Leica Summicron-M f2.0 ASPH problem, please HELP!!

[saiseto]

I bought a new Summicron f2.0 ASPH few days ago and did the test roll in a flower show. I got my film back from the D&P shop today and the result is very disappointing. I found that there are very serious flare in the middle of some of the photos.

I just wonder if this is jsut the problme of my skill, the lens or I am having a lemon this time?? I have attacted a sample image showing the problem that I am experiencing.

Some extra infomation here: I was shooting with the Leica leica E39 UVa filter on the lens, without using the hood on a Bessa R2A body.

However, I must say, when this lens works 'properly', it's amazingly sharp and the colour is absolutely beautiful.

Cheers!

 

[Doug]

Hi -- I can understand why this would be disappointing... the central flare is obvious. I notice the light is very flat, no bright sun or reflections, though the sky is quite bright compared to the near scene. I wonder if this effect might be caused by reflection in the filter surfaces (not multi-coated?), especially considering the lack of lens hood.

Focal length is not relevant to the problem I think, just to point out you didn't specify that... and we may assume 50mm... though there are Asph Summicrons in three other focal lengths aren't there? 🙂

 

[paulh]

could be fogging? It does happen when you come out of an airconditioned place into the hotter outside. Happens all the time in Asia!

Cheers,
Paul

 

[jaapv]

Both of the above, I would say, fogging between the lens and the filter, most likely.

 

[Treb]

Remove filter and use the lens hood and then see if the flare goes away. My guess is it's the filter that's the cause of the problem. Leica's excellent lens coating doesn't need an additional filter BTW. Filters also reduce contrast by some degree, something to bear in mind when you just forked out a lot of money for a high contrast lens.

If you are from the "protecting the front lens" school of thought then accept flare to rear its ugly head when you least want or expect it.

 

[saiseto]

Thanks for the fast reply. It is a 35mm Summicron ASPH. I really hope it is only the problme of fogging as this is just a simple problme to solve.

Anyway, I have just done another roll of film using different combination with and without the filter as well as with/without the hood on the lens, hopefully this can help me to figure out the problme.

I will let you guys knwo when the result comes out.

 

[jaapv]

Listen to Treb. Don't use the filter, except in a sandstorm. It does impair the quality of the lens to some extent and is superfluous. Lens hood and lens cap are the first choice to protect your baby!

 

[terrafirmanada]

Can someone show us an example of how a filter reduces contrast? I have heard this said before, and understand the argument, but I don't think I have ever seen a comparison.

 

[terrafirmanada]

Can someone show us an example of how a filter reduces contrast? I have heard this said before, and understand the argument, but I don't think I have ever seen a comparison. The colors do look good in the shot

 

[Rich Silfver]

Listen to Treb. Don't use the filter, except in a sandstorm. It does impair the quality of the lens to some extent and is superfluous. Lens hood and lens cap are the first choice to protect your baby!

Personally I completely disagree - I would not consider using any lens that I paid more than 3-400 dollars for without a filter on it.

In addition to that - I always use a yellow-green filter whenever I shoot B&W so I'm automatically 'protected' 🙂

 

[jaapv]

try THIS link.One of many. It is a matter of taste if one accepts the theoretical considerations, but I personally have learned over the years not to disagree with the laws of physics. If, however you feel comfortable with a filter, by al means use it. The differences are small. But so are the differences between a Leica lens and a less expensive one....
You'll find the opinions on this subject are divided about 50-50.

 

[Treb]

I don't understand people that screw a $19.99 filter on to a $1999 lens... Sooner or later you'll encounter filter related problems.

There are a few situations where a filter would be a good idea: salt water spray and very dusty situations (like sand). Other than that no filters on my Leica glass.

 

[jaapv]

Well- I do use my pol-filter a lot 😉 And when I use filters I use Heliopan.Or maybe B&W. $ 19,99 ??
I wish.....

 

[Sean Chan]

Yes I think we have to choose for ourself about this to filter or not to filter thing.

From the photo attached, the flare is very serious where the lighting condition is nothing difficult.

I personablly don't really care about filters as they never make such a critical difference to me. I mean I understand the quality would be degraded once a filter is used. But from a Leica top 35mm lens quality photo to a worst than ever quality lens photo just becuase of a Lecia made E39 UVa filter being used?

 

[jaapv]

Using Leica lenses to compensate for quality degradation through filter use seems to be a rather roundabout and decadent exercise. 😉

 

[saiseto]

The result of my 2nd roll came out this morning, luckily, they all look good this time without any problem at all. Perhaps the flare was caused by fogging between the lens and the filter.

I personally don't usually use a filter on my lens, however, the 'con ASPH is kinda expenisve to me (acutally, its the most expensive one amount all the lens i have) that i decided to keep a filter on to made sure it's safe.

I shoot B&W film most of the time and I tend to put a yellow filter to increase the contrast slightly. Can somebody suggest a good yellow filter for my new little baby? Should i stick with leica filter or sth else which is better than Leica?

 

[Doug]

B+W brand filters are made by Schneider, and I'm not sure if they're exceeded in quality by any other... especially their more expensive MRC (Multi-Resistant-Coating) filters. I recall someone saying that Leica filters are made for them by Heliopan, and that both names are top quality too. And I think Hoya's top-of-the-line filters may be at or near the same high level of quality. I think it best to make sure your filters are multi-coated, anyway.