[Leica] Bob Schell on Leica-lens-centring

[krieger at usc.edu (Martin Krieger)]

This is from the cvug group:

Since I test cameras and lenses for photo magazines I have probably 
> used more different cameras and lenses than most.  Generally, in 
> comparing SLR lenses,  I have found that Leica and Zeiss are at the 
> top in most cases.  Particularly this is true of their newer designs.  
> The difference is that Leica go to obsessive lengths in assembly of 
> lenses to center elements precisely and adjust everything to very 
> tight tolerances. Zeiss is much less obsessive about this stuff, and 
> the Japanese manufacturers don't do any specific centering except 
> possibly in very expensive lenses. When comparing Nikon and Canon,  I 
> have found that Nikon makes marginally better wide angle lenses and 
> Canon makes better long telephotos.  Minolta is as good as either of 
> them, and beats both handily in many lenses.  Pentax is a close third, 
> with a handful of really outstanding optics.  Olympus used to come in 
> dead last, with some real coke bottles, but I hear their new 4/3 glass 
> is really good.  I haven't used any of it myself.