50mm Summicron chrome DR Soft Focus Photo Samples

[Victor Mercado]

I thought I had back focus issues, but it maybe internal glass bubbles or it could be film flatness (Kodak Gold 100). The lens was tested on two bodies and both have the same focus results. Images shoot on tripod with cable release. Focus point is the tooth brush.

The lens has no haze, the flashlight test reveals many bubbles. I guess it’s time to send this out to a qualified Leica technician or simply shoot stopped down. Has anyone experienced similar results with their cron?

#1 - f2.8
#2 - f5.6
#3 - f11

 

[BNLee]

Are you sure that you have focused on the toothbrush correctly? If you observe the pictures closely, in the 2.8 shot, the Harley Davidson plate (Top right) is in focus. This could mean that your camera's rangefinder is out of alignment(Maybe not, as you said that you used two bodies to test it out), or it could simply mean that the lens's focusing mechanism is faulty, which doesn't happen often.

If possible, do post some images of the lens bubbles in the DR Summicron. It may be the condensation of the lubricants in the lens. Generally lens bubbles do not cause any issues unless it is really so bad, even early copies of Nikon S mount 1.4 lenses and Contax Zeiss Ikon Mount 50 1.5 lenses have lens bubbles. Can't say anything of the bubbles forming in the Summicron DR as mine is clear, enough(Hope it stays that way). But many here says that even the slightest haze will affect the image quality of the Summicron, causing lots of flare.

 

[back alley]

IF you have a question about a specific lens, post it in the forum about that type of camera, NOT HERE. Mods are tired of moving threads, and may just delete them instead.

 

[Victor Mercado]

I just shot test images with Fuji X Pro1, the lens performed normal. I'll upload a closeup of the glass soon. The Harley plate is in focus, so it maybe a backfocus issue, more tests. Thanks for your reply.

 

[mfogiel]

It is clear, that the lens is sharp, but is not focusing at the intended plane of focus. Did you use the goggles with this? If not, there is a chance the lens needs calibration.

 

[Victor Mercado]

No goggles, I used the split focus with M3 & M5. My hunch is that it needs calibration, I'll test one roll with a newspaper on the wall @ 40 degrees.