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Voigtlander Nokton 50/1.1 — Shooting at f/1.1 in Daylight
Shooting in daylight at f/1.1 presents a special challenge: the 1/4000 second top speed of the Leica M9 means that an image can be badly overexposed (blown out).
One can stop down to reduce the image brightness, or one can use a polarizer (not usually enough), or use a 3-stop or 6-stop neutral density filter; the 3-stop is most useful most of the time, and most neutral in color.
Example — microwave transmission towers on Black Mountain
I prefer the blown-out shot, it’s almost sci-fi. Something to keep in mind as a creative option. The image almost looks solarized.
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Diglloyd Guide to LEICA contains in-depth coverage of Leica M system cameras and lenses, with additional coverage of Leica M Monochrom, Leica Q.
Special emphasis is placed on Leica M lenses and certain Zeiss ZM lenses.
- Make better images by learning how to get the best results right away.
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- Real world examples with insights found nowhere else. Make sharper images just by understanding lens behavior you won’t read about elsewhere.
- Aperture series from wide open through stopped down, showing the full range of lens performance and bokeh.
- Optical quality analysis of field curvature, focus shift, sharpness, flare, distortion, and performance in the field.
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Leica M9P + Voigtlander Nokton 50/1.1