Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2010/11/07
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]This is nice to read because we're trying to ascertain the best rendering best contrast and resolution lens for shooting people faces while typically on the internet you have to wade through half the guys talking about how the lens has to not be too sharp and be better off being old; and that is such unmitigated claptrap that it makes me want to barf. A portrait lens is like any other lens. It should be the best lens performer in terms of highest contrast and resolution. The only consideration is what exact focal length you might tend to like for such a thing. And some people think it should be on the fast side which I don't happen to agree with either I happen to think that this ultra extreme dof thing is not common for portraiture is an extreme effect and should be used very sparingly. I don't think promotional shots wide open 85 1.4 would cut it. They would just tell you its out of focus and re do it. "well the eyes are in focus!" Well so does a few other things need to be in focus. With a ground glass it great to be looking at a wide open groundglass and know that the final result you're going to have a lot more in focus. Today I shot all day at f 5.6 and f 8 with an f 2 lens. Just like the old days. I didn't miss my focase. -------------------- Mark William Rabiner Photography http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/lugalrabs/ mark at rabinergroup.com Cars: http://tinyurl.com/2f7ptxb > From: Geoff Hopkinson <hopsternew at gmail.com> > Reply-To: Leica Users Group <lug at leica-users.org> > Date: Mon, 8 Nov 2010 10:16:00 +1000 > To: Leica Users Group <lug at leica-users.org> > Subject: Re: [Leica] 80 Summilux R (was 'Am I being stupid? (R content)') > > Depends on what you are trying to achieve in your portrait of course. > The Macro Elmar can be made to flare very readily in my experience, > rendering results like a much older design. I'd not tolerate that in my > other lenses I must comment. > Nothing wrong with its resolving power but it is very unlike the modern APO > ASPH designs. > It also costs a LOT, partly since it is only available (new) as a package > with the macro adapter and the angle finder > Contrast characteristics are ameliorated in processing providing you expose > appropriately of course. For my taste I prefer to have the option of > reducing contast and detail selectively from the most modern designs. > At least, personally I treat my Macro Elmar as a more specialised lens. A > lot of fun to be had with the closer focus attachment though. > http://www.pbase.com/hoppyman/image/122535441 > > Cheers > Geoff > http://www.pbase.com/hoppyman > > > On 7 November 2010 23:23, Mark Rabiner <mark at rabinergroup.com> wrote: > >> The Macro Elmar-M 90mm f4 would have to be at least for me the ultimate >> general portrait solution if I had an M9. >> If I had a DMR I'd use 60 macro for most portraiture other than tight >> headshots which would then bring me to a 100 macro. >> >> I have two 90 m's the APO Summicron and the 2.8 Elmarit. I'd use both of >> them on two M6's at the same time one with color film in it and one with >> black and white in most cases. >> And I have a 90 Elmar for my IIIF. >> >> I have a 135 3.4 APO for tight head shots with my M6's or just a more >> formal >> flat look. >> It was the second M lens I ever owned. >> >> >> -------------------- >> Mark William Rabiner >> Photography >> http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/lugalrabs/ >> mark at rabinergroup.com >> Cars: http://tinyurl.com/2f7ptxb >> >> >> >> >>> From: Geoff Hopkinson <hopsternew at gmail.com> >>> Reply-To: Leica Users Group <lug at leica-users.org> >>> Date: Sun, 7 Nov 2010 14:39:49 +1000 >>> To: Leica Users Group <lug at leica-users.org> >>> Subject: Re: [Leica] 80 Summilux R (was 'Am I being stupid? (R content)') >>> >>> I looked at the new shots after posting and recalled that they were shot >> at >>> minimum distance too so that invalidates the comparison of the field size >> of >>> a 90 @ 1m vs. Summicron 75 @ 0.7m If you have the Macro Elmar then you >> can >>> compare directly yourself of course. >>> >>> Sorry I don't follow your preference for the APO 90 over the APO 75 when >>> already have the Macro Elmar but hey whatever makes sense to you of >> course. >>> Everyone's ideal lens selction is different/ >>> Cheers >>> Geoff >>> http://www.pbase.com/hoppyman >>> NO ARCHIVE >>> >>> On 7 November 2010 11:39, Tim Gray <tgray at 125px.com> wrote: >>> >>>> On Nov 07, 2010 at 11:23 AM +1000, Geoff Hopkinson wrote: >>>> >>>>> I don't know about prices where you are but here at least the 75 is >>>>> actually >>>>> "cheaper" new than the 90. I don't have any current used prices >>>>> comparisons. >>>>> >>>> >>>> New is not going to happen. >>>> >>>> >>>> Anyway some 75 samples if you are interested. I just went out into some >>>>> fairly fierce mid morning light and shot some more close ups vs. my >> (Macro >>>>> Elmar) 90. I think that you will be surprised. I'll post some uncropped >>>>> comparisons soon >>>>> >>>> >>>> I'll be interested to see them. >>>> >>>> I do have the Macro 90 since I feel it makes the perfect travel 90. It >>>> gives me a good tight reproduction ratio when you need it, a bit of >> extra >>>> reach when you need it, and it doesn't take up a lot of space when you >> don't >>>> need it :) The adapter is also pretty small and lets me focus even more >> on >>>> something if I am inclined to. >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Leica Users Group. >>>> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information >>>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Leica Users Group. >>> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Leica Users Group. >> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information >> > > _______________________________________________ > Leica Users Group. > See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information