Re: [Leica] Lens challenge

[David Binder <dbinder@sympatico.ca>]

The out of focus background of Photos A and D had 'rendered' qualities,
described here often as 'bokeh', similar to what I've noticed on photos
from my own 35 f2.0 ASPH. I am a Leica newbie, and an amateur, so take
my opinions with a grain of salt, but to my eyes, the Leica bokeh is
delightful and I was amazed that it is still visually discernible on a
handheld test presented on computer. As such, I believe the test was
worthwhile and wish to thank Dan Cardish for taking the time. As far as
Summicron versus Summilux, I couldn't tell any difference in this
format, and simply guessed wrong.

- -David Binder


> Date: Wed, 23 Aug 2000 13:31:07 -0400
> From: David Binder <dbinder@sympatico.ca>
> Subject: Re: [Leica] Lens challenge
> Message-ID: <39A40A5A.D009EC3D@sympatico.ca>
> References: <200008230701.AAA10784@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
> 
> Photo A is Summilux
> Photo D is Summicron
> 
> - -David Binder (tell you why if I'm right)
> 
> > ------------------------------
> >
> > Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 21:41:46 -0400
> > From: Dan Cardish <dcardish@microtec.net>
> > Subject: [Leica] Lens challenge
> > Message-ID: <3.0.6.32.20000822214146.0090f820@pop.microtec.net>
> > References:
> >
> > OK, as promissed, here are four images ta ken with (in no particluar order):
> >
> > Nikor 50/1.4 AI mounted on Nikon F2
> > Minolta 50/1.4 mounted on Minolta 9xi
> > DR Summicron 50/2 mounted on Leica M6
> > Summilux 50/1.4 mounted on Leica M6
> >
> > All these photos were taken on the same roll of film, and scanned so that
> > the colour balance was as close as possible to each other (though I make no
> > gaurantees that they are the best possible).  All Photoshop adjustments
> > (such as curves) were saved and applied equally to all four images.
> >
> > As may be obvious, the sun was setting during the test, and it took some
> > time to unload and reload the film into each of the four cameras, so
> > exposures changed during the time of the test.  Also, I had no tripod and
> > had to try and stay in one place for all of the photographs.  And, last but
> > not least, I had a bored model on my hands....
> >
> > Check out the last row of images (it will be obvious which ones apply) in
> > the portfolio link at http://www.photoartworld.com/leica/.  Try and
> > identify Photos A, B, C, and D.
> >
> > Perhaps if there is interest I will post enlarged sections of each image
> > for further comparisons
> >
> > I hope to actually redo this entire site and amalgamate it with my other
> > sites, along with better photographs.  Until then, consider this one to be
> > the proverbial "under construction".
> >
> > One day I will try and repeat this test, under more constant conditions and
> > with tripod etc.
> >
> > Dan C.
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Date: Wed, 23 Aug 2000 13:50:52 -0400
> From: "Dan Honemann" <ddh@home.com>
> Subject: RE: [Leica] Lens challenge
> Message-ID: <NBBBIDNIGLFOKNLJCPLHGEJKEDAA.ddh@home.com>
> References:
> 
> Seems we're all in agreement on A and D.  Interesting that a couple folks
> are convinced A is the Nikkor (I liked Paul C's comments on the bokeh as
> evidence).
> 
> I'd like to hear your (David's) reasons behind the guesses.
> 
> C is so soft that I Paul may be right in his suggestion that it's
> mis-focused.  The out of focus area is also considerably softer as well,
> however.  I'd have guessed C was opened up a stop or two and mis-focused,
> but it's more likely a result of camera shake (or a lousy lens).
> 
> Dan