Fred Miranda
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 p.12 #2 · Light Lens Lab 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical "11873" Review | |
JohnKraus wrote:
To my eye in the flickr images referred, the Leica 11873 seems much sharper at the point of focus, better micro contrast, just all in all a tighter image. Similarities in bokeh, etc.. but, at least to me.. the Leica 11873 is a different animal.
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nehemiahphoto wrote:
I am with you on this. I see those that Fred linked as having appreciably higher microcontrast and pop generally, especially at WO than what has been posted even at web size. Not saying it’s better or worse, but I think the images have more separation and cleaner feel.
I’d love to see a proper comp
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JohnKraus wrote:
The 35 FLEII which I own, is excellent. Beyond tests.. on actual jobs or my own work, the lens always comes through.
I'm often adding just a touch of diffusion for a hint of more atmosphere. a 1/4 glimmer class, or black satin, etc. But I can take the images in any direction.
Currently I'm testing just how much I can degrade, add character, to FLE files. That will never match the 11873 or 1966.... but what I care about is getting just a bit more filmic look, a bit more atmosphere.. we'll see.
In actual use, The 35 and 50 FLEIIs just come through. From the .4 meter closer focus, the built in lens hoods, the rugged builds.. Though all said.. I own and love the 1966 for its unique character, and will likely purchase the LLL 11873. But if could only own 1.. for me.. it's the FLEII.
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I have not compared the Light Lens Lab 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical directly against the original Leica version, and without a proper side by side test using the same camera, distance, processing, and sharpening, there is no honest way to say which one is sharper or has higher contrast. I would love to see that comparison if someone owns both lenses.
What I can say with confidence is that the current Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux FLE, both the first version and the newer close-focus version, produces higher contrast because it is better corrected for spherical aberration. The tradeoff is that the rendering can look more structured, with stronger edge outlining. From the online samples I've seen, that trait is also present in the original AA and shows up less in the LLL. In some situations you may also notice more purple fringing. Personally, I really like the FLE's output, and it is still my main 35mm f/1.4.
The Light Lens Lab, on the other hand, has unique rendering qualities that give the images a very different mood. I find that I prefer the environment portraits it produces.
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