Exploring Madrid's Essence with Leica M11 and 35mm/50mm Lenses
Puerta del Sol, Madrid
Last month, as I prepared for my short city break in Madrid, a delightful dilemma unfolded before me: the choice between the trusty 50mm and the immersive 35mm lens. As a relatively new and humble owner of Leica M11, the prospect of discovering Madrid through the lens of my Leica was an exciting one. Picture me, standing before my camera bag, with both the Leica 50mm and 35mm lenses beckoning me to make a choice. Each lens possessed its own unique charm and capabilities, and the decision before me held the potential to influence the way I'd capture the essence of the city. I, however, couldn't resist the temptation of having both lenses at my disposal, so I left with both.
The 35mm Lens: Discovering the Intimate Details
The 35mm lens is like a storyteller. Its focal length offers a near-natural perspective. I browsed through the heart of Madrid's streets and neighborhoods and captured the details of:
Street Photography: Madrid's streets are bustling with life, from its historic center to the charming barrios. The 35mm lens proved to be perfect for capturing candid moments, the expressions of locals, and the ever-changing dynamics of the city.
Architecture: With this lens, I focused on the ornate façades, wrought-iron balconies.
Markets and Cafés: The 35mm lens beautifully conveyed the warmth and authenticity of Madrid's Mercado de San Miguel, from its colorful food stalls to the inviting aroma of café con leche and churos.
Alleys and Plazas: I wandered through the charming and picturesque Plaza Mayor and found the 35mm lens perfect for capturing the architectural details and busy tourists admiring the Madrid’s temperament.
Night and Low Light Photography: Despite leaving my tripod behind, the 35mm lens captured the magic of Madrid at night. In places like the Cathedral de la Almudena, it beautifully detailed the intricate ceiling and the play of light within.
The 50mm Lens: Portraits and Classic Elegance
The 50mm lens is celebrated for its versatility and its capacity to craft timeless images. Often hailed as an all-rounder, it rightfully earned its reputation. With its standard focal length, it perfectly mirrors the natural perspective of the human eye, making it an exceptional companion for street photography. It’s amazing for (and not only) portraits, landscape, street photography, details.
With the 50mm lens, my attention was drawn to the passionate street performers and a busy life of tourists and locals at Puerta del Sol.
What was in my camera bag?
Leica Camera M11
35mm Summilux
50mm Apo summicron
Yes, this time, I traveled much lighter compared to my previous trips! I even didn’t need my proper camera bag, my handbag was just fine:)
To sum it up, having both the 35mm and 50mm lenses for my Madrid city break was a great choice. I enjoyed the freedom to switch between the two. While both lenses are remarkable in their own right, I found myself naturally gravitating towards the 35mm lens during this trip. Its wider field of view captured the vibrancy and intimacy of bustling streets. It allowed me to immerse myself in the surroundings, capturing both the subtle details and the unfolding stories. It made my go-to choice for street photography and city breaks.
Explore more images from Madrid in my Travel Photography Collection.
Happy exploring and catchMYzoom!
Jitka
