Summicrons and resolution?

[Universalb50]

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If best resolution of line pairs is the only parameter for judgement, and if size, weight, maximal aperture, value, rarity, bokee, and design complexity are disregarded, is it true to say that within a given generation of Leitz or Leica lens, that the Summicrons are the "best"?

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[michaelwj]

Most likely the answer is "probably", but I think it will also depend on the focal length, aperture, and generation - and as generations tend to "leap frog" each other (summicrons, elmarits, and summiluxes are not always released at the same time).

 

Michael

[a.noctilux]

If best resolution of line pairs is the only parameter for judgement, and if size, weight, maximal aperture, value, rarity, bokee, and design complexity are disregarded, is it true to say that within a given generation of Leitz or Leica lens, that the Summicrons are the "best"?

"The best" is coming, as is as long as lenses are concerned, that means a lot for someone and nothing to someone else.

 

-if 75mm for M that is true, the Apo-Summicron-M Asph. 2/75mm is the only one in it's generation

-if 35mm, people did prefer Summaron (2.8) to Summicron, in it's first generation :and now it's the other way around

just look at this thread:

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/260454-the-summaron-f28-the-forgotten-hero/

 

I'm searching for the "best lens" for a long while, never found one.

 

 

Regards,

 

Arnaud

[Paul J]

No, there is no common rule. Each lens, Summilux, Summicron, Noctilux, Elmar etc, has it's strengths and varies through out the aperture range, often playing neck and neck, sometimes one is stronger, sometimes the other is. You need to spend some time researching and studying what and which these are and tailor it to your needs.

[lct]

Summicron is just the name given to f/2 lenses. There are two Summicron 50 for instance, apo and non-apo. The apo has probably a better resolution than other Leica 50mm lenses but the Summicron 50 non-apo is outperformed by the Summilux 50/1.4 asph and i would not be surprised if the Summarit 50/2.4 beats the former at all apertures as far as resolution. I mean at all apertures but f/2 obviously. Also 35/2 asph and 35/1.4 FLE are very close but the latter looks sharper at f/2. For another example i have no experience with the Summarit 75/2.4 but it looks as sharp if not sharper than the Summicron 75/2 which in turn is alone to cover f/2 besides the earlier 75/1.4.

[pgk]

If best resolution of line pairs is the only parameter for judgement, and if size, weight, maximal aperture, value, rarity, bokee, and design complexity are disregarded, is it true to say that within a given generation of Leitz or Leica lens, that the Summicrons are the "best"?

 

No. All lenses are compromises. the optimal fit for your requirements (even if they are purely resolution) depends on far more than a generational name.