I found this lens in Vienna on an Aires 35-V camera, their flagship camera released in 1958 to compete in the interchangeable lens rangefinder market, it's a hefty well built camera. I bought the Aires & 45mm f1.5 along with the 35mm f3.2 and 100mm f3.5 lenses, this set was sold as the 'Correspondent kit' (see ad below) for $376.25USD in 1959, equivalent to $4,190.75 today. There isn't much information on the Aires 35-V available to research, here are a few few points that I

We found this superb example of the coveted 47mm Ektar on our recent trip to Hong Kong. We had it converted to Leica M mount with rangefinder coupling by the Master who used a quality all brass Yifeng helicoid and made a custom aperture house, blades and control ring, also all brass. This makes aperture changing very easy. You can view this conversion for sale here . Originally offered on the Kodak Kardon rangefinder in LTM mount from 1945 and then Retina II from 1946-49. Man

This pair of Cine Xenons came into our stock last November. We had them converted to Leica M mount with rangefinder coupling in HK and last month they arrived back, serviced and remounted. They are both on quality Yifeng helicoids and the focus tabs have been moved from the original focus rings to the aperture rings. This makes aperture changing very easy. You can view the for sale here . The aperture is quite interesting on these Cine Xenons, firstly the can completely close

Since the birth of the Leica 100 years ago many great lenses have been created in Wetzlar for their mighty rangefinder system. From the classic rendition of a 5cm Elmar to the crisp perfection of a 50mm APO Summicron, there are many looks available in the big L's century of offerings. But what if you want something different? Something with characteristics you can't buy off the self? Well, let me show you the entrance to a rabbit hole you won't be able to stop yourself from p

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Mainebocher Corset - photo by Horst P Horst ...The model's name is recorded as 'Madame Bernon'. Little is known of her - but she sat for...