Low contrast lens: Digital friend?

[Avotius]

Without reading the rest of the thread to see if you gave away which was shot with which, I am going to say from where I am sitting the second photo seems better but there is a lot of difference here in these two lenses and how they are exposing light. Its not uncommon to have two lenses at the same setting give different results as to dark and light exposure. Might it be better to try and do two shots with the same (as as similar as can be) histograms then base the qualities of the lenses of that? Regardless of all that I just said I do think that lenses will a less aggressive contrast work a little better on digital sometimes, for instance if you want to keep a more artistic filmier look then its nice to have some low contrast lenses, such as the m42 yashinon 50 1.4 on a 5D that took the picture in my person icon picture thing.

Yes in so many situations shooting digital I dont want a low contrast lens as I tend to like a high contrast look better, just my thoughts though.

 

[retnull]

Is it possible the cropped images are out-of-order? (crop #1 looks to be full image #2)

 

[kevin m]

Hi retnull, yes, you're correct. Sorry about that!

 

[LeicaM3]

I had a "theory" coming in that older, low contrast lenses might be a better match for a digital sensor

Agree with Sean R and kevin m.
Using a Canon 50/1.8 on the rd1 and prefer it over the 50 cron and CV 50/1.5 in most bright light settings.

 

[kevin m]

Thanks for the link to Sean's article, BTW. I'm a subscriber to his site and I've read the new stuff, but I didn't see that one.

I might have to track down a vintage Canon 28/2.8 now!

 

[tomasis]

let me know where you find 28/2.8. I dont figure out how to find in Ebay

 

[pphuang]

Thanks for the link to Sean's article, BTW. I'm a subscriber to his site and I've read the new stuff, but I didn't see that one.

I might have to track down a vintage Canon 28/2.8 now!

The classic "Winogrand" lens. They are very hard to come by, and end up selling for relatively high prices. If you don't need the speed, the 28/3.5 is a nice lens that's easier to find, and the prices are not so crazy...

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

EXACTLY!!! That looks like all my before and after 35/1.8 pics!

 

[pphuang]

.. and a CV 28mm Ulrton in the pocket is handy

Ah yes, I had forgotten that the older CV 28/1.9 ultron is supposed to be a very nice low contrast lens. I've always wanted to try one, but the 28 FOV just never quite worked for me. You may be able to pick one up for a good price now that the 28/2 is available (which seems much contrastier by comparison).

Nice photo!