Portrait Lens for RD1

[rweissman]

Considering the 1.5x cropping factor of the RD1 sensor, what is the best lens you've used for head and shoulders portraits? I'm considering the Summalux 50mm f1.4 or Summacron 50mm f2. Anyone have a better suggestion, particularly for female portraiture?

 

[NoTx]

Considering the 1.5x cropping factor of the RD1 sensor, what is the best lens you've used for head and shoulders portraits? I'm considering the Summalux 50mm f1.4 or Summacron 50mm f2. Anyone have a better suggestion, particularly for female portraiture?

Ok. First off I do not have any Leica or M/LTM stuff. But here are a few general facts.

1. Most women like the telephoto compression effect (it cuts weight). Wides add weight, normalls, are too normal🙂
2. Compression starts to get noticible about 60mm.

So, figure you may need to stand back a little, but I would aim at a 75mm. Remember, a 50mm, is still a 50mm with the crop factor. Never seen a 60mm LTM/M mount lens, though that would be ideal.

Just my suggestions.

Oh, and do not forget, the DoF with a crop factor is NOT identical to the depth of field of a 35mm lens (about as much DoF as one smaller full stop).

Good luck!

 

[aizan]

compression is a result of subject distance. if you stand farther back with a 50 on the r-d1 to get a headshot, you will get the same compression as a 75 in film to get a headshot.

i wouldn't get the summilux asph for a portrait lens. instead, something with smoother bokeh, softer wide open, delicate hilights, etc., would be better, like the summar or collapsible summicron.

 

[SteveRD1]

While this is not a head/shoulders portrait, it was taken with the 50 Summilux Asph. I was far back from her though. Shot B&W in camera. RAW. I have not yet tried a head/shoulders shot with the 50. Im guessing a 75 would be better for that, even on the Rd1.

Link to the pic:
http://www.pbase.com/videoman/image/45930305