Do you have a favorite "walk-around" camera setup? This Leica M4 with the rare 2.8cm f6.3 Hektor lens has been a compact companion for our winter excursions. The profile of this lens is so small that the camera can be slid into a jacket pocket, even with an external finder mounted. ⁠

It is always a treat to see cameras with their original boxes and manuals preserved. This stunning black chrome Leica M4 came through our shop with its original Leitz Wetzlar guarantee card in addition to the box. 

Mounted to a Leica M body, the Light Lens Lab 50mm f2 Elcan replica is impressively compact, featuring a profile more similar to a 35mm lens than a 50mm. The 50mm f2 Elcan replica accepts standard E39 filters and is compatible with original Leitz clip-on lens hoods, as seen mounted on this Leica M4.

Leica updated the optical formula of their legendary 50mm f1.4 Summilux-M lens in 2004 with the introduction of aspherical lens elements. It is one of the finest lenses available in any format. It features a focusing tab and a built-in lens hood, making it one of the most practical Summilux lenses to use quickly. 

The Leica M4 is one of our favorite cameras here at the shop. It is a deft and reliable tool, fit for decades of hard use. 

Here are some samples of the new Light Lens Lab 35mm f2 8-Element Summicron replica lens on Rollei RPX 100 black and white film. The original Leica 35mm f2 Summicron is renowned for the quality of its black and white tonal reproduction, and the LLL 35mm f2 does a good job of emulating that classic look. 

The new Light Lens Lab 35mm f2 is a replica of the classic Leica 35mm f2 8-Element Summicron. Like the original, it features single coating (most modern lenses are multi-coated), and delivers a slightly "vintage," warmer color cast in its images. These samples were taken on Kodak Gold 200 on a recent adventure in the Columbia Gorge. With the aperture stopped down, the LLL 35mm f2 exhibits fine sharpness, contrast, and flare control, even without a lens hood. Wide open, it offers a pronounced separation effect between subject and background, as seen in the portrait of staff member Anna. 

Here is a self portrait made by Ruben Alvarado with his Leica M4.⠀

Ruben sent us this photo in response to a call we made to our customers, asking for them to share out their favorite self portraits.  We wanted to share these photos as a way to spotlight the connection between the photographer and their camera.  Fostering this connection is one of the most important aspects of what we do.  It's not just about the camera and it's not just about the photographer.  It's a union between the two that makes our photographs what they are.  Capturing an image of you and your camera, with your camera, is a great way to encompass the connection that means so much to each of us.⠀ ⠀ 

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