Jump to content

Everything else being equal - when you nail the focus on M11 will it give you the same image quality as the Q3 43?


Recommended Posts

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Hi guys!

I don't have an M11 yet, but I have an MEV-1 and I did a test shoot. It was an easy target and I used the same ISO, aperture and other settings. 

Q3 43mm vs. 50mm Summilux 1.4 ASPH. 

The Q3-43 was significantly sharper. Is this because of the micro-shakes I potentially had with the MEV1, or would you have had the same clarity and sharpness if you had nailed the focus exactly? 

Link to post
Share on other sites

The M11 / M-EV1 does not have image stabilization. The Qs have. Handholding 1/16s shutter speed with an M is very challenging. I would not expect sharp photos with an M at 1/16s. On a 50mm I'd say the minimum shutter speed is at 1/125s. I got sharp pictures with a 50mm lens at 1/60s or 1/45s but only when I was deliberately holding the camera steady. 

Depending on the situation you may want to open your aperture a bit more, maybe f/4 or f/2.8. Or use a tripod if this is an option.

  • Like 2
  • Thanks 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

7 minutes ago, finance0402 said:

shutter automatic (led to 1/16 shutter)

That is your issue - IS in the Q3 can deliver that but not hand holding a 60MP M11 sensor... open up your lens and get the SS to 1/250 -1/125....

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

50mm Summilux 1/16th @ f8  on a 60mp sensor is unlikely to give you sharp images without IBS or having Jedi photography skills.

I think you need to re-evaluate your understanding of exposure and test methodology.

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Advertisement (gone after registration)

The 43mm in the Q3 43 is sharper than the 50mm Summilux ASPH even at f5.6 in the datasheets, so it probably would be at f8 too. But as the others stated, 1/15th of a second is way too slow to handhold and reliably get sharp results on 60mp without stabilization. Leica lenses are really really good, so unless you need the DOF, you should shoot at more like f2.8-5.6 to get more speed without increasing the ISO. If you really need the depth of field, then by all means, shoot at f8 or f11, but in general, modern Leica lenses are now at their sharpest at f4 or so. 

The rule for handheld sharpness in the film days was to make the speed at least 1/the shutter speed. So for a 50mm it was 1/50th. But with 60mp digital, 1 over 2x or 3x or more of the focal length is better. I find that 1/250th or 1/500th is the most reliable for making sure that camera shake is not a factor in unstabilized cameras. 

Edited by Stuart Richardson
Link to post
Share on other sites

vor 45 Minuten schrieb finance0402:

Auto ISO - maximum 6400 on both, aperture - 8 on both, shutter automatic (led to 1/16 shutter)


You should redo the test and have same settings and either a tripod or use shutter speed of 1/250th to exclude micro-movement.
The stabilized Q2/Q3 can do much lower hand hold shutter speeds, but you should confront apples with apples except you want to test the stabilization.
Auto-Iso can be useful if you need a given aperture and shutter speed, but only then and particularly not for a test. Repeat the test with same settings for both cameras and a reasonable shutter speed.

Yes, the unsharp photo was most likely micro-movement due the very low shutter speed and the lack of stabilization.

Chris

Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...