Testing Vintage Telephoto Lenses (Set-up)

[back alley]

well, there is no doubt that your lens tests are popular raid, we have over 375 views and nearly 50 replys and you hav'nt even taken a photo yet!!

i wonder how many we'll end up when the pics start coming?

looking forward to the results as well.

joe

 

[raid]

well, there is no doubt that your lens tests are popular raid, we have over 375 views and nearly 50 replys and you hav'nt even taken a photo yet!!

i wonder how many we'll end up when the pics start coming?

looking forward to the results as well.

joe

Joe,
I am very appreciative of the encouragement to do my non-scientific, non-standardized testing. My "free" time is limited until the weekend, and I stated upfront that it would be this weekend.

I left home early from work [before my kids come back from daycare], and I have already looked up the right lens hoods for all lenses. Before falling asleep last night, I was sketching out in my mind the set-up for part of the tests.

I am not teasing ...


I may decide based on the results whether I get a Nikkor or not.
I may also decide to sell a lens.


Raid

 

[back alley]

sorry if i came across as accusing you of 'teasing'.

i was sincerely remarking on the level of interest and wondering aloud about where the it might lead when the photos are posted.

it was a compliment...

 

[raid]

sorry if i came across as accusing you of 'teasing'.

i was sincerely remarking on the level of interest and wondering aloud about where the it might lead when the photos are posted.

it was a compliment...

Joe,
I know that your [kind] words were complimentary. Thanks.

Raid

 

[raid]

While I have no test photos yet, I have some snapshots of the lenses to be tested.


1. Steinheil 85mm/2.8
2. Canon 85mm/1.9

 

[raid]

and more pics


3. Nikkor 85mm/2
4. Nikkor 105mm/2.5

 

[Rich Silfver]

Rich,
I always check with a spotmeter a second before taking the photo.
Point well taken.

Raid

Cool Raid, good job on this and best of luck. Oh and what I meant above was not that you needed to meter before each shot if there are day-/changing light included - but rather to excluded day-/changling light so that all exposures would be the same 🙂

 

[raid]

Here are more pics

5. Canon 85mm/1.8
6. Zeiss 85mm/2

 

[raid]

and more pics ...


7. Leitz Elmarit 90mm/2.8
8. Leitz Summicron 90mm/2
9. and 10. Elmar 90mm/4 chrome lens and black lens (coated)

 

[raid]

Cool Raid, good job on this and best of luck. Oh and what I meant above was not that you needed to meter before each shot if there are day-/changing light included - but rather to excluded day-/changling light so that all exposures would be the same 🙂

Thanks Rich.
I would then need to shoot against an artificial light source instead of pointing the lenses at the window.

Raid

 

[raid]

I have secured two models for tomorrow's shoot-out.
The lenses are lined up and ready for the testing.
I have half of the lenses with M mount or fixed with an M adapter,and five without an adapter.
All lens hoods are matched to the lenses.
Gitzo tripod is ready.
Cable release for steadiness is ready.
35mm-200mm exernal finder has been located.
Bessa T is ready and must be loaded tomorrow with film.
Pentax spotmeter is ready.

Have I forgotten anything?????

Raid

 

[payasam]

Cake, chocolate and lemonade for the models. Call yourself a lens tester?

 

[raid]

Cake, chocolate and lemonade for the models. Call yourself a lens tester?

That's a good one! I forgot about the sweeties :bang:

I will take the photos starting in 30 minutes.

Raid

Update: I have completed two rolls of film; one color and one B&W.
It got challenging to keep my model still when shutter speed reached 1/2 at F 8.0. I hope the results will be sharp enough for viewing.

I still need a Bokeh test and maybe a flare test.

Chocolate was handed out at the end of each roll.

 

[raid]

Raid,

The test sounds great!

What is your protocol?

• resolution chart? ==> No
• color chart? ===== > No
• brick wall? ======> No (boring)
• high contrast? ==> average scene
• low contrast? ===> average scene
• flare? ==>will test
• 3d object? ==>My daughter
• how much 3d space for bokeh check? separate test willbe done for bokeh
• tripod/cable release? ==>yes
• film speed? 100 and 400
• time of day? afternoon
• same camera for all? ==> Yes
• focus by RF or tape measure? ==> RF

Inquiring minds want to know.

Thanks,
Lance

Hi Lance,
I answered your questions [above].
I also used a spotmeter before each photo since the light was gradually changing (from sunshine to rain).


Raid

 

[raid]

Aperture settings in the test [so far]:

Group 1:

1. Summicron 90mm/2 (first version) 2.0 2.8 4.0 8.0
2. Canon 85mm/1.9 2.0 2.8 4.0 8.0
3. Canon 85mm/1.8 (Mark) 2.0 2.8 4.0 8.0
4. Nikkor 85mm/2 (Roland) 2.0 2.8 4.0 8.0
5. ZK 85/f2 (1950 "Zonnar Krasnogorski")
in Cyrillic "3K 85/f2". (Roland) 2.0 2.8 4.0 8.0



Group 2:

1. Elmarit 90mm/2.8 (old design) 2.8 4.0 8.0
2. Steinheil 85mm/2.8 2.8 4.0 8.0
3. Nikkor 105mm/2.5 (Kiu) 2.8 4.0 8.0

Group 3:

1. Elmar (chrome, coated) 90mm/4 4.0 8.0
2. Elmar (black, coated, different aperture clicks from chrome) 90mm/4
4.0 8.0

Raid

 

[NIKON KIU]

Hi Raid,
I think its time for a new Thread.
Kiu

 

[VinceC]

>>I think its time for a new Thread.<<

But first, did he adjust for the movement of the sun/rotation of the earth throughout the test? Perhaps rotatiing the model (his daughter) a quarter degree each 15 minutes. Otherwise, the light/shadows will be different at the end of the test compared to the beginning.🙂

 

[raid]

>>I think its time for a new Thread.<<

But first, did he adjust for the movement of the sun/rotation of the earth throughout the test? Perhaps rotatiing the model (his daughter) a quarter degree each 15 minutes. Otherwise, the light/shadows will be different at the end of the test compared to the beginning.🙂

I forgot to ask God to keep the Earth still for an hour!
The light was the challenging part of the test so far.
We will go out for dinner, and then when we return, I will try to set up a Bokeh test that also tests flare.

Raid

 

[raid]

Hi Raid,
I think its time for a new Thread.
Kiu

Kiu,
There are enough views to keep this thread going [if you count my postings] 🙂


Raid

 

[raid]

I have completed all tests I wanted to make.
Tomorrow I will try to get the film developed and scanned.

Raid