Normal vignetting, Summilux-M 1:1.4/35 ASPH

[D Carter]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I'm new to Leica and have a new MP & Summilux-M 1:1.4/35 ASPH. I'm noticing what seems to me to be significant vignetting in the corners, mostly apparent when against a blue sky.

 

The attached was using E100G at, I think either f5.6 or f8, handheld, 1/250. No filters, using the stock lens hood with the sun behind my right shoulder.

 

It looks the same on the slide and when scanned with a different scanner.

 

Is this normal or should I send the lens back?

 

Thanks,

 

Doug Carter

[peter_n]

I have exactly the same combo as yours and I have to say I haven't noticed it with mine but see the thread below:

 

Leica and Rangefinders Forum: vignetting with summilux 35mm 1.4 - lens or filter or lens hood? - photo.net

[rob_x2004]

What do you expect. It is a soft light lens, and you are shooting slide. You have to be very careful about your film selection, the time of day and the direction you point it.

The other thing you will find is when you point it towards strong light like you are shooting in at that time of day, the lens is very succeptable to washing out your frame. It isnt something that is recoverable with underexposure and subject fill flash, its just the way the Lux will gather light on you.

Sometimes you see the comment that Lux will blow highlights, but that is probably simplistic appraisal.

I dont think it is such an issue for the Europeans. Here isn Aus, SE Asia, certianly it is the case.

Dont worry, twelve months time you will have learned the lens. Keep at it.

Or send it back and try again. But you wont be rid of the problem.

 

ps...Out of interest, how hot was it on the day? Obvioulsy not noon but it was middlish part of the day.

.......Also your whites are totally lost so maybe there is an exposure or post processing clue in that.

[D Carter]

Thanks,

 

I don't know what a "soft light lens" is. Are you suggesting that shooting towards "strong light" causes the vignetting?

 

Reported temperature was 49F.

[rob_x2004]

It is a low or lower light lens and maybe doesnt handle very contrasty conditions as well as a Cron. General behaviour of the lens, it isnt just because you have few extra stops out wide, and once you are off them it doesnt mean it will behave like a Cron or an Elmarit.

 

In aside it might be interesting to have a look at these shots. You would have to ask the guy precisely which 21, and I know its 400cn under fluros, but there is no way the Lux would write like that, you can just about see the light bulbs.

 

The second point, not about vignetting, was when you point it towards strong light like you are shooting in Texas daytime maybe, the lens is very succeptable to washing out your frame. I might be thick as two short planks but the 35LuxASPH started catching me out like this, and I hadnt been caught before.

 

So I reckon the vignetting is something you have to learn to use and to work round. There are plenty of conditions it isnt evident. You cant fault the lens when used properly and for its intended purpose. It is pretty stunning. You just have to learn it.

 

It didnt surprise me with the M8 coming along that Leica would also go back to producing new Elmarits and Summarits. Doubt it is just a cost thing, they are probably far more even rendering and managable with sensors dynamic range.