Slumgullion
Well-known
But still, it's main strength is black and white (at least that's what I shoot more of):
Barrel Tasting by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Barrel Tasting by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Jenny by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Zeiss Ikon ZM, Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 ZM, Kodak Tri-X, Xtol 1:1
Barrel Tasting by Jim Fischer, on FlickrBarrel Tasting by Jim Fischer, on FlickrJenny by Jim Fischer, on FlickrZeiss Ikon ZM, Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 ZM, Kodak Tri-X, Xtol 1:1
Archiver
Veteran
Eh, that's why there are so many lenses, everyone gets to choose something they like. I used to love the Voigtlander Noktons until I got this lens, but now, the Distagon is all I shoot. I love rich contrast, deep saturation and a distinct 3D pop. Michael Bialecki's images got me into this lens, others on RFF encouraged me, and I am deeply satisfied with it.
Freakscene
Obscure member
I’d suggest the colour is the light and the camera more than the lens. Zeiss lenses, including this one, have consistently substantially cooler colour transmission than Leica lenses. It only really mattered when slide film was a dominant medium.
The contrast is high locally but very well handled globally, to me anyway. But preferences vary, of course.
Archiver
Veteran
Yes. Michael's photos in the majority of this thread were shot on Fuji ProImage 200, and the way he prefers his images is with a lot of warmth. I don't see a warm cast in my Distagon images, and I only make minor adjustments to con/sat/curve and HSL when processing M9 images. I don't see this image as being too warm or contrasty at all.
M9 - We Welcome The New Year by Archiver, on FlickrOr this:
M9 - Two May Enter by Archiver, on FlickrArchiver
Veteran
To give an idea of different lens rendering, this image was shot with the Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f1.7 LTM. Much lower contrast and less saturation. Same adjustments in post as I apply to Distagon images.
M9 - I so pale by Archiver, on Flickr
M9 - I so pale by Archiver, on Flickr35photo
Well-known
Well this has not been my experience at all really.... Leica stuff to me is generally more neutral coolish vs Zeiss stuff more warmish... YMMV... I think this film being used makes "enhances"or exaggerates the color... Not looking for an argument here I'm just stating what I see and what my experience has been.
Freakscene
Obscure member
I measured the transmission spectra to remove the film from the measurement. It was quite enlightening. The difference in T stops compared to F stops might also make a difference - Zeiss lenses tended to have a greater transmission at a given f stop. Coating also plays a role here.
Bill Blackwell
Leica M Shooter
Freakscene
Obscure member
Is that a Tehran, Potsdam or Yalta re-enactment?
Bill Blackwell
Leica M Shooter
Yes.
Archiver
Veteran
Is that a joke, a statement of affirmation, or a throwaway line? (please please please)