"M8" silence

[rosuna]

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I have a technical question.

The distance between the focal plane and the mount is smaller in rangefinder cameras than in réflex cameras (due to the mirror).

Does this shorter distance affect positively the image quality?

I think the longer the distance the greater the "transmission" loss.

There is a problem with the angle of incidence of the light rays, that is true, but nobody speaks of the other side of the coin.

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[adan]

Given that it takes light about 0.00000000008 second to traverse an inch, I doubt there is much transmission loss difference - unless one has just changed lenses in an exceedingly dusty environment (say, a tornado).

 

Plus - many RF and SLR lenses are basically the same in terms of the glass-to-film distance (Leica R and M cameras have shared many IDENTICAL lens formulations - 50mm, 90mm, 135mm) So the rear elements of a 90 APO-M and 90 APO-R are exactly the same distance from the image plane, and would thus show the same (if any) transmission loss.

 

Compared to the reality of the "angle of incidence' problem - any transmission losses would be as insignificant as a bottle cork next to the Queen Mary 2.

[rosuna]

The speed of light has nothing to do. It does not change in any circunstance.

The distance between the mount and the focal plane affect the image quality (and the lens design) in many ways.

The lens to flange distance of different cameras can be seen here:

 

http://www.a1.nl/phomepag/markerink/mounts.htm

[wizard]

I have heard of many ways to select a camera, but never based on film to flange distance:) No, forget it, as it does not affect the quality of lenses in any appreciable way. It is true that a shorter film to flange distance makes non-retrofocus wide angle lenses possible, which are said to be better than retrofocus designs, but in my experience there is no perceivable difference in the result if a lens is done right. Even some M-lenses are retrofocus designs.

 

Best,

 

Andy

[sean_reid]

I know that the secrecy is frustrating but Leica is indeed announcing new products on September 15 and on that date a lot of information will become public and we'll have interesting new products to discuss on the forum. After that date, I certainly will be happy to discuss any new products that have been announced.

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

[rosuna]

Don't worry Sean.

I am suffering, but "nunca es tarde si la dicha es buena" (never is too late if the ending is happy).