[Leica] Ultimate sharpness for portraits???? YUCK

["BIRKEY, DUANE" <dbirkey@hcjb.org.ec>]

 In a message dated 97-11-30 22:46:47 EST,  Steve wrote:
<< 
 The only problem with doing the diffusion after the shot is that the 
 blacks are spread into the whites(clear neg/black is light source) 
 instead of the whites being spread into the blacks. So instead of a 
glow 
 you get gloom.
 Steve
  >>

If you want to try something really scary, try using a Softar filter 
under or over an enlarging lens.  It's really a unique effect.   Let's 
just say that you have to keep the filter moving to get something 
usable.   

I think it's just a plain mistake to search for ultimate sharpness if 
your main goal is portraiture.  Spending thousands of dollars on the 
latest Leica lenses only to put diffusion filters on them to get 
acceptable results seems a bit ludicrous to me.  I know, I know, I 
know, the results are different and have a different look.  Most people 
use their Leicas for other types of photography as well and some can 
not bear the thought of using anything other than Leica.

Some clients gripe that my EOS 70-200L is too sharp for portraits.  I'm 
certain that the Nikon Lenses aren't much softer if any.   So it seems 
pointless to search for more sharpness when the lenses are already 
sharp enough or too sharp.  Sure there are other issues like flare and 
internal reflections,  I did some tests including light sources in the 
image with my 50 1.4 FD at f/2  and the Summicron and I was was amazed 
at the results from the Summicron.  I knew the FD lens had flare and 
reflections as they were clearly visible in the finder.  But I rarely 
include light sources in my photos, so it's kind of a mute point.

I like sharp pictures too, but when it comes to portraits, lets face 
it, nobody really likes to see all of their flaws, let alone all their 
pores.  Too many Leica-maniacs get stuck on resolution and are quick to 
point out to the subject that you can see every detail, while the 
subject is less than impressed, thinking yuck, do I really look like 
that??????  Hasselblads are great cameras for portraiture too, I owned 
one for 4 years, but many use a Softar I to keep from being able to 
count nose hairs. Since it is very rare that anyone orders a print 
larger than 8x10, it was just plain resolution overkill for me.   
Besides that, I've got a 4x5 camera and am using the money from the 
Hasselblad sales to buy M-EQ.

But then again, I've shot a couple thousand portraits.  So I have 
different requirements than most on this list.

Duane Birkey
HCJB World Radio
Quito Ecuador