M8 lens tests

[georgl]

Let's try a few lenses on the M8, the optics have always been an important aspect for the technical quality.

I start with a comparison with a Summilux35Asph at 200ASA, no noise reduction, 50 sharpening - converted in C1.

The first pictures shows the whole frame, the first one the upper right edge at open aperture (f1,4) the second one shows the same at f2,8.

The new Leica-glass (mine is over 10 years old ;-) seems to handle 10MP on 18mm x 27mm with ease. (I've had to adjust brightness a little bit, because the open aperture picture was a bit underexposed and it reveals more jpg-artifacts). In original data (DNG/RAW) the overal image impression is nearly identical, there is no reason not to shot at f1,4 even in very critical situations).

Maybe I find the time to make a more scientific comparison (tripod, manual metering...) but maybe this little comparison gives you an idea of the potencial of expensive Leica-lenses you can buy today but you can also use in 10 or 20 years on even more sophisticated digital technology.

[Gabriel M.A.]

Interesting to see, even with what seems to be a bit of lighting variation.

BTW, is this the Reichstag?

[jaapv]

But more of an illustration. The Summarit 1.5/50 LTM
First the house wide open, Summarit-woozy. Let's be nice and call it bokeh.
Second the bags at f8.0,nice and sharp, and a crop.
I think the old lady behaves rather like she always did.

[espressogeek]

Can you show us some more pics from the summarit wide open with a good front subject? Thx.

[georgl]

The same procedure, 1,4/35Asph, 200ASA, C1->50sharpening but I've converted the JPGs a little bit better (less artifacts).

You can see that the picture at open aperture is a little bit softer but in these pictures everything is real infinity (the first Reichstag (Gabriel M.A. ;-)-picture at open aperture seems to be less sharp in the foreground).

[Nachkebia]

Jaap : Is that picture of greenery with M8?

[ampguy]

It is evident that the Summarit is the one lens that retains the "Leica Glow" with the M8. Note that even the black synthetics did not turn purple with the Summarit.

Originally Posted by jaapv

But more of an illustration. The Summarit 1.5/50 LTM
First the house wide open, Summarit-woozy. Let's be nice and call it bokeh.
Second the bags at f8.0,nice and sharp, and a crop.
I think the old lady behaves rather like she always did.

[AShearer]

Originally Posted by jaapv

But more of an illustration. The Summarit 1.5/50 LTM
First the house wide open, Summarit-woozy. Let's be nice and call it bokeh.
Second the bags at f8.0,nice and sharp, and a crop.
I think the old lady behaves rather like she always did.

The question is. Why do you have bags of gravel?

[jaapv]

Not me; the neighbours. For some reason they are paving their whole garden.

[jaapv]

Originally Posted by ampguy

It is evident that the Summarit is the one lens that retains the "Leica Glow" with the M8. Note that even the black synthetics did not turn purple with the Summarit.

They did not turn purple because I used a correct profile to convert the DNG file.

Originally Posted by Nachkebia

Jaap : Is that picture of greenery with M8?

It's Leicachrome

[Gabriel M.A.]

Originally Posted by jaapv

They did not turn purple because I used a correct profile to convert the DNG file.

Som'bdy's seen da light! Hallebooya!

Imagine that, what doing some correct profiling can do...

I really am itching to try a Summarit on an M8. Oh, the humanity...

[aad]

Correct profile? I'm not an M8 owner nor do I expect to be soon, but that statement seems significant. Is there a thread I missed (easy to do!)?

[jaapv]

Leica Users forum and FM forum have several threads on the subject. Also on Luminous Landscape.

[jaapv]

Both at 3.5, rainy, low-contrast weather..An advantage for the Summaron. First thumbnails the Summaron, second ones the Summicron.

Sorry for the not-that-good photograph..

[jaapv]

First the Elmarit @ 4.0 and crop
Then the Elmarit @ 11 and crop
Then the Elmar @ 4.0 and crop
Then the Elmar @ 11 and crop.

[jaapv]

Only five attachments, so here is the Elmar grouped:

[jaapv]

It is interesting to note that both lenses are better at 4.0 than at 11. The 2.8 clearly beats the old 4.0, but is is really amazing how good the 60 years old design is, bearing in mind that the 2.8/90 is one of the reputable lenses in the current Leica line-up. It also seems that the 9 cm lens is slightly longer of focal length than the 90 mm.

[venchka]

Originally Posted by jaapv

They did not turn purple because I used a correct profile to convert the DNG file.


It's Leicachrome

No mention of lens coding, correct?

No IR mirror cut filter? Or whatever it is that folks are trying. You know, if a bit of uniform, recordable, repeaptable digital numbers tweaking makes the whole magenta cast/coded lenses stuff go away...good for Leica/bad for Leica. Couldn't they just build that profile thingie into the M8 body? Or include a CD with the information on it in the M8 box?

Methinks there's something curious going on.

Happy anniversary present!

[jaapv]

Originally Posted by espressogeek

Can you show us some more pics from the summarit wide open with a good front subject? Thx.

Something like this?

[jaapv]

Originally Posted by venchka

No mention of lens coding, correct?

No IR mirror cut filter? Or whatever it is that folks are trying. You know, if a bit of uniform, recordable, repeaptable digital numbers tweaking makes the whole magenta cast/coded lenses stuff go away...good for Leica/bad for Leica. Couldn't they just build that profile thingie into the M8 body? Or include a CD with the information on it in the M8 box?

Methinks there's something curious going on.

Happy anniversary present!

Thanks Wayne! You've got a good memory

It is, I fear, not as simple as that. Sometimes one thing works, sometimes another.. It is not unlike any other digital camera that way

[venchka]

Originally Posted by jaapv

Thanks Wayne! You've got a good memory

It is, I fear, not as simple as that. Sometimes one thing works, sometimes another.. It is not unlike any other digital camera that way

OK, but the samples posted here are all uncoded right? No IR filter? A bit of digital decoding smoke and mirrors magic post processing, which all digital images seem to require, and the M8 produces fine results? I suppose the banding and blobs might be a different story. All in all, it seems that maybe the users were expecting perfection from the memory card. Does anyone think that Ansel Adams' prints were unassisted by The Man?