Scanning the "Leica Glow".

[Gabriel M.A.]

Leica Glow is just a phrase. I think it pertains to "micro-contrast", or the ability to capture subtle changes in light.

You're right. Many "wars" ensue due to the word "glow" (light bulbs glow; coals in a BBQ grill glow). The "Leica glow" is something else, and it's a reference to this, not a call to sack Constantinople.

I notice this, strangely, a lot with my tabbed Summicron, and often with my Summilux --I say "strangely" because supposedly these are contrastier than the older formulas--. The first four are with the tabbed 'cron, the last with the pre-asph 50 'lux. All are wide open:

 

[Magus]

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[VinceC]

>>I also don't think they were 'optimizing' for "glow", but for maximum correction<<

I would give them them more credit. You're faced with such a proliferation of lens choices because there is no single ideal solution for a specific focal length. The chief lens designers had choices to make, ideas to contribute, variables to consider, an engineer's version artistry. By correcting in one direction, they introduced problems in another. They knew they weren't making a lens with maximum correction to every variable. They were balancing tradeoffs of imperfection, and therein lies the artistry.

“A subject that is beautiful in itself gives no suggestion to the artist. It lacks imperfection.” Oscar Wilde.

 

[Magus]

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