Now That Is Sharp

[Eric Rose]

I have an Elmar 90mm f4 lens that is very sharp, but wow don't point it at any bright lights! Beyond that it's a great lens and takes wonderful B&W and colour photos.

[phaedrus]

More on the Heliar, and on SPUR DSX 32. Experiential again, I'm sorry to say ;-)

[Mark Antony]

Not really sure how this is a comparison. This is a Heliar with modern lens coating vs a sandblasted 1950's lens?
I think you'd find if you tested a good Elmar say a red scale or late Lanthanum glass version that they are quite similar in performance.
Here is a 1940's Elmar that has no scratched front element.



no prizes for seeing the make of beer on the bench from this 1947 lens



I think you'll find there is very little difference in performance.

[clayne]

Not really sure how this is a comparison. This is a Heliar with modern lens coating vs a sandblasted 1950's lens?
I think you'd find if you tested a good Elmar say a red scale or late Lanthanum glass version that they are quite similar in performance.
Here is a 1940's Elmar that has no scratched front element.

I think you'll find there is very little difference in performance.

Not to mention - there's a definite "soul" in your shots. Certain lenses have feeling. It's long been a gripe of mine with Canon lenses, for instance. Canon makes optically quite excellent lenses - I don't think any of us can argue that - but their approach is much too clinical for me. The resultant shots, while they look nice, are almost too perfect in their rendition. Don't get me wrong, I'll still throw an L prime on my 1V and shoot it occasionally, but I generally prefer my Nikkor and Leica glass for their character.