm Summicrons which were produced for the old Leica CL film cameras; as well as their Japanese Minolta counterparts. I finally found a lovely 40 mm Summicron with glass in very fine condition, no easy task, and at a more than fair price.

What a little gem it turns out to be. A wonderful performer; with plenty of that vintage Summicron bokeh. And so far no hot spot showing up in the IR images. It’s also a whole lot of fun on the M Monochrom and M (240); quite a wonderful focal length on the full frame actually. I’ve fallen in love with this tiny, light little lens; as well as my front yard; since directing my attention to the old M8 / IR potential.

Leica M8, 40 mm Summicron + BW F Pro 093 IR Filter

Leica M Monochrom, 40 mm Summicron