Fast film and super-sharp lenses

[darinwc]

For those of you who use super-sharp lenses and fast,high-iso (400-3200) film:
Do you feel like the extra grain in the fast film is limiting the ability of the lenses?

I ask because I did a quick survey and I found a good portion of Leica-M users shoot with these faster, grainier films.

[Thomas Bertilsson]

I don't think about it, honestly. I just take pictures, and print the negatives to the best of my ability.

A little grain is good for a photographer's soul.

[E. von Hoegh]

For those of you who use super-sharp lenses and fast,high-iso (400-3200) film:
Do you feel like the extra grain in the fast film is limiting the ability of the lenses?

I ask because I did a quick survey and I found a good portion of Leica-M users shoot with these faster, grainier films.

Of course the grain limits the lenses, to a point.
When I'm using very sensitive film, I am taking photos in situations where resolution is secondary to getting the picture. I am also using what lenses I have available, which was a 50mm Summicron when I had an M3 Leica, and is now a 50/2 and a 35/2 Nikkor with my Nikon slr stuff.
When I want to take full advantage of the resolution and contrast the lens can provide, I use an appropriate film.

[Klainmeister]

I sometimes feel that sharp lenses and grain go hand in hand. The grain appears to accentuate the sharpness and gives a stunning look.

[Tim Gray]

Of course, a film that resolves less will limit a sharp lens. What limits resolution even more is when I hand hold a shot at 1/30 s or slower

Also, there are other reasons that some of these 'super sharp' lenses might be advantageous, even in the ISO 1600, 1/30 s regime. Resistance to flare being one of them. That's not too say all sharper lenses are more flare resistant.

[cliveh]

I mostly use a leica M2 with a 50mm 1.4 Summilux loaded only with FP4.

[MaximusM3]

Very few emulsions can maximize the potential of a new Leica lens. Unfortunately, all of those (you know, tech pan, Apx25, etc), are not always pleasant and are limiting when it comes to tonality and dynamic range. Basically, can't have all the fine detail from a Leica lens, without sacrificing something else and that's the reality of it. Of course, it depends on the subject matter. Shooting architecture with good lighting and Tech Pan sounds good. A nice landscape with fluffy clouds...no good. The alternatives? Get an M9 or move to larger format

[ic-racer]

For those of you who use super-sharp lenses and fast,high-iso (400-3200) film:
Do you feel like the extra grain in the fast film is limiting the ability of the lenses?

I ask because I did a quick survey and I found a good portion of Leica-M users shoot with these faster, grainier films.

I have seen a good number of Leicas being used hand-held also. Even at shutter speeds less than 1/500th of a second.

[Dr.Pain-MD]

Sure, but there's more to using a Leica than the sharpness of the lenses. With that said, as you know, Leica diehards are, well, special let's say.

[stavrosk]

Even so, what can you do?
If you need sensitive film you must deal with the grain.
If you need very fine grain you must use a slow film.
I dont get what the lens has to do with that.