How sharp is the SMC or S-M-C 28/3.5 wide open?
I ask because I have the early version of the Super-Tak and it has a but too much chromatic aberration than I can live with at times, see below.
LightShow wrote:
How sharp is the SMC or S-M-C 28/3.5 wide open?
I ask because I have the early version of the Super-Tak and it has a but too much chromatic aberration than I can live with at times, see below.
I just went outside to get a test shot with an S-M-C 28/3.5 (wide open): http://praetoriusphoto.images.s3.amazonaws.com/fmforums/20110417_tak_28.jpg
and a 100% crop from the upper left tree area (Canon 5D, unsharpened, default Aperture RAW processing): http://praetoriusphoto.images.s3.amazonaws.com/fmforums/20110417_tak_28_crop.jpg
I don't think the S-M-C has as much coma as the sample you posted, but it does show significant red/blue CA (which is often more visible than as shown in the lighting I currently had available). I've seen statements that the 28/3.5 was the best/sharpest screwmount 28mm lens, but I think the key word in those statements is "screwmount" --- it's excellent for a 1960's-era retrofocus design, but newer optics (like an Oly 28/3.5) will show improvements. However, the Tak still has a great "look" and, IMO, the best build quality/feel of any lens (Leica/Zeiss/etc. included).
Thanks for posting those shots, and so fast too, much appreciated.
I like the feel my copy produces, it's just that I'd like it to be sharper wide open at times.
I have my L glass for when I need less distortion/aberration, but I'm having a love affair with my manual glass, my L's are a bit jealous of them I think.
I think an SMC 24 is in my near future.
Gerard: My pleasure on the info...I just don't want folks on FM to harpooned on eBay by some sellers of the old glass.
CampX: Very nice photos...that f3.5 can sure hold it's own, which is the reason I held on to mine, part of my "in the car ready-shoot" kit with a 5D. along with a 28 and 50.
It is really great to see the variety of image styles and use of the old glass. I have a SMC 100mm f4 macro on the way, so something else to add to the mix.
sebboh- thanks for the comment. I have no idea what kind of birds they are. There were tons of those birds nearby the street where I always commute to work.
Thanks for the kind words sebboh, I just love looking through that lens(28/3.5 early version) when the subject has good color saturation, everything I focus on looks so photogenic, like it was meant to be shot through this lens.
This lens definitely has an innate tendency to "double" the lines in its out of focus area but I think when you get this close it gives the background a nice slightly defined look.