Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2005/01/28
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]> Was in Helix (Chicago, Illinois) and the salesman showed me some Leica > binoculars and he went on and on > about the fact that Leica uses special ingredients in the lens formula so > that more shadow detail is picked up. He > intimated that it's the same with their 35mm camera lenses. > > Is this really true, or was the salesman stretching the truth? It's a bit of a stretch 'cuz the glass Leica uses to make their optics are available to all. You'll get more shadow detail any time you have high optical contrast, minimizing flare and aberations. Where Leica excels is not as much in making magical glass but more in combining glass types, curves, coatings and mounts to maximize image quality, including optical contrast. Other makers can do the same when they design more to a performance spec than to a price point. Doug Herr Birdman of Sacramento http://www.wildlightphoto.com