A comparison between four 50mm lenses at infinity

[J.Nordvik]

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As  you can see from my example of upper left corner, my Elmar is better at the edge/corner than just before it. It is the same for the right side. I guess this is something that is unique for my Elmar?

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On 8/29/2020 at 8:02 AM, Ccoppola82 said:

Amazing how well that elmar holds up.  I’ve noticed this on my red scale version. It’s lower contrast but the resolution isn’t far behind modern lenses. 

True, the Elmar is impressive for its age. But don't forget that the other lenses here are also faster and that their respective optical designs are inevitably "compromised" by the need to deliver an acceptable image at their widest apertures. As much as the comparison is otherwise interesting, it's a bit apples and oranges.

On 8/29/2020 at 8:05 AM, J.Nordvik said:

As  you can see from my example of upper left corner, my Elmar is better at the edge/corner than just before it. It is the same for the right side. I guess this is something that is unique for my Elmar?

Yes, not unusual with old lenses. I own or have owned a few vintage Elmars (both coated and uncoated) and I recall noticing some random (minor) differences in sharpness and resolution across the frame, but can't remember now what they were exactly. No guarantee, but I'll see if I can dig some representative pictures out.