[Leica] 180 f2.8 APO/180 2.8 (67mm version)

[ATanabe <ATanabe@aol.com>]

Hi all,
Just got back some Velvia test slides done on both the new APO 180 and older
(67mm version) 180.  Very big difference!
Test criteria:
Bright early morning sun, top-back lit subject 10:1 contrast ratio with no
fill.  
Lenses tested with and without APO 2x convertor
1)  The APO lense exhibits a pronounced out of focus specular highlight at 2.8
not soft falloff like the 180.  
2)  The APO was tack sharp wide open with the 2x convertor no sacrifice in
image quality compared to prime lense wide open.
3)  Color brightness, subject was purple flowers shot against dark green
foliage.  The purple was reproduced at the correct tone (brighter) than the
180, while the overall exposure (greens) stayed correct.  With the 180, the
purple went toward the dark,muddy side.  At first glance the exposure appeared
different, upon closer inspection the exposure was correct just the
reproduction of color was better.  Confirmed on bracketed exposures.  
4)  The APO held the highlight detail very well, no loss of detail and no
bleed of highlight into shadows (wide open).
5)  The APO has an unusual diaphram pattern, at f4 to 6.3 the pattern is a
"star" pattern.  In out of focus speculars, you can find the "points",
signature?  
6)  Anyone interested in a 180?  e-mail ATanabe@aol.com
Al