Some more at closer and medium distances. All at f/2 (it was getting dark)
All of these were output with no LR sharpening. Some have fill light applied. but still no clarity. Brightness at 50, Contrast at 35, Blackpoint at 5 (LR3 settings). WB and tone curve adjusted to taste.
The following were kind of a test to see how the lens handles a very dark subject with a bright sky behind it. There was a bit of flare, more evident in the first, but could be countered in post.
BTW, the green band along the top left of the second to last image (#24) must be a byproduct of the sensor being overloaded. I had similar green bands when I used the Canon 1D, which also had a CCD sensor. And the band ends abruptly at the centre. I believe the M9 reads out each half of the sensor separately, which would explain this.
Also, the focusing feel of the lens is fabulous compared to the Summarit. The throw is longer and it makes it a lot easier to align the rangefinder patches. I was actually surprised I got as good results as I did... more than acceptable most of the time.
At greater distances. Same LR settings, for the most part, but a few of the backlit scenes have had a fair amount of fill light applied, revealing some nasties. Fill light and highlight recovery (though none was used here) also introduce their own problems, such as enhancing edges, sometimes with hard transitions.
#34:
Here we have an interesting one - a torture test. Sun was setting behind the tree, tried to expose to retain as much value in the sky while not letting the ground areas go too dark.
In terms of the sharpness of the 100% crops... Considering that it's rangefinder focusing, which isn't as predictable or repeatable over 50mm, I'm happy with the results and I think it's a very good lens wide open. Sharpness would improve with some sharpening, of course.
The question in my mind is how well I could live with this lens for 'regular' shooting, especially in high contrast scenes. It would be fun to compare against the 90 Cron AA, though I don't know anyone locally with one, and the 90AA's rep as being difficult to get in perfect calibration also makes me a bit leery about it. It would seem that for this size and price range, the 75 Lux might be a more fun lens. It has a different character wide open from stopped down a bit, and focuses closer as well...
My pleasure guys. Believe me, I was as curious as anyone to see what this lens could do. I don't think I've used it to its full capabilities either. I would like to try some portraits with it at some point... Hopefully the owner will chime in here as well with his thoughts when he has a chance.
I am so happy that I have ordered the Sonnar after having inspected Ron's beautiful shots. I can see some issues, most obviously the blue fringing (hopefully a non issue on film) and the nervous bokeh in some shots. But altogether a very nice lens without any doubt, and as Ron mentioned, it is really good to know that focusing is easy. Thanks again Ron, greatly appreciated!
SKumar25 wrote:
Thanks for those Ron. Has it's flaws but what a spectacular lens. Love the drawing style.
+1
First I thought it was... ...not very spectacular and shame about the fringing. Nice, to be polite.
After sample #7 and a few of the following ones, I am convinced. It has some real nice qualities to it. A little sad about the fringing but that can be managed.
Very sweet rendering, nice showcase of the lens Ron, both the awesome and the flaws.
Finally got a chance to use the lens today. Unfortunately my 3 year old son isn't the easiest of targets with an effective 130 odd mm and MF on the NEX 7, so excuse one of the eyes being slightly out of focus. Shot at f2.8.
I'll just echo Ron's comments about the purple fringing.
Interestingly you can actually see it in the EVF on the NEX 7 when you have Settings Effect set on which allows you to try to do something about it before taking the shot.
sirimiri wrote:
Jhapeman has one, too. He really likes it as strict portrait lens.
This is also how I see it. The Sonnar drawing style seems to be most suited for portraits. For landscapes I have the Tele-Tessar, extremely small and light weight, and very sharp too.
