Is this similar to a Summar look?

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xxloverxx

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Bokeh aside, I mean. Straight scan from negative…http://twitpic.com/2fccpu
One of the many photos from my Europe trip.
Shot at f/2 (wide open). Never liked the softness of this lens until I saw this photo.

I'm thinking I have a slight rangefinder problem as it seems to be focused on the shirt shoulder even though I know I focused on the face.

Thoughts?
 
Lovely portrait, you caught the moment.

Here's another Summar portrait, also at f2, sharp where I focussed, background s
tarting to swirl.
4872826523_3387a016f6_z.jpg


The Jupiters and FSU lenses have a different focussing register from the Leica standard... so the focussing is often out in non-FSU bodies even though it's perfect on FSU bodies - I got caught out with my Industar on a CanonP - and it would be the same problem for a Summar on a Zorki I guess. If you're using FSU+FSU your rangefinder might need adjusting 🙂

very best regards,
 
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Yes, it looks like you need someone to shim your lens for your camera, and/or confirm your rangefinder is properly calibrated. I used to have a Summar and now have a J8 and they image totally differently. As Hans said, the J8 is a sharp lens (even wide open) if it's a good one, while the Summar images more like a classic Leica and generally needs to be stopped down unless you like that dreamy look. The shot Alex posted at F2 is not something I was ever to duplicate w/ a Summar, and usually I needed at least f4 to get a sharp image. He must have a really clean one.
 
Thanks for all the comments 🙂

Great light & expression, Alex.

I had suspected from the beginning that something was wrong with the J8 — I didn't think it'd be that soft.
Nevermind, it's not really worth fixing now as a Fed 2 with an I26m is about to arrive.

On that subject, which Industar lens has the swirliest bokeh? I seem to have a slight obsession with swirly these days.
Would be nice to have a "normal", sharp lens, and a more dreamy one.

…Should I just get another Industar, scratch it up slightly, get some oil on it etc.? 😛
 
wow grey you can really see the swirl.
I find that Summar blacks are very black and the greens are really intense, maybe it's the uncoated effect.
Thanks for your kind comments, I love the results from my Summar. Not bad for 1939 technology! I can be really sharp and precise too (see attached)
4775066968_50ec0cc807_z.jpg


I don't think damaging or smearing a Jupiter will give the swirl effect, but it will probably give the out of focus look.

Loads more Summar pics on my Flickr, I really enjoy this lens.
Alex's Summar tag
 
Wonderful!!

Wonderful!!

I dearly love my Summitar, the 'modern' version of the Summar.
Somehow it's hard to believe that the birth of the modern lens was 70 years ago, and not just with Leitz.

While I am truly impressed with today's lenses, as a creative tool they are more different than better (well they are better, 5% better?).

I think that old lenses are like old musical instruments, and their value will increase greatly.

I no longer have GAS for new lenses, I collect only the old, and with modern aids like Photoshop and the negative color films I can be far more creative with them than the new glass. Their 'look' is the tonality of a fine old musical instrument indeed.

Keep shooting with your Summar!
 


I find the Summar is very sharp in the middle but soft and vignettes toward the edges, giving a "spherical' look to the photo.
 
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Thanks for all the photos and comments 🙂

Beautiful photos, and not just because of the lens 😀

If it weren't way out of my budget, I'd get one…
 
Save up a little, there are bargains out there, many people hate Summars and will go for Summitars or above.

Remember, the lens will last a lifetime.

Good luck!
Alex
 
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