DOF

[kinross]

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Could any one tell me if there is a chart available for download that gives the DOF range of the various Leica S lens. I use the 006 which of course does not have the DOF scale on the top plate.

Hope this is not a stupid question.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Mike.

 

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[Greg Haag]

Mike,

I am not sure if this gets you what you are looking for, but I use Photopills on my iPhone.  I have attached a screen shot to show what you get.  If the 28mm is confusing, I had a Hasselblad lens set up on my Leica.

Greg

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Edited July 26, 2019 by Greg Haag

[kinross]

Hi Greg. That is exactly what I had in mind. I have looked and it seems I can put it on my IPad. I am afraid my phone is rather old fashioned, a bit like me, does not have a screen and lives mostly in the car.

Will hang on and see if anything else is posted, but thanks very much.

Cheers.

Mike.

 

 

[TomLiles]

Heya Mike / Kinross,

I think the last page on any of the official Leica S-lens brochures gives DOF tables. Attached is an example from the last page of the TS-APO Elmar brochure.
Find and download all the S-lens brochures at the Leica webpage:

https://en.leica-camera.com/Photography/Leica-S/S-Lenses/Prime-Lenses

 

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[kinross]

Hi Tom. Thanks for that tip off. I can now compare the DOF of various lens.

I only have the 70mm and some of the photos I take are of small scale model railway scenes. The 70 DOF is a bit limiting. I may now go for either 35mm or 45mm.

Can only afford one of them at the moment!

Cheers.

Mike.

 

 

[Stuart Richardson]

One thing to note...hyperfocal distance is really just a judgement call, not a guarantee. It is also extremely dependent on print size. If you print quite large, I would encourage you to focus on the most important element, rather than an arbitrary point, as the plane of sharpness is often clearly visible in prints from the S. The 70mm lens also has a focal plane which is not entirely flat, which can get you in trouble. The 45mm might be a good fit...generally you do not want to go wide with macro shots as it causes distortion, but the 45mm is a very good performer and will give you substantially more DOF than the 70mm.  Focus stacking with a program designed for it would be another option for your static scenes. Medium format and large DOF for Macro do not really go well together. You may find that you can do this more effectively with a full frame or even APS size camera.

[kinross]

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Thanks for your input Stuart.  I had noticed a slight foreshortening of Locos taken three quarters front view.  I assume this is due to the slight focal plane problem you refer to.  I had been looking forward to using the S for my railway photos but am beginning to think it may not be best tool for the job.  I getter better results with my M9.  May still get a 45 mm lens anyway as it will be useful.  I have only just been made aware of focus stacking. A friend has a camera which I think has the system  built in.  I am not really into that sort of thing. A bit old fashioned.  Probably making a rod for my own back. 

Have you any thoughts on using the 45mm for landscape or should I try some other focal length. 

Cheers.

Mike.

 

 

 

 

[Stuart Richardson]

The 45mm is a spectacular lens, though it does feel rather big and heavy compared to the 70mm. The 35mm is pretty much the same, though slightly lighter, if I recall. I think you should choose based on the focal length you prefer...28mm or 35mm equivalent. Both are great. The 45mm might be a slightly sharper lens, but both are fantastic. The aperture is 1/3rd of a stop slower, but I do not think that makes any practical difference. If I could only have one in combination with the 70mm, with an emphasis on landscapes, I would take the 35mm as it is just a bit wider and the S gives you a lot of ability to crop. If you were more focused on environmental portraiture, I would advise the 45mm as the perspective is a bit more forgiving in portraits.

[kinross]

Hi Stuart. Most of my landscape has been done with my M9 and 35mm Summicron.

I am pleased with the results. With this in mind maybe the 45mm S could be the one to go for.  I am just about getting used to the weight of the S and 70mm so I expect I will cope!  I love the S and you were kind enough to respond to some of my original post when I was considering buying it. I do not regret the purchase. I know the 007 is a later camera with  upgrades but you loose the lovely CCD sensor.

I have also noticed with the S that I do much less post processing in LR. In fact I am almost forgetting how to use some of the features!

Thanks again for comments.

Mike.

 

 

[Stuart Richardson]

Of course! I am glad you are happy with the camera. It is great. I think you will be happy with the 45mm too. It is my favorite lens along with the 120mm. The only challenge I have had at times is making sure it is focusing on infinity if that is where I am pointing. I think the S often puts the focus closer, so I do recommend looking carefully to make sure everything is where it should be. I have found this to be the case with the 35mm as well, though to a somewhat lesser extent.

[kinross]

Hi Stuart

Will go for 45mm. You have answered one of my thoughts re focusing on infinity.

I have noticed  at times it has focussed closer. I put it down to my fault.

I will take more care in future. I do tend to use manual focus for some close shots.

 

Cheers.

Mike.

 

[albertknappmd]

On 7/27/2019 at 1:47 PM, Stuart Richardson said:

The 45mm is a spectacular lens, though it does feel rather big and heavy compared to the 70mm. The 35mm is pretty much the same, though slightly lighter, if I recall. I think you should choose based on the focal length you prefer...28mm or 35mm equivalent. Both are great. The 45mm might be a slightly sharper lens, but both are fantastic. The aperture is 1/3rd of a stop slower, but I do not think that makes any practical difference. If I could only have one in combination with the 70mm, with an emphasis on landscapes, I would take the 35mm as it is just a bit wider and the S gives you a lot of ability to crop. If you were more focused on environmental portraiture, I would advise the 45mm as the perspective is a bit more forgiving in portraits.

To give an opposite view, I had the 35 but traded it in for the 45mm as the latter is super sharp and great for landscapes and street shooting..

No regrets...

Albert

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[John McMaster]

I never really liked the 35mm, more than happy with the 45mm (and 24mm)

john