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Compared: 35mm f/1.4 Summilux vs 35/2 Summicron vs Zeiss 35/2 Biogon (M9P, Cabin Exterior)
When the Leica M9 first appeared in 2009, I concluded then that the 35mm f/2 Summicron was not a good choice for any kind of flat field test: landscapes, buildings, or anything in which subject detail is at a uniform distance.
The cause is field curvature, as seen in the MTF chart for the 35mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH, which shows a pronounced wave (dip) in the middle zones which remains significant even at f/5.6. The MTF chart for the 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH FLE shows a similar pattern, but its overall contrast is higher throughout at f/2.8 in particular, and it can be afforded some leeway for being a full stop faster lens. By comparison, the MTF chart for the Zeiss 35mm f/2 Biogon shows a nearly flat field almost to the edges of the frame: exemplary.
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Diglloyd Guide to Leica is by yearly subscription. Subscribe now for about 25 cents a day ($90/year).
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Diglloyd Guide to LEICA contains in-depth coverage of Leica M system cameras and lenses, with additional coverage of Leica M Monochrom, Leica Q.
Special emphasis is placed on Leica M lenses and certain Zeiss ZM lenses.
- Make better images by learning how to get the best results right away.
- Save money by choosing the right lens for your needs the first time, particularly the Summilux/Summicron/Elmarit choice and/or Zeiss ZM.
- Make better images, a sort of “cheat sheet” saving yourself months or years of ad-hoc learning. Processing parameters are discussed and shown.
- Jaw-dropping image quality found nowhere else utilizing Retina-grade images up to full camera resolution, plus large crops [past 2 years or so].
- Real world examples with insights found nowhere else. Make sharper images just by understanding lens behavior you won’t read about elsewhere.
- Aperture series from wide open through stopped down, showing the full range of lens performance and bokeh.
- Optical quality analysis of field curvature, focus shift, sharpness, flare, distortion, and performance in the field.
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