My biggest filmmaking investment after 2 years - Was it worth it? | Leica R set

Summary

In this video, Mateo reflects on his two-year experience with his Leica R set, purchased from Mark Manarella. He discusses the lenses' high cost and their worth, versatility, and the diverse projects he's shot with them. Mateo praises the lenses for their character, sharpness, and 3D pop, comparing them favorably to high-end cinema lenses. Despite acknowledging some cons like chromatic aberration, he highly recommends them for their unique look and emotional impact. He also touches on maintenance issues and suggests alternatives like Canon FD and Nikkor lenses for those seeking vintage glass.

Takeaways

• 📅 Mateo has owned his Leica R set for two years and shares his experience and thoughts on the investment.
• 💰 He considers the lenses a worthwhile investment due to their versatility and consistent use in various types of film projects.
• 🔥 The lenses have significantly increased in value, with Mateo suggesting they might be undervalued when he bought them.
• 🎥 Mateo has used these lenses for 99% of his work, including commercials, documentaries, corporate videos, feature films, and short films.
• 📸 The vintage character of the lenses, including a unique bokeh and 3D pop, is highly valued for its ability to enhance footage.
• 📈 Despite being vintage, the lenses are very usable and have been well-received by clients, often surprising them with their quality.
• 🛠 There are some cons, such as potential chromatic aberration when shooting wide open in high contrast, but this is mitigated by stopping down.
• 🧰 Maintenance is a consideration with vintage lenses, and Mateo had an issue with his 19mm lens that required servicing.
• 👍 Alternatives to Leica R lenses include Canon FD and Nikkor lenses, which Mateo also recommends for their quality and value.
• 💡 If you have the budget and plan to use the lenses, Mateo advises buying them now as they are discontinued and hard to find in good condition.

Q & A

What is the main topic of Mateo's video?

Mateo's video discusses his experience with his Leica R set, evaluating whether the investment in these lenses was worth it and exploring their versatility over the past two years.

How long ago did Mateo purchase his Leica R set?

Mateo purchased his Leica R set exactly two years prior to the recording of the video.

What types of projects has Mateo used the Leica R lenses for?

Mateo has used the Leica R lenses for a variety of projects including commercials, documentaries, corporate videos, feature films, and short films.

What are the focal lengths of the lenses included in Mateo's Leica R set?

The focal lengths in Mateo's set are 19mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 90mm.

What is special about the 28mm lens from Mateo's set?

The 28mm lens is praised for being a great focal length to work with on the Pocket 6K and Ursa Mini, making it an ideal travel film lens.

What is the significance of the serial numbers of the lenses in Mateo's set?

The serial numbers of the lenses are significant because they are all between 30 and 31, indicating that they are very close in production and thus color-matched perfectly.

Why does Mateo consider the Leica R lenses a worthwhile investment?

Mateo considers the lenses a worthwhile investment because they have been used extensively in his work, clients love the results, and they can be used on any camera to enhance the character of footage.

How does Mateo compare the Leica R lenses to other high-end lenses like Cooke or Panavision Primo?

Mateo compares the Leica R lenses favorably to the much more expensive Cooke and Panavision Primo lenses, noting that they offer a similar quality for a fraction of the cost.

What are some of the cons or downsides of using vintage lenses like the Leica R set?

Some cons of using vintage lenses include potential chromatic aberration and artifacts when shooting at wide open in high contrast situations, and the need for maintenance due to their age.

What advice does Mateo give for those interested in purchasing a Leica R set?

Mateo advises that if one has the money, likes the look of the lenses, and has work coming in, they should consider buying the set, especially since they are discontinued and finding them in good condition with close serial numbers is becoming increasingly difficult.

What alternative vintage lenses does Mateo recommend?

Mateo recommends Canon FD and Nikkor lenses as great alternatives to the Leica R set, noting that they are more affordable and still offer a vintage look and feel.

What issues did Mateo encounter with the 19mm lens from his set?

Mateo experienced an issue with the aperture of the 19mm lens closing by itself, which required servicing from the seller, Duklos.