Summicron DR close focus usable aperture range?

[macmx]

I am considering getting either a Summicron Rigid or DR for my M3. I am gravitating towards the DR for the closer focus, especially as I am expecting to use it a lot to photograph my first newborn child in a few months where this will come in handy. However, the lens manual recommends sticking to f/8-11 for close focus, which would most likely not be usable in the indoor circumstances where I image I would want to use it.

Can anyone comment on the usability of the lens at close focus with a larger aperture? What about focus precision?

Any help or even example shots would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

 

[CharlesDAMorgan]

I have a dual range Summicron. The goggles were totally reshimmed and calibrated when I found they were completely out. I have used it for close ups. Even then, they are not precise and do rely on Depth of Field.

As you cannot see an approximation of depth of field, you will not know the results until you've developed. I can't see an out of focus child photo set being well received.

I hardly use the close up specs, once in a blue moon. This was outside in a dark wood with Delta400 at box speed, and I suspect as I didn't note it down the aperture was about f5.6. I'd say the clump of mushrooms was about the size of a tennis ball. I have no recollection of where I was focussing.

 

[Bmoze]

This was shot with a goggled 50DR on an M4. Not certain the aperture, probably 5.6, possibly a 1/2 stop down. At close range the background is easily out of focus at these apertures. I think it’s a great lens and a lot of fun to play with. The film is HP5 at 200 in HC110.

 

[Richard G]

Here's f2 or maybe 2.8 on digital. Pretty thin DOF close up. And this was the Monochrom: with digital you get a second chance.


L1000510.jpg by Richard, on Flickr

 

[David Hughes]

A minor point but some would say important. Many years ago they all said in the instructions that you should not use flash with newborns as there was a risk of affecting their eyes.


I'll pass it on but can't say any more other than I would be looking for DoF with youngsters as you can never be 100% certain they won't move out of focus seconds later; usually just when you squeeze the shutter button...


Regards, David

 

[Freakscene]

A minor point but some would say important. Many years ago they all said in the instructions that you should not use flash with newborns as there was a risk of affecting their eyes.

This is simply not true. Your baby’s eyes will not be harmed by a flash.

Use the most foolproof gear you have, with which you are super familiar, and if you think 2 rolls will cover it, take 20 and use them.

You can buy a manual focus Nikon SLR and a JDM 50/1.8 pancake that focuses to 45cm or a 55mm f2.8 Micro Nikkor and a PK-13 that lets you focus to 25cm and 1:1 for less than half the cost of a good DR Summicron. If you want close ups it will work a lot better than an M with a DR. You have time between now and when your baby comes to get one, check it and get familiar with it.

It is not only a once in a lifetime opportunity, you want to enjoy it rather than just see your new first born child through a viewfinder.

Marty

 

[steveyork]

Wide open w/ close attachment at or close to MFD. Fomapan 100 in Clayton F76 Plus. Late production model.

Miss Molly by Steve, on Flickr


It's a special lens in B&W. Optimum aperture is said to be 5.6, but as you can see, usable at the extremes too. Only downside is the weight.

 

[v0sh]

Wide open at MFD

 

[v0sh]

Wide open again. Without close focus attachement, but with your expected subject matter.

 

[macmx]

Thanks everyone. Those are helpful answers. And some very nice photographs - even wide open. Of course, there is no way to get around the DoF issue - that’s just physics.

The questions was not whether this would be a good setup for photographing newborns (I have a digital mirrorless and a Hassellad with macro lens in any case), but rather that I wanted a vintage lens for my M3, and was wondering what experience people have with the DR at wider apertures. I was worried that it was “useless” under f/8 but this seems not to be the case. I’ll probably go for the DR instead of the Rigid. As I understand it, they are optically identical.

Thanks again!

 

[Richard G]

Relieved we didn’t talk you out of it. It’s a great lens. The weight of it alone gives you another stop of light - 1/15th say instead of 1/30th.