Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/06/17
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Well, I just did an informal test: I compared the scanned images of color negs taken with my new 50mm Summicron and the mid '70's 28mm Elmarit. The Summincron does have a little more contrast, but both lenses have the color in daylight that I remember - neutral to rather cool. My Nikon stuff would have been much contrastier and warmer. I like being able to see into the shadows. This is good glass. In fact, let me elaborate: Everything I've shot with the 50mm adds up to one thing. It's the best optic I've ever used. The 28mm is no slouch, but wide angles being what they are, and, I guess, twenty or so years of optical progress means it isn't quite as crisp. It's really noticeable in the scans; and it's repeatable. Thanks for the comments - I feel better owning a smorgasborg of lenses. Funny, the Summicron is one of the least expensive lenses they make, but the image it produces is sublime. I guess I'm gonna have to get used to shooting a 50mm (always seemed a little long for me). I wonder what a 50mm Summilux from the same period as the 28mm would look like. I was worried the newer lenses would look too much like the Japanese glass I've left behind. Glad to see they look like I remember them.