I have recently been testing various 50mm lenses on the R-D1. The list follows. I have just joined this forum and don't have any images posted yet, but would be happy to share data with those interested.
50/2 Jupiter-8
50/1.5 Canon s/m
50/1.5 Summarit
50/1.5 Nokton
50/2 Summitar
50/2.8 Elmar
50/2 Summicron (80's)
50/2 Dual Range
50/1.4 Summilux (70's)
50/1 Noctilux
50/2 Zeiss-Ikon
50/2 M-Hexanon
and . . .
40/2 Summicron-C
35/1.7 Ultron
35/2 Summicron
35/1.2 Nockton
I have found that the LCD screen is not particularly useful for evaluating the differences between these lenses (although you can get a sense of the out-of-focus areas by jogging through a series of snaps and seeing how things change as you progressively stop down).
My most recent experiment was a series of images of a still life scene (flowers, table, reflected halogen lighting) all shot from the same position (camera on tripod). The first two series were shot with the R-D1 on its "High" JPG setting with the camera's default settings for sharpening etc. I am happy to share the images with anyone who is interested (although it may entail mailing a CD, 'cause it's a lot of data). However, my initial impression is that that the differences between these lenses can be seen as differences in contrast, not necessarily in "sharpness". Perhaps a set of RAW images would show differences between lenses more clearly. No problems focussing a 90/2 or 75/1.4, although it requires some care with focussing. Untested but enjoyed lenses include V/C excellent 21/4, 25/4 and 28/1.9
Like several reports, I sent back my first camera (s/n 001880) because the vertical allignment was off out of the box (also a back focus problem). Epson replaced it with my current camera (s/n 45xx) which has other minor differences in how the camera feels (more "snap" to the jog dial, for example). It is interesting to me that there is that much sample variation in the build of the cameras. After some helpful hints from Ed Swartzreich (another Vermonter!), I've got the vertical allignment issue on the new camera sorted out.
And like several other members of this forum, it was Sean's helpful and balanced impressions of the camera that nudged me over the edge to purchase. Thanks, Sean!
I hope to share more of this information with the forum as I'm able to process data. Best regard,
Benjamin Marks
