[Leica] virtual workshop

[Erwin Puts <imxputs@ision.nl>]

There are already many people on the new list dedicated to the pursuit 
of image quality.
As it is not my intention to create a classical type of list with a few 
active contributors and a large majority of silent subscribers, I do 
propose the following.
On the assumption that you have joined or will join the list to share 
experiences, learn new things and get answers to problems experienced, I 
would try to follow a new approach: a virtual workshop, according to the 
ideas of the open software community. like Linux.
First we as the whole group define what is meant with image quality, 
what aspects are to be studied and how do we identify image quality, 
irrespective of brand wars (leica versus whatever or the other way 
around).
We will establish a common methodology for analysing these themes, in 
order to share results over time and distance and across brands.
We will also discuss and try to get a framework for all aspects that 
influence the image quality or image degradation.
Methods of evaluation will be established (resolution, MTF, flare, bokeh 
etc).
And then the big part. We need to assign these aspects to one or a group 
of persons who will study and experiment with each topic and return the 
results to be discussed in a goal oriented matter, as if we are all part 
of a study group or members of a true workshop where sharing results is 
more important then being right are wrong.

As example I may refer to the many mails I personally receive about the 
topic of flare. Some would simply assume that if I have flare in a 
picture the lens must be bad as we all have the impression that a lens 
mst be flare free under every circumstance in order to be classified as 
good.
The reverse is true. Any lens will sometimes and severely exhibit flare: 
that is not only Murphy's law, but also part of the reality of optics.
In stead of working with the wrong assumption of a flare free lens, it 
is better to establish the situations were flare is unavoidable, how to 
contain the flare effects and what to do about it. And to find the 
differences: some lenses exhibit more flare than others, some films are 
additional flare sources etc.
That will help every body to bet better pictures and will help to 
predict critical situations and act accordingly.

If you are interested in this approach, join the list, which I would 
prefer to interpret as a workshop, not a chat.


Erwin