rogerzilla
Well-known
This may surprise you. For comparison we have the legendary Leitz Summicron Dual Range 50 at its best aperture, f/4:
This was taken at just under 2 metres. because of the shorter focal length of the Minotar, I shot at 4 feet to give a similar size (it's impossible to get it exactly the same unless you know the precise focal length) on film. On a 72ppi screen these images are equivalent to a 6' x 4' print. I used a tape measure to ensure accurate focus.
For all tests a heavy tripod and cable release were used and the 3600ppi scans are unsharpened.
Minotar at f/2.8
Minotar at f/4
Minotar at f/8
I'll let you draw your own conclusions.
This was taken at just under 2 metres. because of the shorter focal length of the Minotar, I shot at 4 feet to give a similar size (it's impossible to get it exactly the same unless you know the precise focal length) on film. On a 72ppi screen these images are equivalent to a 6' x 4' print. I used a tape measure to ensure accurate focus.
For all tests a heavy tripod and cable release were used and the 3600ppi scans are unsharpened.
Minotar at f/2.8
Minotar at f/4
Minotar at f/8
I'll let you draw your own conclusions.
ChipMcD
Well-known
This does not surprise me at all. I've had a Minox GTE for 20 years now with this lens, and I've taken some of my sharpest and best photos with the camera. I've started carrying it with me to work again in my pocket. It's the classic "camera that you have with you." The amazing little 35mm it comes with is just an added bonus.
brainwood
Registered Film User
Thats pretty impressive Roger. I have just been given a Minox ML with 35/2.8 Minotar lens. I have been using my trusty Rollei 35 as a carry anywhere camera but after a recent conversation with a man who has many of these little gems I have ended up with a mint example to try as an alternative to the Rollei. Its certainly smaller and lighter, I was not expecting it to be sharper as well but if these samples are anything to go by it could be just what I need. I am right in thinking the ML uses the same lens ?
Chris
Chris
rogerzilla
Well-known
Yes, all the lenses are the same optically except the Minoxar used on the late"luxury" versions.
Heresy, but here's the same test done with a Panasonic Lumix FX-150 digicam (the lens is a Leica DC Vario-Elmarit and this is at as close to a 35mm equivalent as I could make it).
Remember that this will have been extensively processed by the camera because it is a "final" image; it is higher contrast and there is clear evidence of oversharpening around the edges of the large numerals. Nevertheless, it's impressive for a 1/1.7" sensor. I'll have to tinker with the film scans and see how much resolution is really there when the image is optimised in Photoshop.
Heresy, but here's the same test done with a Panasonic Lumix FX-150 digicam (the lens is a Leica DC Vario-Elmarit and this is at as close to a 35mm equivalent as I could make it).
Remember that this will have been extensively processed by the camera because it is a "final" image; it is higher contrast and there is clear evidence of oversharpening around the edges of the large numerals. Nevertheless, it's impressive for a 1/1.7" sensor. I'll have to tinker with the film scans and see how much resolution is really there when the image is optimised in Photoshop.
rogerzilla
Well-known
Here's the Summicron shot optimised for contrast and sharpness. Note that it still isn't as oversharpened as the digital shot is from the camera.
tapesonthefloor
Well-known
I'm drawing the conclusion that focus is playing a part in your results. Did you bracket at all?
brainwood
Registered Film User
I shot a film through my 35ML over the weekend. It's certainly very sharp in the centre but focus falls off alot towards the edges
The grass on the left is soft but sharp in the centre. Shot at around f8 at 1/125
The grass on the left is soft but sharp in the centre. Shot at around f8 at 1/125
rogerzilla
Well-known
No, but there's no point because if the scale or the RF are wrong, I'd never be able to get better results anyway.
raid
Dad Photographer
I have posted recentlty a large image taken with the GT. It is tack sharp. It is amazingly detailed. It was an image of the beach, taken from the tenth floor.
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