Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/07/24

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Subject: Re: [Leica] ASPH vs Non-ASPH
From: Nathan Wajsman <wajsman@webshuttle.ch>
Date: Mon, 24 Jul 2000 22:01:56 +0200
References: <B5A23B88.14A%pzak@desidero.com.au>

Peter,

Ted has already answered your question very well. I will just add my personal
experience. I was in a similar situation in late 98, except that I think my
non-ASPH Summicron was the version before yours. I had an opportunity to get
the ASPH at a great price. Better yet, I had the chance to borrow an ASPH and
conduct my own tests. I took a series of pictures of a statue on Fuji Velvia,
with the M6 mounted on a heavy tripod. Given this tripod and the subject, any
possibility of movement was eliminated (the wind was not blowing and I was of
course using a cable release). I went through all apertures with both lenses
and later looked at the slides on a light table with a high-quality loupe. I
could see a difference in resolution at f2 and a tiny difference at f2.8.
>From f4 on I could not perceive any difference between the two lenses. I
decided to go for the ASPH, partly because I felt like it (so much for
rationality) and partly because I do shoot a lot wide open.

So, my advice to you is to upgrade only if f2 is an aperture that you use a
significant portion of the time. By the way, the ASPH is somewhat bigger, but
I assume you already knew that. It is not an issue for me, but may be for
you.

Nathan

Peter Zak wrote:

> I've found a 35mm Summicron for sale - which has made me seriously think
> about trading up from my last model non-ASPH 35mm Summicron.
>
> Is there any feedback on this move, bearing in mind that all comments are
> biased to justify the $$ just spent.
>
> Are the ASPH's really that good ?
>
> Any suggestions welcome.
>
> Regards,
>
> Peter Zak.

- --
Nathan Wajsman
Herrliberg (ZH), Switzerland

e-mail: wajsman@webshuttle.ch

General photo site: http://belgiangator.tripod.com/
Belgium photo site: http://members.xoom.com/wajsman/
Motorcycle site: http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/1704/

Replies: Reply from "Roland Smith" <roland@dnai.com> (Re: [Leica] ASPH vs Non-ASPH)
In reply to: Message from Peter Zak <pzak@desidero.com.au> ([Leica] ASPH vs Non-ASPH)