TenEleven
Well-known
I had that 50/1.9 Hexanon as my "starting lens" for my rangefinder. I liked its rendition a lot, especially in black and white where it was sharp but never harsh or unpleasant. However it had quite considerable amounts of barrel distortion. So I ended up selling it...
This in my experience, having tried other "Hexanon" lenses seems to generally be Konishirokus (later Konica) MO.
They prioritize other Seidel aberrations over distortion.
This in my experience, having tried other "Hexanon" lenses seems to generally be Konishirokus (later Konica) MO.
They prioritize other Seidel aberrations over distortion.
TenEleven
Well-known
I went through my old negatives and found some examples so that its not just me jawing off. I did not shoot color in that period, so all of these are Tri-X in D76 at 400 speed. Thus, most of the night shots are the Hexanon 50/1.9 wide open.
Distortion aside I think it performs commendably.
Distortion aside I think it performs commendably.
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das
Well-known
I don't think that's an incredible or picture-ruining amount of barrel distortion. Here is a recent shot with the Hex at a normal aperture. I don't see it.
TenEleven
Well-known
Of course, tolerance to distortion is a matter of personal preference. For me, since I wet print, I prefer lenses to have vices that I can realistically correct in the darkroom without the magic of computers or software.
That said, I have found that like other "Hexanon" lenses the distortion seems to vary depending on focal distance. In far away subjects it is less visible.
That said, I have found that like other "Hexanon" lenses the distortion seems to vary depending on focal distance. In far away subjects it is less visible.