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Review: Leica Summicron-M 1:2/35mm ASPH.


jip

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That is an argument for everyone using a smart phone, lomography or one use cheapie camera

 

Not at all. Everyone can use what they want. I was just making the point that the better camera will not make the photo better. Photographic image quality passed the point of diminishing returns a long long time ago.

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Yes, but you are falling into the trap of comparing equipment that is widely different in capability. Once you get to a certain level of quality – e.g. any Leica M lens – the differences in sharpness and "rendering" will not make a meaningful difference to a fine photograph. Would Koudelka's masterly photographs be better if he'd used modern APO and ASPH lenses? Would Don McCullin's war photos be improved if he'd been able to use the latest Nikon lenses with ED glass and Nano coatings rather than his "old" pre-Ai lenses? Is James Nachtwey's body of work inferior because he used "crappy" Canon lenses rather than a Zeiss Otus?, etc.:D

 

True, but if a high end tool like a 50 APO is what is needed for someone to achieve a result that satisfies them compared to other choices then it's not a bad thing. What isn't meaningful to you may be to someone else - especially the person who is creating the image.

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True, but if a high end tool like a 50 APO is what is needed for someone to achieve a result that satisfies them compared to other choices then it's not a bad thing. What isn't meaningful to you may be to someone else - especially the person who is creating the image.

 

Thats right, but why is it needed? Usually just because the customer has heard there are 50Mpix camera's available it's then that they want you as the photographer to deliver, while when I actually see how they print it it's not larger than A1 for example. And it's printed at a DPI thats meant for watching from a distance further than 5 meters...

 

I'm sure a M8 file would be sufficient ;)

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the f1.4 not the f2 right ;)

 

that review is kind of ok but a bit gee whiz and has a disturbing horror movie last photo ....

 

I prefer to see reviews comparing the FLE to the Distagon as that is the choice I need to make.

for sure the Distagon is a great lens but:

1. Build quality ? I think Leica would appear to win this one out based on previous Zeiss designs

2. MTA curve comparison. The DXOMARK software derived curves from the french review sight showed that although the Distagon is better in the corners wide open the FLE is sharper in the centre. Personal preference ?

3. Hood design with Zeiss is very VF obstructing

4. Size and feel comparisons

 

I am not convinced fully by the Distagon yet. Will need to see one.

The price is convincing, although less so when one starts looking at second hand lenses

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Apparently, there is. In fact, there are five. I like the sound of the App "Bokeh Booth." :rolleyes:

 

Best iPhone Apps For Bokeh Effect | POPSUGAR Tech

Agh, and to think I've obviously being doing it wrong all these years and I so easily could've been using InstaCrap - oops, I mean Bokeh Booth - to give my photos an orthentik look!;) (They could at least have given it a neato name like "okay Bokeh".:cool::p)

 

Pete.

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Musing on whether to change from my Summicron 35v4 to a Summicron 35 ASPH or a Summilux-35 FLE, I've been reading this thread and the other one on the ASPH, as well as the threads here on the FLE — and have ended up completely confused.

 

So, what's the consensus on 35mm lenses for the M-Monochrom and M9? I have the impression that most people seem to think that, if you don't need f/1.4, go for the ASPH; if you don't need f/2.0, stick with the Summicron 35v4; if you like soft portraits, try the Summilux-35 pre-ASPH. But how about the "artistic rendition" of the FLE (or was it the pre-FLE)?

 

In my view, the Summicron 35v4 has a nice rendition and works well with the M-Monochrom as well as in color with the M9:

 

 

 

M-Monochrom | Summicron 35v4 | ISO 320 | f/4.8 | 1/750 sec

16149372888_0489ed45c4_o.jpg

Chiang Mai

 

 

 

 

M9 | Summicron 35v4 | ISO 640 | f/5.6 | 1/125 sec

15804617582_27c4f8cc3e_o.jpg

Chiang Tung, Shan State, Burma

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If you are happy with what you have don't change. The main kick of the modern lenses is the sharpness, detail and contrast.

It's taste if you like it.

I will "out of character" recommend digilloyd's recent new review of the best 35mm lenses for the M. I agree with his conclusions if you are looking for the technical best.

My vote is to have a dreamy character lens and a super sharp modern one as well. For different moods and objectives.

Best rgds

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