Ralf11 Posted January 30, 2020 Share Posted January 30, 2020 I was doing some reading about the old pre-Asph leica lenses recently, and it struck me that there are a number of parallels to audiophile products: - there was a lot of argument about whether these lenses really did render differently - then more arguments on what the mechanism was if they did... - and finally, numerous claims that they did and while not as accurate, it was more pleasing to the eye Link to comment
Ralf11 Posted January 30, 2020 Author Share Posted January 30, 2020 I actually think there is something about Leica lenses, and not just the old ones that sell for $4,000 to $9,000 either. I use the 'cheap' Panasonic-Leica lenses on my m43 cameras (one was only $300 used) and they do seem to render differently - on landscapes the clouds look real special. Maybe distortion but eu-optic distortion... It seems there are 3 effects going on: 1. Bokeh effects, as you mentioned (esp. avoidance of 'ring' or donut shapes) 2. micro-contrast 3. Leica "Glow" - which is clearly due to spherical aberrations in the old lenses and the effects on highlights Interestingly, the modern trend in lens design is to make them razor sharp all the way across even in corners, and more accurate. Link to comment
Ralf11 Posted January 31, 2020 Author Share Posted January 31, 2020 They are made to Leica spec. and inspected by Leica. In exchange Leica gets sensor/body help from Panasonic - not always to the same extent as the rebranded LX100 tho. Link to comment
Ralf11 Posted January 31, 2020 Author Share Posted January 31, 2020 Leica designs are used - that's the important thing I've seen no issues with QC, nor heard about them Link to comment
Ralf11 Posted February 1, 2020 Author Share Posted February 1, 2020 3 hours ago, lucretius said: There appears to be general agreement (though this could be wrong) that the lenses are designed and produced by Panasonic but the designs are submitted for approval to Leica with respect to their optical characteristics and manufacturing tolerances. Hence, Panasonic-Leica lenses are required to meet a set of demanding quality standards established by Leica but are otherwise the result of Japanese optical manufacturing excellence. Does this make sense? where did you hear that? Link to comment
Ralf11 Posted February 1, 2020 Author Share Posted February 1, 2020 here are some examples (old Leica lenses & mostly portraiture): https://www.artphotoacademy.com/the-leica-look/ lucre - I like to get information form more accurate sources than photo groups on the internet Link to comment
Ralf11 Posted February 4, 2020 Author Share Posted February 4, 2020 those things are usually termed "SuperZooms" - I expect more of them in the future with smaller sensors making the zoom lens able to be smaller and more portable. but do they seem "analog" like the old Leica Glow lenses?? Link to comment
Ralf11 Posted February 5, 2020 Author Share Posted February 5, 2020 I'm not a fan of SuperZooms. I mainly use a 24-100 (MM equiv. in FF) Panasonic-Leica lens on a m43 camera. It gives more depth of field than a larger sensor does. I can use a Nikon or a Hassy C/M body for less DoF. The 'glow' in old Leica lenses is claimed to be the result of spherical aberration of highlights - in the article linked above, and elsewhere too. The Leica "look" reminds of some audio issues - euphonic tube sound, vinyl sound, etc. Link to comment
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