[Leica] Scientific lens testing is ridiculous?

["Anderson, Ferrel E" <AndersonF@ria.army.mil>]

One factor that is overlooked when discussing differences in results for a lens
from testing groups and individuals, is variation in the lenses of the same
specification that are tested.  I have tested four examples each of two Leica
lenses of the same specs.  One lens type, a Leica 50mm Focotar-2 enlarging lens,
showed essentially no variation.  All four examples were superb.  The Leica R
lens, which I won't name, showed a performance range from superb to mediocre -
unacceptable from my viewpoint.  These were all new lenses.  I backed-up the
resolution tests with field tests, and the results confirmed the resolution test
results.  My testing was for resolution, and the technique was not a factor
since I use a control lens in all of my tests, the "old" 90mm f2.8 Elmarit-R -
a superb lens that has been bested by only two other Leica lenses and by no
non-Leica lens, in terms of resolution across the field.  The Leica lenses are
the 60 and the 100 APO macro lenses.

Ferrel Anderson