saxguy wrote:
I haven't gone through the whole thread, but has anyone removed the UV filter that comes on the SP ii? If so, did it make any difference in image sharpness/contrast/color?
Also, if someone did take it off, how did you do it?
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highdesertmesa wrote:
Just go back one or two pages. Easy to do, just need a lens spanner wrench.
I don't mind that the UV filter is built-in, but it may become problematic if I want to add additional filters like NDs and a polarizer since having double glass is not the most ideal setup.
Nevertheless, as mentioned by @highdesertmesa, removing or replacing the filter is a straightforward process. I believe the manufacturer is likely using high-quality glass, which is reassuring.
Currently, my Voigtlander 50/1.5 Heliar is undergoing a modification to include an aperture click indentation at f/1.7. Once it's returned to me after the modification, I plan to make a comparison with the SPII.
highdesertmesa wrote:
Looks great. Spend some more time with it before not keeping it. I think this rendering looks nicer than the Elcan shots — bokeh is still retro (plus glow!) but rendering is calmer and less agitated. Also the SPII is sharp at f/2 away from the center, but the Elcan gets soft quickly off axis. But yeah the size of the Elcan is a huge win.
Thanks! Luckily (for my wallet, at least), it's not an issue of keeping it, as I was just borrowing it for a few days. I'm very excited for the 50/1.2 and the 35/1.4, but the SPII probably isn't for me (though, if I had kept it any longer who knows what I could've convinced myself of). I'm still quite happy with the 8-Element and the 'Elcan.'
The SPII's glow wide open is reminiscent of the Leica 35/1.4 lux and CV 50/1.5 Heliar. Howver, despite its lower contrast, it still delivers impressive resolution, much like the Leica. While I believe the Voigtlander lens might be somewhat softer in comparison, especially when focused at long distance, I'll verify this to be sure.
Another observation I made is that the purple fringing produced by this lens bears a resemblance to that of the Leica 50/1 Noct. Luckily, I have a LR preset that removes this purple/blue fringing, and it works just as well for the SPII.
LLL 50/2 SP2II (v2)
The 100% crop of the above image reveals a low contrast and a subtle glow, yet it maintains impressive resolution. I believe this characteristic will be the primary distinguishing factor between this lens and the CV 50/1.5 Heliar.
In my perspective, the OOF rendering's extreme edges display pleasant circular highlights, which are both uncommon and appealing. The inner structure of these highlights exhibits a coma effect similar to that of the Leica 35/1.4 Lux lens.
Fred Miranda wrote:
The SPII's glow wide open is reminiscent of the Leica 35/1.4 lux and CV 50/1.5 Heliar. Howver, despite its lower contrast, it still delivers impressive resolution, much like the Leica. While I believe the Voigtlander lens might be somewhat softer in comparison, especially when focused at long distance, I'll verify this to be sure.
Another observation I made is that the purple fringing produced by this lens bears a resemblance to that of the Leica 50/1 Noct. Luckily, I have a LR preset that removes this purple/blue fringing, and it works just as well for the SPII.
So far I haven’t noticed a lot of purple fringing — could be the electronic shutter on the SL2 is letting me underexpose a little at f/2 in bright daylight more easily.
I completely agree about the glow. To my eye, the SPII is THE 50mm companion to the 35 Lux pre-ASPH v1/2 lenses if I want a matching glow wide open plus excellent sharpness/resolution in the plane of focus.
How are you getting along with the rabbit ear focus tab? I’m going to swap mine out for the included replacement curved metal piece. The tab is functional, but on both copies I’ve had, it puts too much leverage on the barrel and can make the focusing resistance feel uneven and fine tuning focus can feel jerky. Focusing with just the ring, I don’t run into that at all.
highdesertmesa wrote:
So far I haven’t noticed a lot of purple fringing — could be the electronic shutter on the SL2 is letting me underexpose a little at f/2 in bright daylight more easily.
I completely agree about the glow. To my eye, the SPII is THE 50mm companion to the 35 Lux pre-ASPH v1/2 lenses if I want a matching glow wide open plus excellent sharpness/resolution in the plane of focus.
How are you getting along with the rabbit ear focus tab? I’m going to swap mine out for the included replacement curved metal piece. The tab is functional, but on both copies I’ve had, it puts too much leverage on the barrel and can make the focusing resistance feel uneven and fine tuning focus can feel jerky. Focusing with just the ring, I don’t run into that at all....Show more →
I really like the bunny ear focus tab. It's quite special/unique, and I got used to it quickly. Sometimes I still use the focusing ring though. I notice the purple fringing mainly in high contrast situations. The Heliar lens also has some purple fringing, but not as much.
Here's an example of the purple fringing and how I remove it:
SPII wide open
100% crop from image above showing uncorrected and corrected for axial CA
Fred Miranda wrote:
I really like the bunny ear focus tab. It's quite special/unique, and I got used to it quickly. Sometimes I still use the focusing ring though. I notice the purple fringing mainly in high contrast situations. The Heliar lens also has some purple fringing, but not as much.
Here's an example of the purple fringing and how I remove it:
Ah, I see. I was picturing you were seeing something much stronger like the 28 Lux (distracting even when zoomed out completely).
Today, I had the opportunity to evaluate my copy for centering, and I must say I'm quite impressed with its performance, especially at infinity distance. The lens produces a soft, low-contrast, yet ethereal effect, while still managing to capture intricate details and high resolution even when wide open!
Below are the different sections of the image field:
For comparison purposes, let's take a look at the Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Heliar at infinity. In my opinion, it doesn't quite measure up to the SPII. Check it out in this forum link: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1719880/0#15713596
I may have to keep this lens now. I knew I should not have tried it.
Fred Miranda wrote:
For comparison purposes, let's take a look at the Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Heliar at infinity. In my opinion, it doesn't quite measure up to the SPII. Check it out in this forum link: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1719880/0#15713596
I may have to keep this lens now. I knew I should not have tried it.
Keeping mine, too.
Will be posting some shots from the SPII on the M11M soon.
Fred Miranda wrote:
I may have to keep this lens now. I knew I should not have tried it.
It’s reassuring to see the Panchro getting more love, I was not confident enough to trust myself even though I quickly became fond of it.
It made me purchase the Voigtlander Heliar 50mm 1.5, I just had time to shoot once with it and I find it interesting, the effects are far easier to produce due to the aperture. Still I find the Panchro rendering more appealing for now. I haven’t shot the Heliar at f2 for more comparison but the blades at f2 are not round, I suspect I would not like it that much since the bokeh balls won’t be round and they are part of the signature big time.
I still like what I saw from the Heliar and might(tough decision)keep both for they represent each a rare offering.
You quite liked the Heliar, do you feel a redundancy with the Panchro now that you own and favor both? (Asking for a friend)
Fred Miranda wrote:
I'm really enjoying it. Did your copy come with a front cap? Mine didn't.
Traveling now, but frankly I don't remember as I always put any front lens cap back in the box and mount a clear filter immediately in order to protect the front element. That said, I get your comment about stacking filters due to the built-in UV filter. Never did understand why LLL inserted a UV inside the lens. Did the original Cooke SP have this feature too?
I got this lens because I am trying to concentrate on glass that exhibits a special character and omits a glow versus newer sterile lenses. Sure I am a sucker for new Leica glass like the APO 35 FLEII and the new 50/1.4 which I prefer to use on my M11M. I have received each of the Leica reissue lenses as I find them interesting to use, but parted with the 90 Thambar since at the time I did not have the patience to adapt to its unique qualities. Now looking back I feel that was a stupid decision after using an original one in Switzerland this early Summer where the owner had it perfectly dialed in.
No front cap does not bother me as I do not use front caps anyway. I also do not use the LLL provided lens hood. Instead I found a screw in vented hood with small form factor as it protects front and allows for quick usage if needed.
Thanks for confirming a front cap is not included guys!
algrove wrote:
No front cap does not bother me as I do not use front caps anyway. I also do not use the LLL provided lens hood. Instead I found a screw in vented hood with small form factor as it protects front and allows for quick usage if needed.
The LLL "Reid" hood is quite nice but it adds considerable length to the lens. I do think this lens benefits from a hood though so as a shorter alternative, I've been using Leica's replacement hood designed for the 50/1.4 Lux BC alongside it.
Additionally, being crafted from brass, the weight of the replacement hood is identical to that of the "Reid" at 49 grams.
Some shots with the Panchro on the M9, I had to shoot between 2.8 and 4 due to a crazy luminosity, it might not exhibit much of the character of the lens.
Fred Miranda wrote:
Thanks for confirming a front cap is not included guys!
The LLL "Reid" hood is quite nice but it adds considerable length to the lens. I do think this lens benefits from a hood though so as a shorter alternative, I've been using Leica's replacement hood designed for the 50/1.4 Lux BC alongside it.
Additionally, being crafted from brass, the weight of the replacement hood is identical to that of the "Reid" at 49 grams.
Thanks. Any idea of the Leica hood part number you are using? Sounds interesting.
