Leica M3 with Sum. 50f2.0 vs Nikkor 50f1.4

[tennis-joe]

I recently ran a test on my M3 using both a Summicron 50f2.0 and a Nikkor 50f1.4. I took three shots with both lenses (8x10's) to ask club members to compare them and they said there was only a small difference on one shot. It may have been the sun going in and out. All 6 shot were taken at 125-f8. One member said I should test them at 2.0 and then compare because he thought the Leica lens would produce a better shot. The Nikkor was used with an adapter LTM to M. Would this be a better test to see the difference?

Four of the shots are on my Flickr page. If there is discussion I will then post the all (6) on the Flickr page
Joe

 

[Austerby]

Take a set of photographs at each f-stop for each lens then match up the ones at similar f-stops to compare. Take a few sets of these to show near subjects, landscapes, daylight, artificial lighting, high contrast, low contrast etc. Try and make each shot in each set as consistent as possible to remove different lighting factors etc. That will provide a comprehensive group of photos for you to complete a thorough comparison. Please share the results!

 

[former member]

At F8, almost all lenses perform beautifully.

The test is at the wider apertures. With that stated, also test the Nikkor at F1.4. There is a focus shift inherent with the Sonnar design. It will effect the F2 shots, shifting the focus back slightly. You might want to also try to focus the RF SLIGHTLY ahead of the actual subject for the Nikkor at F2.

 

[ferider]

Shoot at f2.

In the center, at f2, the two lenses will be hard to distinguish.

There will be strong difference in resolution in the picture corners, the more so the more modern your Summicron is.

There are also Bokeh differences, but which is prettier will depend very much on subject and taste.

Roland.

 

[raid]

Whatever was said above.
The average shots will not show differences worth mentioning, but if you get close-ups with a light source in the background and maybe other items to check the corners out, you may find fine differences. Both lenses have strong support by their users.