Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2003/07/23

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Subject: Re: [Leica] Voightlander lenses; 50 1.5, 28 1.9, and 75 2.5
From: "Jack McLain" <jmclainaz@comcast.net>
Date: Wed, 23 Jul 2003 05:03:47 -0700
References: <5.1.0.14.2.20030722184433.00a41e50@pop.2alpha.net>

Peter:
Thanks much,
very useful information and pics. Sharp is right.. nice work.
Given what you and others have said I may stick with the 50 summicron (or
get both!)
cheers
Jack McLain
Tucson, AZ
http://jackmclain-photography.dotcommunity.net

- ----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Peter Klein" <pklein@2alpha.net>
To: <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2003 8:01 PM
Subject: [Leica] Voightlander lenses; 50 1.5, 28 1.9, and 75 2.5


> At 03:01 PM 7/22/03 -0700, Jack McLain wrote:
> >What's the scoop on the Voightlander 50 f1.5, 28 f1.9, and the 75 2.5?
Are
> >these as good as advertized?
> >thanks
>
> Jack:  I have the 50/1.5 Nokton, and I'm very happy with it.  I consider
it
> a specialty lens for available light.  It is very good at medium
apertures,
> too, but the 50/2 Summicron is just plain superb, with noticeably more
> "sparkle" and subtlety of gradation.
>
> The Nokton has an edgier, wirier look in the out-of-focus areas (bokeh)
> than the Summilux or Summicron.  In particular, out of focus highlights
can
> take on a very sharp edge, rather than fading away.  This is its downfall
> for some Leicaphiles.
>
> The Nokton is a bit sharper overall than the Summilux wide-open.  The
> Summilux has that classic smooth Leica look, the Nokton appears more
> modern.  This is all very subtle--shooting technique and lighting make
more
> of a difference.
>
> Some of the Voigtlander lenses have quality control variations, and can be
> slightly decentered.  This can lead to one side of the picture being
> slightly less sharp than the other.  So if you buy one, you should test it
> with slow film on a tripod, and return it if you find yours is
> decentered.  Leica lenses usually do not have this issue.
>
> Here are some Nokton pictures, taken at last year's LHSA gathering in
> Portland.  Many were taken under very dull, poor light.  And no, the irony
> of shooting the LHSA with a Voigtlander lens was not lost on me, but I was
> decidedly not the only one doing it.
>
> http://www2.2alpha.com/~pklein/lhsa2002/13henning.htm
> http://www2.2alpha.com/~pklein/lhsa2002/14tuulikki.htm
> http://www2.2alpha.com/~pklein/lhsa2002/21leicarose.htm
> http://www2.2alpha.com/~pklein/lhsa2002/23-2pkleins.htm
> http://www2.2alpha.com/~pklein/lhsa2002/30ted.htm
> http://www2.2alpha.com/~pklein/lhsa2002/30teddetail.htm
> http://www2.2alpha.com/~pklein/lhsa2002/36rabiner.htm
>
> Hope this helps,
> --Peter Klein
> Seattle
>
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In reply to: Message from Peter Klein <pklein@2alpha.net> ([Leica] Voightlander lenses; 50 1.5, 28 1.9, and 75 2.5)