Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/09/01
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]At 12:31 AM 9/1/99 -0400, you wrote: >Has anyone compared the below qualities between the two systems? I'm quite >happy >with the R's, and I've heard the R lenses are just as good and in some cases >"better" than the M lenses, but I'm wondering about these qualities in >particular. No, M is not better than R and R is not better than M. The only way to make such a claim would be to have equally contemporary lenses in both systems. Say a Noctilux R and M, each designed at the same general time, to make the comparison fair. You could argue inter-system comparisons too. Is the 35 Summicron R better than the Summilux R? Well, it depends. The Summicron has better flare control and does not vignette slightly like the Summilux, but the Summilux is better in most other ways. So which is better? The simple answer you crave is not there because the question always arises: "For what are you going to use the lens besides test charts?" Thus, R and M lenses are in the same family - Leica. They are a system. If you can't discern why you might want both for the variety of reasons that exist in the real world (SLR vs. rangefinder camera), you're not ready to own both. Be happy with what you have. Otherwise, why ask such a question? There is no reason to make any more distinction between M and R lenses as between a Summicron M or a Summilux M. Which is better? Which do you NEED? That's the better lens. Of course, for absolute image quality, well, that's the other side. Then the question is valuable. But again, M vs. R is of no help. The 19 Summilux R (new) will give any equivalent M lens a run for the money with its only real competition the 21 ASPH in terms of image quality. The 35 Summilux ASPH has no peer. Summicrons need not apply, in low on-the-edge light, shutter speed is critical. The Noctilux too. The 70-180 Vario Apo is so good, that there is no reason to own anything else, unless you're a 90-pound weakling who can't carry it. (Just kidding). In the end, from my experience (and that is what I base this on, I'm not a tester like Erwin) I find the M and R system to have their own unique "flavors." My 19 Elmarit R is smooth, so smooth it's unbelievable. The 35 Summilux ASPH has an edge that actually doesn't help at all in bright sunny light. But in low light, nearly unavailable light, it continues to blow me away time after time. I keep pushing it, and it keeps paying in spades. The 180 Elmarit is a great lens (latest non-APO version) but it pales in comparison to my Vario Apo. So which is best? What's the latest? :-) Eric Welch St. Joseph, MO http://www.ponyexpress.net/~ewelch Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.