Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1996/02/16
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I have been reading with great delight the variety of opinions on the qualities of Leitz lenses, glass, etc. in between the flames. I also note, with great happiness a tone of moderation from some of our other members...both on the issue of flames and also on the issue of lens quality and photography with the Leica. My photographic experience dates to the late fifties and early sixties when, as a kid, I began using my dad's Rollies (he had, by this time lost his IIIC - but I still have his original manual - mint!). Anyway, I had heard from him all my young life, that it wasn't the camera but the photographer. Strange, though, his choice in cameras was Leica and Rollei...and worked for Agfa. A few years ago I picked up the Leica on my own and became spellbound. Now, I am first and foremost a photographer and I pride myself on constantly trying to improve my level of craftsmanship in the art. Whether it is to the quality of the Leica that I can attribute an improvement in my 35mm work, or not, I can't say. But my work has improved. Perhaps the pride and craftsmanship with which these jewels are made somehow causes me to create more carefully, more deliberatively...again, it's hard to say. But one thing I will say is that I am totally unconvinced of any objective or subjective quality difference between Canadian made products and those from Wetzlar. I own both M-4 and M-4-2 and 50mm Summicrons from Wetzlar and Midland. I was studying the detail in some 11X14s (400 ASA TMY) from my M-4-2 and Midland 50 before writing this (and after considering all the claims made in the group - pro and con). While it's tough to say the Leica enlargements stand up to my 11X14s from my Hasselblad with T-Max 100, they certainly are exquisite...by anyone's standards. Not only is the datail fine but it is visible in the deepest shadows. The highlights glow and show marvelous separation. And I'm somewhat of a Zone system perfectionist. My thoughts for those not having quite the same experience with (Midland) Leitz equipment as I have had is to consider a few fine points. Are we making fair comparisons; are we comparing prints made from negative from both lenses that are: 1)made on a tripod, 2)are carefully focussed and 3)painstakingly processed and 4)printed with quality optics, etc.?? I will also add that when I compare 'snapshots' made with either I can't see any difference either (given the same degree of processing rigor as I've described above). If these conditions have been met, then is it possible that the lens was dropped, elements have loosened and it needs to be collimated? I'm with some of the others. I want to talk about working with and creating beautiful photographs these wonderful instruments. I don't mind hearing some good dialogue about lenses, but I don't enjoy the noise. And, if anyone has any Canadian stuff with which they wish to part... Curt