Leica vs Nikkor: sharp eyes

[Csacwp]

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I’ve noticed shooting my Leicas that the way M lenses render eyes is different than Nikkor glass. With Nikkor glass (85mm f/1.4, 105mm f/2.5 ais), even adapted on the SL, the eyes of the subject are incredibly sharp and glassy/transparent. With my M lenses (90 apo, 50 apo, 75 lux, 28 lux), while the eyes are sharp, they are flat and not glassy or 3D like with the nikkor lenses. Has anybody else had this experience?

[erl]

How many samples are you talking about and what lighting differences, if any?

Lighting can make a huge difference to eyes, regardless of camera or lens.

[Csacwp]

I tested them in the same lighting. Just two samples of the Nikkor lenses but multiple of the Leicas.

[Csacwp]

The lighting conditions were outside on a cloudless day during golden hour, outside on an overcast day in the afternoon, and inside in lowlight (yellow lighting). The results were always the same.

[erl]

Perhaps if you post some examples, then we can see what you mean.

In my experience, side lighting can make eyes appear very 'glassy' and transparent. I have always attributed any difference I see to light quality and direction. The eye works like a prism when light hits it from an extreme angle. I suspect many variables.

[aj55]

I only have my M9 with lenses nowadays, but used to have a 105/2.5 AIS (for my D700) and it was easily the best lens I ever owned.......

Edited December 31, 2017 by aj55

[mradey]

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I only have my M9 with lenses nowadays, but used to have a 105/2.5 AIS (for my D700) and it was easily the best lens I ever owned.......

 

 

I have the 105/2.5 AIS (it's a stunning lens). I'd love to try it out on my Leicas. Just need to get an adapter - any recommendations?

 

mradey

[rnl]

I have the 105/2.5 AIS (it's a stunning lens). I'd love to try it out on my Leicas. Just need to get an adapter - any recommendations?

 

mradey

 

 

K&F Concept Lens Mount Adapter for Nikon Mount Lens to Leica M Lens Camera Body. I just ordered this for my Nikkor 85mm f2

[rnl]

The adapter just arrived and I mounted the 85mm Nikkor f2.

 

here's a test shot iso 2500, f2, 1/125 on a M10

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[Ko.Fe.]

Nikkor SLR lenses and some great IQ images? I'm eager to see this. 

[Etruscello]

It’s easy to get good eye focus with Nikon DSLR; it’s harder with Leica RF. Do not compare portraits until you use Leica with an EVF and magnification. If you still don’t like the Leica results, use only Nikon for portraits. Leica excelles in most other areas. Tom

[james.liam]

Stoped down to f/2, haven’t had much issue with any of my 50s. Never “got” the charm of portrait shots where one eyeball is in focus whilst the rest of the visage is not.

[earleygallery]

I’ve noticed shooting my Leicas that the way M lenses render eyes is different than Nikkor glass. With Nikkor glass (85mm f/1.4, 105mm f/2.5 ais), even adapted on the SL, the eyes of the subject are incredibly sharp and glassy/transparent. With my M lenses (90 apo, 50 apo, 75 lux, 28 lux), while the eyes are sharp, they are flat and not glassy or 3D like with the nikkor lenses. Has anybody else had this experience?

 

Please post example photos to demonstrate what you mean as I really don't understand.

[GG Media Works]

Yes, I agree with the others above, post photos. Why even start a thread like this without photo examples of your issue/concern/observation.

This is like going to an auto mechanic and telling them "my car sounds funny... so whats wrong with it?"

[lct]

Not sure to understand on which body(ies) you did your comparisons. If you were using an M, did you have your RF and M lenses calibrated by Leica? The RF accuracy is challenged with fast lenses, especially 90/2 and 75/1.4. You may wish to use an EVF and image magnification to make sure about that. In which case there is no reason why Leica would not excel on sharp portraits the same way or better than Nikon. Better use sharp lenses like your apo 50/2 and 90/2 though. The 75/1.4 is softer and your 28/1.4 cannot be compared with telephotos as far as 3D rendtion.

[jmahto]

Yes, I agree with the others above, post photos. Why even start a thread like this without photo examples of your issue/concern/observation.

This is like going to an auto mechanic and telling them "my car sounds funny... so whats wrong with it?"

But my other car doesn't make that sound on exactly the same road....

 

Maybe I need a different mechanic.

[Donzo98]

I think he’s using both Leica and Nikkor lenses on the SL.

 

I would agree though... pics would be nice to see.

 

I think you are saying that you think the Nikkors are sharper than the Leica equivalents.