Good Bokeh

[George Huczek <ghuczek@eagle.wbm.ca>]

Camera Techniques ran 3 articles in its last issue on the mysteries of
"bokeh", what Japanese photographers are now referring to as the out of
focus areas in a picture.
   They are catching on to the notion of the "Leica glow" it seems.
Anyway, the article suggests that the 35mm Summicron is the "King of Bokeh"
much better than the 35mm Summilux or the 35mm aspherical.  Where do they
get anything to substantiate such claims? It this based on subjective
evaluation, or can "good" and 'bad" bokeh be measured?
   They do give some examples to show how some lenses produce a double
image in the out of focus region, and how others produce a softer out of
focus area in which subject matter is softer but can still be inferred from
the photographer because of its smoothness.
   I would have thought that the 35mm aspherical would have been considered
better, since it outperforms the 35mm Summicron at large apertures.

- -GH