Comparison

[ppro]

I have finished the first step (getting the gear in one place...) of doing a little comparison between a few cameras, all sold about the same time. I am curious to see how much difference can be seen just looking at the photos. I am sure it's been done but I just thought it would be an interesting exercise.

Here's what I'm thinking of comparing:

C3

• 35mm Argus Sandmar f/4.5
• 50mm Argus Cintar f/3.5
• 100mm Argus Tele-Sandmar f/4.5
• Argus Optical Viewfinder (Clip-On)

Geiss-Modified C4

• 35mm Lithagon f/4.5
• 50mm Argus Cintar f/2.8
• 100mm Lithagon f/4.5
• Geiss C4 Viewfinder

Leica M3

• 35mm Summaron f/2.8
• 50mm Summarit f/1.5
• 90mm Elmar f/4.0
• Nippon-Kogaku Multi-Focal variable finder (or integrated frame outlines)

And as further insult to injury, I might make an (unfair?) comparison with (gasp):

Pentax Spotmatic

• Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 35mm f/3.5
• Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 55mm f/2.0
• Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 105mm f/2.8

My thinking is that these are comparable focal-length lenses being aimed with their companion viewfinders on rangefinder equipped, 35mm bodies. Naturally, all shots would be done with all variables matched (f-stop, indicated shutter speed, camera angle to subject, use of hoods, cable release, etc.) This is not a test to count molecules of grain, lines-per-inch, etc., just a comparison of practical results and perhaps some observations about ease of use...

Don't expect to see the results soon. Life is full and shooting will take a while.

 

[radiocemetery]

PPRO,

Sounds like fun. Have at it, an interesting project for sure.

Steve at the radiocemetery

PS That C4 set is a beauty, I may be picking up a C4 this weekend. I have a Spottie too.

 

[ppro]

Team Photos

Team Photos

 

[radiocemetery]

Nice camera families, Paul. I have been to whitemetal.com before when I was researching the Pentax cameras before I bought my Spotmatic. Nice to meet you, and thanks for sharing your information and enthusiasm.

Steve

 

[ppro]

Thanks Steve, good to know there's others here that have diverse interests. I held back from putting up the Spotmatic "team" shot because it would be more or less off-topic... Gotta hang a bit here before I go do something like that... 🙂