Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/07/25

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Subject: Re: [Leica] ASPH vs Non-ASPH: eyes
From: CapsTeeth@aol.com
Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2000 13:16:58 EDT

In a message dated 7/25/00 11:08:13 AM Eastern Daylight Time, 
imagist@concentric.net writes:

<< I've always wondered if the the R series lenses = M series lenses
 in this regard. In other words does a 1983 35mm R Sumicron
 qualities = a 1983 35mm M Sumicron qualities. >>

The R lenses, especially the shorter focal lengths, have to be different from 
their M namesakes due to the SLR design (mirror clearance, more back focus).  
I've suspected even the 50-135 lenses which supposedly have identical 
computations, have different performance characteristics, given that I was 
always wowed by M lens results yet those from R lenses never wowed me enough 
to buy into the system (and lose a small fortune selling my Nikons, not 
downplaying the role that had in my thought process!)  When I discovered the 
Photodo site, some of my suspicions were confirmed.  I know their test 
methods aren't reliable as absolutes, but in comparative terms, they show 
that M versions outrate R versions in most cases, and the R versions rate 
close to (a few slightly better, but several less than) their Nikon or Canon 
counterparts (nothing said there about color rendition or out-of-focus 
areas).  In any case, with my eyesight and remaining lifespan a precious 
commodity, my preference nowadays is to concentrate them both on the artistry 
of the image rather than the science.

Replies: Reply from Nathan Wajsman <wajsman@webshuttle.ch> (Re: [Leica] ASPH vs Non-ASPH: eyes)