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Sweet Spot


Beyder28

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"f/8 on the M9" is really a misleading example. I would think the "sweet spot" you are referring to would be very much dependent on the lens, as opposed to the camera. Either way, I'm not entirely sure what you mean by this "sweet spot", maybe you can clarify a bit more?

 

In the case of the X1 (or rather the 24mm Elmarit f/2.8), I've always liked the lens at all apertures. Even at f/2.8 (which is basically where I live), it is superbly sharp.

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Yea, you understood me. by "sweet spot," I meant, at what aperture is the X1 lens the sharpest? And I understand what you mean about the M9, I read about the F8 being the sweet spot on the 50mm. My fault, I left that important detail out. :p

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In all the pics that I have taken, I have looked for signs that a particular aperture was better or worse than others. It is very difficult for me to tell a difference; I just use it on auto and let it pick unless it is necessary to use a manual aperture for a depth of field effect.

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Look at the X1's MTF chart on the Leica webpage and read "Understanding MTF" on Luminous Landscape's web page. An interesting article about the conflict between sharpness and resolution for the optical lens designer.

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...And I understand what you mean about the M9, I read about the F8 being the sweet spot on the 50mm. My fault, I left that important detail out. :p

 

I fear you left out other important details: there are many different 50mm lenses to be used on the M9. You may be right with f/8 if you think of an Elmar or the old Summilux with no aspherical lenses. For a new Summilux asph. it will be at f/2.8.

 

As a rule of thumb you may guess the aperture with best resolution by stopping down two stops from maximal apeeture. Though I think that differences between f/4 and f/5.6

won't be noticable - besides depth of focus - with the X1 if you don't test it under laboratory conditions.

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i have followed frequent contributor and leica guru and professional photographer Thorsten Overgaard (@overgaardcom on this forum) info: Leica lenses are designed so that the "sweet spot" is wide open. see generally his leica pages: leica.overgaard.dk - Thorsten Overgaard's Leica Sites they are filled with exceptionally good information and good practices and are relevant to the X1 even if they talk about the M9 or D2.

 

It is my "goto" bible when I buy a new leica and adapt the info to the camera - whether it was my D2/clux1/dlux4/ or my X1

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i have followed frequent contributor and leica guru and professional photographer Thorsten Overgaard (@overgaardcom on this forum) info: Leica lenses are designed so that the "sweet spot" is wide open. /quote]

 

Not sure if Thorsten has actually stated that anywhere but the myth that Leica lenses are best wide open is just that, a myth. Like any other lenses, they perform at their best in terms of overall performance, when stopped down to 5.6/8.

 

Of course one may personally prefer the bokeh wide open - not much point in buying a Noctilux unless that's your intention.

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Leica lenses are excellent and are designed to be used at all apertures giving maximum flexibility to the user. Do not worry about sweet spot on modern lenses. Historic ones; maybe.

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Leica lenses are excellent and are designed to be used at all apertures giving maximum flexibility to the user. Do not worry about sweet spot on modern lenses. Historic ones; maybe.

 

But even on modern lenses, I would think there's got to be an aperture that produces the sharpest picture which is (perhaps ever so slightly) better than all the other aperture settings. No?

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But even on modern lenses, I would think there's got to be an aperture that produces the sharpest picture which is (perhaps ever so slightly) better than all the other aperture settings. No?

by this thread it is obvious everyone has an opinion- even those who don't own an x1

 

i shoot wide open and love my results- and i guess that is all that matters

 

i guess to determine the answer for yourself- you will have to find a brick wall and take some photos....

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But even on modern lenses, I would think there's got to be an aperture that produces the sharpest picture which is (perhaps ever so slightly) better than all the other aperture settings. No?

That is true. I was merely trying to focus minds on having confidence to use Leica lenses wide open. Of course some lenses do improve very slightly. (The 28-35-50 TriElmar is one exception where there is little improvement, depending on subject.) Stopping down is primarily useful for controlling depth of field.

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Been looking at the X1 and the new Fuji . Why should i buy the X1 both cameras seem to have quirks and major complaint on the X1 is it is slow and locks up when writing to memory card.

So need a little help guys why should i buy the X1. Just sold my Digilux 2 so looking for a replacement.

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There's a massive thread all about the X100 in the digital forum, I suggest you read through that, comments from X1 and X100 users.

 

I'd also suggest trying both cameras for yourself at a dealers. Some prefer the X1, some prefer the X100.

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Hi James

if it was possible to see cameras side by side and handle them that would be great, ive handled the X1 and liked it very much but have yet to see a shop with the Fuji in my immediate area so cant make the comparison.But will have a look for the posts you mentioned and have a read.

Thanks vin

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