I picked up a Late Collapsible LTM Summicron this week, some sort of odd effect on the front coating- visible with a bright light. I could not see any effect with a quick test of the lens. Today, took my Daughter to the skating rink- usually bring the camera and some lenses "on a theme". Decided to make it less-than-perfect Leica Lens Day, and packed my $155 90/2.8 Tele-Elmarit with "spots" on the front coating and my $125 5cm F1.5 Summarit with some coating marks, and haze cleaned out twice since I've owned it. I took the Nikon Z5, as I could up the ISO and shoot under the Disco Lights at the slower stops.
We'll go in order of Age. Summarit up first.
Wide-Open at F1.5, not bad- but I quickly changed over to F2.
F2, close-in, and she's moving at full speed with a "shoot-the-duck". Why a Duck?
Closer-in. I learned to put my fingers up against the infinity lock and focus quickly.
Full-frame Focusing. Hard to do this with a Rangefinder.
Disco Lights only, still at F2, Cranked up the ISO. 1/60th second, panning the camera with the subject.
We'll go in order of Age. Summarit up first.
Wide-Open at F1.5, not bad- but I quickly changed over to F2.
F2, close-in, and she's moving at full speed with a "shoot-the-duck". Why a Duck?
Closer-in. I learned to put my fingers up against the infinity lock and focus quickly.
Full-frame Focusing. Hard to do this with a Rangefinder.
Disco Lights only, still at F2, Cranked up the ISO. 1/60th second, panning the camera with the subject.
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The Less-than-Perfect Summicron. Let's pick up where the Summitar left-off, Dark.
All at F2, I've had perfect lenses show more flare.
House lights, all at F2,
All at F2, I've had perfect lenses show more flare.
House lights, all at F2,
And the 90/2.8 Tele-Elmarit-M, with freckles on the front coating.
All wide-open,
All wide-open,
boojum
Ignoble Miscreant
Difficult venue, difficult circumstances. You got good images.
It is hard for me to know what to believe about lenses. If I can see images created with the lens I have an advantage, of sorts. As you know, that advantage has cost me money. OTOH out of the few lenses I have there are some real gems. When not able to see lens made images I have followed good advice and paid a fair price and done well on eBay. But let's face it, luck follows me around like a puppy dog would. And I am grateful. And some really nice lenses have fallen into my lap. I just have to learn how to better use them.
More with the Tele-Elmarit, all wide-open.
