Leica User Forum - View Single Post

thompsonkirk · 04/04/08, 05:38 AM

Some of us went back & forth about this issue a couple of weeks ago:

[This forum +]

/49236-lens-contrast-issues-plea-coding-via.html

It's not clear that the latest designs are the 'best,' if you're interested in landscapes & printmaking, because they deliver a rather high contrast image & present some problems about smooth highlight transitions & shadow detail.

My own conclusion from the discussion was that the best 28 for me is the last of the pre-aspherical Elmarits, vintage 1980 & after, that can be coded. (Almost purchased one, but got distracted & missed the opportunity.)

If you tend to think of high contrast lenses as causing poblems for your work, the Ultron might be your best bet among new lenses. If not, go for the Leica lenses. f2.8 is OK for landscape work, but I personally find the Elmarit overly contrasty. That might be why Carl Schofield, whose work you admire, is using an Ultron.

At any rate, be sure to consider the advice above about Reid Reviews, if you didn't already subscribe when shopping for your M8.

A hearty welcome,

Kirk

04/04/08, 05:38 AM	#11 (permalink)
thompsonkirk Erfahrener Benutzer Join Date: 05/27/03 Location: CA Posts: 818	Re: which 28mm for Leica M8? Some of us went back & forth about this issue a couple of weeks ago: [This forum +] /49236-lens-contrast-issues-plea-coding-via.html It's not clear that the latest designs are the 'best,' if you're interested in landscapes & printmaking, because they deliver a rather high contrast image & present some problems about smooth highlight transitions & shadow detail. My own conclusion from the discussion was that the best 28 for me is the last of the pre-aspherical Elmarits, vintage 1980 & after, that can be coded. (Almost purchased one, but got distracted & missed the opportunity.) If you tend to think of high contrast lenses as causing poblems for your work, the Ultron might be your best bet among new lenses. If not, go for the Leica lenses. f2.8 is OK for landscape work, but I personally find the Elmarit overly contrasty. That might be why Carl Schofield, whose work you admire, is using an Ultron. At any rate, be sure to consider the advice above about Reid Reviews, if you didn't already subscribe when shopping for your M8. A hearty welcome, Kirk Last edited by thompsonkirk : 04/04/08 at 05:44 AM.