M monochrom and "look" lenses

[innerimager]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Forgive that this info must already be appearing in other threads please. I've tended to see images with the latest, super hi spec lenses on this body. I'm curious how the sensor handles those wonderful imperfections from lenses like the f1 nocti, 50/1.4 pre-asph and 35/2 V4 as well as the pre FLE 35 lux. Thanks....Peter

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[Woody Campbell]

DR and Rigid Summicrons - outstanding.

 

35mm Summicron v. IV (the Bokeh King) - really shows its age.

[atufte]

All my pictures with the MM in the photo forum is taken with 50/1.4 pre asph lux + summaron 35, this camera really shines with older lenses, and I actually prefer older lenses on this camera....

 

Take a look in the photo forum

 

Alex

[01af]

It's a common misconception to believe that super-high-resolution cameras needed the latest, finest, sharpest lenses in order to yield worthwhile results. By the way, it also is a misconception to believe that the latest, finest, sharpest lenses are wasted on anything but the latest, highest-resolution cameras.

 

If you like the look of a lens—any lens—then you will love it on a high-resolution camera like e. g. the M Monochrom.

[tmldds]

It's a common misconception to believe that super-high-resolution cameras needed the latest, finest, sharpest lenses in order to yield worthwhile results. By the way, it also is a misconception to believe that the latest, finest, sharpest lenses are wasted on anything but the latest, highest-resolution cameras.

 

If you like the look of a lens—any lens—then you will love it on a high-resolution camera like e. g. the M Monochrom.

 

You can check out a lot of excellent shots in the photo forum's "Other" subcategory. Photos taken by "Menos" showcase a wide variety of lenses, old and current. Even though I already put in an order, I was on the fence until I got some files from Tina Manley and was flabbergasted by the embedded details in the raw files and how little pp was necessary to bring them out!

[innerimager]

It's a common misconception to believe that super-high-resolution cameras needed the latest, finest, sharpest lenses in order to yield worthwhile results. By the way, it also is a misconception to believe that the latest, finest, sharpest lenses are wasted on anything but the latest, highest-resolution cameras.

 

If you like the look of a lens—any lens—then you will love it on a high-resolution camera like e. g. the M Monochrom.

 

So that's not always the case. Many Nikon shooters like myself found that some of their best and most used lenses on every nikon DSLR before, did not do well on the 800 and 800e. These included some of the best Zeiss glass as well.

[01af]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Many Nikon shooters like myself found that some of their best and most-used lenses on every Nikon DSLR before, did not do well on the D800 and D800E. These included some of the best Zeiss glass as well.

Well ... my screw-mount uncoated Elmar 5 cm 1:3.5 on an M adapter performs admirably on the M9, complementing the Summilux-M 50 mm Asph just nicely. Very different lenses, very different characters—but wonderful results either way.

[Jaybob]

some amazing examples here...not too far away

[Jaybob]

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m-lenses/253049-view-through-older-glass.html

[innerimager]

thanks all. Some really wonderful images in these threads, and I am very pleased to see many of my favorites shining on the mono. Leica glass, (and some of the other classics represented) rules!

[jaapv]

So that's not always the case. Many Nikon shooters like myself found that some of their best and most used lenses on every nikon DSLR before, did not do well on the 800 and 800e. These included some of the best Zeiss glass as well.

 

Not really the same thing. The D800 (e) is an exceedingly high-resolution camera, but the MM is a relatively modest 18 Mp, that produces extremely high acuity images. The demands on lens rendering are different. Compare in audio: High frequency response vs. distortion-free.

[Printmaker]

Certain cameras have a "look". A long, long time ago, I can remember shooting with a Rolle TLR with the 2.8 lens and comparing the resulting negs and prints to ones I produced with my Mamiya 330. The Rolle prints were clearly sharper with a more 3-dimensional look. Then I ran the same comparison with a 500C. I liked the Rolle look but sold my C330 and went with a Blad because I needed interchangeable lenses, and I liked its look equally as well.

 

When I saw the first Monochrom images shot with an Apo Summicron and with the Zeiss Planar, I was instantly reminded of the "Rolle look" - sharpness combined with smooth tonal transitions. And, I think, a lot of us will always associate the Monochrom look with those first sample images. I'm sure, however, that other lenses will work perfectly well with this camera.

But I can not say for sure just yet because my Henri savings account has not hit order the camera now level. Still, I know what my eyes see and I probably will upgrade my old 50 Summicron to a 50 ASPH Summilux.

[ramosa]

has anyone shot with it with the classic lux 35 pre-asph? i'd like to see that ...

[01af]

Not really the same thing. The D800(E) is an exceedingly high-resolution camera, but the M Monochrom is a relatively modest 18 MP that produces extremely high acuity images. The demands on lens rendering are different.

Not really different.

 

Any lens that gives a sharp image on the M Monochrom will also give a sharp image on the Nikon D800/D800E (the problem of physically attaching the lens to the body aside). And any lens that disappoints on the Nikons also will disappoint on the M Monochrom (or M9). 18 MP and 36 MP aren't that much different.

 

 

Compare in audio: High-frequency response vs. distortion-free.

Now that's not really the same thing.

[jaapv]

No, the difference may not be that much I agree, but it seems to be sufficient to send some users into reverse square backflips.

However, the removal of the artefacts caused by the Bayer filter is rather significant.

[wattsy]

However, the removal of the artefacts caused by the Bayer filter is rather significant.

 

I agree with this. For me, it is the most noticeable difference.

[01af]

... but it seems to be sufficient to send some users into reverse square backflips.

Yeah, I noticed this, too. I guess it's because people don't see what's before their eyes but what they expect to see. So they see poor lens performance when pixel-peeping the D800 files but don't recall that the same lens also used to be poor on their old D300 or whatever. They expect the D800 files to be better, but alas, they aren't, so they are disappointed. For a better file, you need a better lens, not a better camera. Also, many don't understand that a 100 % view on a 36 MP file means a much larger magnification than a 100 % view on, say, a 12 MP file. It's the higher magnification, not the higher pixel count, that emphasises the lens faults.

 

 

However, the removal of the artefacts caused by the Bayer filter is rather significant.

Yes, definitely. That's impressive, but can bring new problems along (moiré). Another significant difference is that Nikon cameras cannot take Leica lenses

[jaapv]

Interestingly, some lenses perform exceedingly well on the MM. One lens I found that performs stunningly is the 280 V version iii.

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[01af]

... some lenses perform exceedingly well on the M Monochrom.

One lens I found that performs stunningly is the 280 V version iii.

Doesn't it perform well on the M9 or M8 also?

[jaapv]

I shot comparisons. The Monochrom images on this lens are quite beyond conversions on M8 and M9. Don't ask me why; I have no explanation.

For instance the 400/5.6 which has (unjustly imo) not too good a reputation does quite well on the M9/8 in my experience and a bit better on the MM, but nothing like such a difference.