[Leica] Retro Blast... IIIA and a Summar

[richard-lists at imagecraft.com (Richard)]

At 09:48 AM 11/30/2005, Ted Grant wrote:

>Richard answered this question:
>>The expressions are nice - but do we blame the gray pallor, the lack of
>>contrast, the overall flatness, on the lens, the processing, or...;-0<<<
>
>Richard said:
>>The general grayness is.... NorCal in November. The lens definitely 
>>contributes to the lack of contrast and flatness. It is after all an 
>>ancient Summar at F2/2.8!! The film and the processing may have something 
>>to do with it too since a) the seller threw in 5 rolls of "expired" film. 
>>Since the package doesn't say when it expires, it may be really old film 
>>indeed, and b) this is the first time I have used DDX on TMAX-100.<<<

So Ted, here's a question: lets assume that the flat contrast is from the 
lens alone (which I will not be surprise about) and lets say the pictures 
themselves have some merits (e.g. nice expressions), do you think using a 
lens like this is more detrimental than adding to it? I mean, the pictures 
have certain characters because of the lens (e.g. certain soft portrait 
look?) but in your opinions, do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Thanks.


// richard (This email is for mailing lists. To reach me directly, please 
use richard at imagecraft.com)