For this impromptu shoot with Angelique, I used an Elmarit 90mm F/2.8 lens on my Leica M3. I love the low contrast of this lens, as well as the slightly lower sharpness compared to modern lenses (the Elmarit was made in 1960). It’s a very flattering look for portraits. Film was Kodak Tri-X, developed in HC-110.
Angelique
I’ve been photographing Angelique for nearly a year now, and I’ve seen her transform into a hard working, dedicated and, above all, very professional model.
My second shoot with the amazing Angelique (A.K.A. Frenchie) yielded some great images. We shot at and around the Grist Mill at Norris, TN, a location that provided plenty of shade from the harsh light and ridiculous heat of the early afternoon (95F and very humid), but unfortunately not the mosquitoes! All photos shot on Fuji Neopan film in a Leica M3 with 50mm Summicron or 90mm Elmarit lenses.
Leica M3 with 50mm Summicron
I had a photo shoot recently with the lovely Angelique in and around downtown Knoxville and I decided to only use one lens on my Leica M3 for the entire session; a 1946 Leitz Summitar. This 50mm F/2.0 optic has a rather unique set of properties that I thought would enhance the images from this particular shoot.
Summitar shoot (Legacy Pro 100)
Production of the Summitar started in 1939 and, apart from adding lens coating to the front element in 1946, it remained largely unchanged until it was replaced by the Summicron in 1955. Unsurprisingly, it exhibits a definite old-school look in the images it produces, and it requires some care in use to get good results. It is prone to flaring (a lens hood is absolutely required), is soft in the corners, and has all kinds of crazy aberrations, especially when shooting wide open.
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