Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/05/05

[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]

Subject: Re: Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH quality
From: Jim Brick <jim@brick.org>
Date: Mon, 05 May 1997 16:23:34 -0700

At 11:21 PM 5/5/97 +0100, you wrote:
>The resolving power of
>>most good lenses is greater than the eye can detect without the aid of a
>>microscope AND process film. I DO NOT THINK IT IS POSSIBLE to detect any
>>possible TECHNICAL difference that there MIGHT be between the Nikkor and
>>Leica lenses on color print emulsions. Or even current E6 films. The
>>possible resolution of both exceeds the color coupler globule size and
>>therefore is not easily detectible.
>Definitely not true. The best photographic lenses resolve at a maximum of 
>about a 140 linepairs/mm (cycles/mm). But then the contrast is so low you 
>do not discern any detail. The best attainable definition is about 
>80lp/mm, which is twice as high as most optical firms aspire for at the 
>moment. The Summicron-M (new version) has a benchmark limit in the centre 
>of 125lpmm of which maybe 60 to 70 can be recorded on film.
>In order to see clumps of grain you need a resolution of 125lpmm, to see 
>individual grains you need 1250lpmm and to see dye globules you need 
>12500 lpmm! 
>Erwin Puts
>

Thank you Erwin, I was always under the impression that the "ordinary"
camera films could not resolve as well as the best camera lenses. I stand
corrected.

Jim