Re: [Leica] Using the R8 & 50 Summicron

["N.S. Ng" <nsnga@pacific.net.sg>]

I used to believe the same. However, when I started using this lens, I
changed my belief. Read Erwin's reports on the 35-70 F4., F2.8 ASPH and the
70-180 APO.

Of course, only a Leica zoom can equal or exceed the performance of a Leica
prime!

N.S.
- ----- Original Message -----
From: Mark Rabiner <mrabiner@concentric.net>
To: <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
Sent: Wednesday, October 27, 1999 3:43 PM
Subject: Re: [Leica] Using the R8 & 50 Summicron


> "N.S. Ng" wrote:
> >
> > Hello,
> >
> > I have been using this lens for about 11/2 years, I purchased this
because I
> > like to have a short range zoom and on occassions when I want to travel
> > light. Many of my shots were taken at f4. My other zoom is a 70-210
> > Angeniuex. I have the 50 Summicron R as well.
> >
> > The 35-70 f4, is a fine performer. At its widest aperture, f4, its
> > performance is better than the 50 Summicron at f4. It seems to be
sharper,
> > probably due to its higher contrast. I have also compared the
performance at
> > 35mm. end to my 35 mm. Summicron-M ( non- aspherical) at f.4 and I could
not
> > see any difference. I have not compared this to my 35mm. Summilux-Asph.
At
> ><Snip>
>
> IF the  35-70 f4,zoom is sharper at f4 than the 50 Summicron is more then
just a
> "fine performer".  The 50 Summicron has been lens all other 50mm lenses
have
> been compared against for decades (but not usually zooms) and defines
"Leica"
> and I won't go on and on.
> That zoom would be on the cover of Time: the man of the year would be a
lens...a
> technological object. Like the Prozac pill.
> Comparing the results of a premium quality if not legendary fixed lens to
a zoom
> at all is a little unlogical in my opinion but saying the zoom is better
is
> downright delusional. Wouldn't it be nice if we lived in a world where you
could
> get a zoom sharper than a 50 Summicron?! I'll dream about that tonight!
> Zoom technology has come far hasn't it? NOT THAT FAR! In the morning I'll
be
> waking up to the real world again.
> What the zoom does better is zoom. Everything else is a trade-off.
Especially in
> anything resembling a flair/backlit situation. Too many elements! Too much
wizbang!
> Mark Rabiner