Which "standard" calibration for a Summilux 50 pre asph ?

[Al_OOF]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

jlindstrom, I am happy with my Summiliux but I admit to having done some serious thinking about the new asph (the matter for me is: it’s better to differentiate or improve in the focals I use more or better to have a different focal ?)

In these days I have made some fast comparisons between the two.

This is what my eyes see: from 1.4 to 2.8 the Pre suffers with evidence in the out of center area (obviously at full aperture in the whole area)

From 2.8 upward mine seems quite a bit more sharp in the center. Strange but maybe that mine is a particular good one or that the test was not so accurate.

Regarding contrast and reading skills in the shadows (in high and medium light) they seem very similar. I was not able to test in very low light, where perhaps I could find some differences.

Pre color is a bit towards yellow tone and Asph towards magenta. Sometimes a little veil on Pre while the other has a little more pure “air”

 

At the end of this test I was just wondering if these differences justify a purchase (with a sale or with a possible coexistence) also if the balance is a bit 'more to your considerations

Can you, that definitely have more experience on these two lenses, confirm these differences and possibly add more ? Thanks

[Advertisement]

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

[jlindstrom]

Well, you're right about overall sharpness for sure. But I found the pre-asph sharp enough not to worry about. Also depends on your shooting style how important the edges are. Most of my subjects are from 1/3 towards center, so extreme edges don't matter or the softening even helps direct viewers eyes.

 

Asph has higher contrast and less veiling, but that comes (imho) at the cost of harsher out of focus areas. I think these two are a classic case of Mandler vs. Karbe design.

 

Pre-asph was nicer to handle/focus, but it's built-in hood is crappy compared to that of the asph.

 

I'd sum it up to pre-asph being a classic Leica and the asph as modern Leica. Both excellent examples in their own right.

 

It's highly personal as to which you prefer. Love to try the pre-asph with the M240 and compare..

 

 

//Juha

[Al_OOF]

Well, you're right about overall sharpness for sure. But I found the pre-asph sharp enough not to worry about.

Yes, sometimes we fixate on little differences...

And moreover if I want more sharpness I can photograph at 2.0 instead of 1.4, and the OOF is not so much different.