Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/07/25
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]In a message dated 7/25/00 11:08:13 AM Eastern Daylight Time, imagist@concentric.net writes: << I've always wondered if the the R series lenses = M series lenses in this regard. In other words does a 1983 35mm R Sumicron qualities = a 1983 35mm M Sumicron qualities. >> The R lenses, especially the shorter focal lengths, have to be different from their M namesakes due to the SLR design (mirror clearance, more back focus). I've suspected even the 50-135 lenses which supposedly have identical computations, have different performance characteristics, given that I was always wowed by M lens results yet those from R lenses never wowed me enough to buy into the system (and lose a small fortune selling my Nikons, not downplaying the role that had in my thought process!) When I discovered the Photodo site, some of my suspicions were confirmed. I know their test methods aren't reliable as absolutes, but in comparative terms, they show that M versions outrate R versions in most cases, and the R versions rate close to (a few slightly better, but several less than) their Nikon or Canon counterparts (nothing said there about color rendition or out-of-focus areas). In any case, with my eyesight and remaining lifespan a precious commodity, my preference nowadays is to concentrate them both on the artistry of the image rather than the science.