Leica M/X/T/S/Q/CL/SL Picture Thread
p.1326 #1Leica M/X/T/S/Q/CL/SL Picture Thread
Leica M6, CV 21/1.8 lens, Kodak TMax 100 film. Photos taken at Gettysburg Natl. Military Park, PA.
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Jun 06, 2016 at 12:03 PM
p.1326 #2Leica M/X/T/S/Q/CL/SL Picture Thread
For those of you that have the 50 Summilux ASPH, do you find it difficult to nail focus wide open and up close? I have never had so much trouble getting a 50mm lens in focus before, it's definitely not as simple as my previous Summicron (obviously, as it's a more complex lens design).
I seem to do mostly ok at a distance, but just about any time I try and shoot wide open near MFD, it's basically a crap-shoot. I rarely shoot in that situation though so it's not an overwhelming issue, but once in a while I need to grab a shot at those settings and it only seems to be in "pin-sharp" focus once in a while. I'm assuming one of two things, the calibration of my lens to camera(s) is not 100% perfect and it's enough of a difference to show an error (I seem to experience the same thing with my 90mm Summicron) or the depth of field is just so thin at that point that even a single breath after focusing will throw off my plane of focus.
I like what the Summilux can do to be sure, but I'm starting to miss the ease of use of my previous Summicron.
I seem to do mostly ok at a distance, but just about any time I try and shoot wide open near MFD, it's basically a crap-shoot. I rarely shoot in that situation though so it's not an overwhelming issue, but once in a while I need to grab a shot at those settings and it only seems to be in "pin-sharp" focus once in a while. I'm assuming one of two things, the calibration of my lens to camera(s) is not 100% perfect and it's enough of a difference to show an error (I seem to experience the same thing with my 90mm Summicron) or the depth of field is just so thin at that point that even a single breath after focusing will throw off my plane of focus.
I like what the Summilux can do to be sure, but I'm starting to miss the ease of use of my previous Summicron.
Jun 06, 2016 at 05:43 PM
p.1326 #3Leica M/X/T/S/Q/CL/SL Picture Thread
I think it's more likely to be the latter rather than the former (the very limited DOF at f/1.4 and 70cm.) Did you have a chance to test it for calibration?
Here's a few of my kids from M9 that I think were at or around f/1.4 and MFD (some with NDx2). It's not enough DOF for two eyes in focus imo but these are just fun family snapshots.
Stopping down a little helps obviously but this lens can give 'buzzsaw' shapes in OOF highlights at around f/2.8 -> f/4.0 that can be distracting.
I prefer my 50 pre-ASPH but the ASPH is a super lens, the blotchy blurred backgrounds, the very vivid colours, the lovely handling etc.
(obvious front focus)
just a little 'swirliness' at a longer focus distance. (with Ektar)
pre-ASPH for comparison, more likely at f/2.0 here
Here's a few of my kids from M9 that I think were at or around f/1.4 and MFD (some with NDx2). It's not enough DOF for two eyes in focus imo but these are just fun family snapshots.
Stopping down a little helps obviously but this lens can give 'buzzsaw' shapes in OOF highlights at around f/2.8 -> f/4.0 that can be distracting.
I prefer my 50 pre-ASPH but the ASPH is a super lens, the blotchy blurred backgrounds, the very vivid colours, the lovely handling etc.
(obvious front focus)
just a little 'swirliness' at a longer focus distance. (with Ektar)
pre-ASPH for comparison, more likely at f/2.0 here
Jun 06, 2016 at 07:13 PM
p.1326 #4Leica M/X/T/S/Q/CL/SL Picture Thread
I didn't get to try it beforehand. I normally don't, but I bought it on eBay and it was slightly misrepresented. Slightly stiff focus (but I understand that is probably due to the floating elements), minor wear on the barrel and minor oil on the aperture blades. None of which was represented or photographed or specified upon my questioning.
But it was a "reasonable" deal, so I lived with it. I usually shoot it stopped down a bit anyways, and I find it much easier to focus when I'm not near MFD as it's noticeably smoother rather that jerky / notchy feeling.
I'm sure it's just a limited DOF thing, sorry for being paranoid!
But it was a "reasonable" deal, so I lived with it. I usually shoot it stopped down a bit anyways, and I find it much easier to focus when I'm not near MFD as it's noticeably smoother rather that jerky / notchy feeling.
I'm sure it's just a limited DOF thing, sorry for being paranoid!
Jun 06, 2016 at 07:43 PM
p.1326 #5Leica M/X/T/S/Q/CL/SL Picture Thread
In my opinion, you should test focus behavior every time you get a new lens, not only to check for any problems but also to understand the lens better as even the best corrected ones still show some residual SA and focus shift.
The ruler at 45 degrees test is very easy and quick to set up and do.
The ruler at 45 degrees test is very easy and quick to set up and do.
Jun 06, 2016 at 08:18 PM
p.1326 #6Leica M/X/T/S/Q/CL/SL Picture Thread
The stiffer focus is definitely the floating elements, I find it similar to the 35 FLE with that stiffness closer in, it does seem to loosen slowly.
I've had two 50 Asph and over time both have developed oil on the blades at least twice despite careful storage and handling and CLAs. It seems like it's prone to it for whatever reason, or it is in my hands at least.
Still a very awesome lens though, I'm torn over keeping mine since I have the pre asph too and it feels a little overkill to keep both.
I've had two 50 Asph and over time both have developed oil on the blades at least twice despite careful storage and handling and CLAs. It seems like it's prone to it for whatever reason, or it is in my hands at least.
Still a very awesome lens though, I'm torn over keeping mine since I have the pre asph too and it feels a little overkill to keep both.
Jun 06, 2016 at 08:26 PM
p.1326 #7Leica M/X/T/S/Q/CL/SL Picture Thread
The Temple by Werner Utsch, on Flickr
Jun 07, 2016 at 02:00 AM
p.1326 #9Leica M/X/T/S/Q/CL/SL Picture Thread
Made a few images of my dad recently, with a bit of the back story & larger images on my blog: http://www.rharris-images.com/best-coffee-every-morning/
All with 240 + 35/1.4 CV SC
All with 240 + 35/1.4 CV SC
Jun 07, 2016 at 09:07 AM
p.1326 #10Leica M/X/T/S/Q/CL/SL Picture Thread
AbramG wrote:
I didn't get to try it beforehand. I normally don't, but I bought it on eBay and it was slightly misrepresented. Slightly stiff focus (but I understand that is probably due to the floating elements), minor wear on the barrel and minor oil on the aperture blades. None of which was represented or photographed or specified upon my questioning.
But it was a "reasonable" deal, so I lived with it. I usually shoot it stopped down a bit anyways, and I find it much easier to focus when I'm not near MFD as it's noticeably smoother rather that jerky /...Show more →
It may well have a calibration issue. But even if so, once you pin it down, you should be able to learn it. I just use the "shoot and chimp" method. Works anywhere, even just your kitchen.
Pick a target WO, shoot, and check on the camera. Even with M9 you can tell if you zoom on the image. Repeat 3-5 times with some different targets. If the focus is off, figure out the "english" it needs..e.g..slight move to infinity. Test that too. Vary the distance, and try to choose a target with nearby features which will show the true POF.
Anybody can miss single shots at 1.4. Autofocus will miss often at 1.4. But if you take the time to shoot multiple shoots and measure them on the spot, calibration issues should be clear.
L1049347 by unoh7, on Flickr
I didn't get to try it beforehand. I normally don't, but I bought it on eBay and it was slightly misrepresented. Slightly stiff focus (but I understand that is probably due to the floating elements), minor wear on the barrel and minor oil on the aperture blades. None of which was represented or photographed or specified upon my questioning.
But it was a "reasonable" deal, so I lived with it. I usually shoot it stopped down a bit anyways, and I find it much easier to focus when I'm not near MFD as it's noticeably smoother rather that jerky /...Show more →
It may well have a calibration issue. But even if so, once you pin it down, you should be able to learn it. I just use the "shoot and chimp" method. Works anywhere, even just your kitchen.
Pick a target WO, shoot, and check on the camera. Even with M9 you can tell if you zoom on the image. Repeat 3-5 times with some different targets. If the focus is off, figure out the "english" it needs..e.g..slight move to infinity. Test that too. Vary the distance, and try to choose a target with nearby features which will show the true POF.
Anybody can miss single shots at 1.4. Autofocus will miss often at 1.4. But if you take the time to shoot multiple shoots and measure them on the spot, calibration issues should be clear.
L1049347 by unoh7, on Flickr
Jun 07, 2016 at 09:37 AM
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p.1326 #12Leica M/X/T/S/Q/CL/SL Picture Thread
Yeah I'll get around to testing it properly. I used to always have to do that with my Canon lenses, I'm sure it'll all work out, when it's right on it's really nice!
Jun 07, 2016 at 01:46 PM
p.1326 #14Leica M/X/T/S/Q/CL/SL Picture Thread
AbramG wrote:
I didn't get to try it beforehand. I normally don't, but I bought it on eBay and it was slightly misrepresented. Slightly stiff focus (but I understand that is probably due to the floating elements), minor wear on the barrel and minor oil on the aperture blades. None of which was represented or photographed or specified upon my questioning.
But it was a "reasonable" deal, so I lived with it. I usually shoot it stopped down a bit anyways, and I find it much easier to focus when I'm not near MFD as it's noticeably smoother rather that jerky /...Show more →
I second Charlie's workflow. There are two possibilities. The focus error is consistent at all distances, or it's worse at one end and nonexistent at the other. Or I guess a third possibility is a crossover at a certain distance, but I haven't seen that before.
I bought my 50 Lux ASPH used from a forum member and received it in somewhat suboptimal condition. It was kind of soft and glowy, so had it overhauled by Leica, but it came back with a focusing problem - it wouldn't hit infinity. Sent it back and they fixed that but I also noticed it looked like the tech shaved the RF cam in a certain area. Focus with it was generally consistent but my cameras would eventually drift and it would be necessary for me to adjust on the fly. Over the years the lens body loosened up a few times to the point where the lens lost RF calibration and again became soft and glowy. After a couple of these repairs Leica finally replaced the 'focus mount' which I assume is the helical, etc. It came back with a different RF cam (not shaved) and focus action was very tight. I'd think tight is better than really loose, because it will eventually loosen. But now it doesn't hit infinity with the RF and if I focus perfectly with the RF it's fairly back focused. I think the lens is back focusing slightly, and my RF induces even more because I have to intentionally front focus most of my lenses. With the 50 Lux ASPH I have to front focus even more than the others... due to this I've been somewhat reluctant to use it in critical (fast moving) situations. But lately I've pushed myself to use it more and have been able to hit wide open or f/2 focus pretty consistently by intentionally mis-focusing the RF.
From what I've read the FLE type lenses seem to be more problematic with nailing focus consistently, and I imagine it only gets worse the longer the focal length.
The solution of course is to send it all in but with the ridiculous turnaround I don't want to be without the equipment for ~2 months. But whether they fix it right the first time... I think you just went through something with them so sure you know too well. IIRC Gary here has sent his 50 Lux ASPH to DAG and seemed to be happy. Might be worth a try if you find you can't figure it out.
Also be sure to shoot a lot with it because it's not as simple a lens as one might expect. It has wavy field curvature that will affect focus/sharpness at wider apertures with subjects placed off center. The character of the field curvature also changes a bit depending on aperture. I seem to have the least luck in the f/2.8 range, so usually keep the lens wide open or at f/2. Otherwise I'll stop it down to f/5.6 or more to minimize the field curvature effects with sufficiently deep depth of field. It's probably the thing I like least about it.
Which version did you get - black or silver?
I didn't get to try it beforehand. I normally don't, but I bought it on eBay and it was slightly misrepresented. Slightly stiff focus (but I understand that is probably due to the floating elements), minor wear on the barrel and minor oil on the aperture blades. None of which was represented or photographed or specified upon my questioning.
But it was a "reasonable" deal, so I lived with it. I usually shoot it stopped down a bit anyways, and I find it much easier to focus when I'm not near MFD as it's noticeably smoother rather that jerky /...Show more →
I second Charlie's workflow. There are two possibilities. The focus error is consistent at all distances, or it's worse at one end and nonexistent at the other. Or I guess a third possibility is a crossover at a certain distance, but I haven't seen that before.
I bought my 50 Lux ASPH used from a forum member and received it in somewhat suboptimal condition. It was kind of soft and glowy, so had it overhauled by Leica, but it came back with a focusing problem - it wouldn't hit infinity. Sent it back and they fixed that but I also noticed it looked like the tech shaved the RF cam in a certain area. Focus with it was generally consistent but my cameras would eventually drift and it would be necessary for me to adjust on the fly. Over the years the lens body loosened up a few times to the point where the lens lost RF calibration and again became soft and glowy. After a couple of these repairs Leica finally replaced the 'focus mount' which I assume is the helical, etc. It came back with a different RF cam (not shaved) and focus action was very tight. I'd think tight is better than really loose, because it will eventually loosen. But now it doesn't hit infinity with the RF and if I focus perfectly with the RF it's fairly back focused. I think the lens is back focusing slightly, and my RF induces even more because I have to intentionally front focus most of my lenses. With the 50 Lux ASPH I have to front focus even more than the others... due to this I've been somewhat reluctant to use it in critical (fast moving) situations. But lately I've pushed myself to use it more and have been able to hit wide open or f/2 focus pretty consistently by intentionally mis-focusing the RF.
From what I've read the FLE type lenses seem to be more problematic with nailing focus consistently, and I imagine it only gets worse the longer the focal length.
The solution of course is to send it all in but with the ridiculous turnaround I don't want to be without the equipment for ~2 months. But whether they fix it right the first time... I think you just went through something with them so sure you know too well. IIRC Gary here has sent his 50 Lux ASPH to DAG and seemed to be happy. Might be worth a try if you find you can't figure it out.
Also be sure to shoot a lot with it because it's not as simple a lens as one might expect. It has wavy field curvature that will affect focus/sharpness at wider apertures with subjects placed off center. The character of the field curvature also changes a bit depending on aperture. I seem to have the least luck in the f/2.8 range, so usually keep the lens wide open or at f/2. Otherwise I'll stop it down to f/5.6 or more to minimize the field curvature effects with sufficiently deep depth of field. It's probably the thing I like least about it.
Which version did you get - black or silver?
Jun 07, 2016 at 02:44 PM
p.1326 #15Leica M/X/T/S/Q/CL/SL Picture Thread
Yellow- S-006 and Summarit-APO 120
Jun 07, 2016 at 03:56 PM
p.1326 #16Leica M/X/T/S/Q/CL/SL Picture Thread
For the M-E and 75 2.5 Summarit
Jun 07, 2016 at 04:59 PM
p.1326 #17Leica M/X/T/S/Q/CL/SL Picture Thread
rscheffler wrote:
But it was a "reasonable" deal, so I lived with it. I usually shoot it stopped down a bit anyways, and I find it much easier to focus when I'm not near MFD as it's noticeably smoother rather that jerky / notchy feeling.
I'm sure it's just a limited DOF thing, sorry for being paranoid!I second Charlie's workflow. There are two possibilities. The focus error is consistent at all distances, or it's worse at one end and nonexistent at the other. Or I guess a third possibility is a crossover at a certain distance, but I haven't seen that before.
I bought my 50 Lux ASPH used from a forum member and received it in somewhat suboptimal condition. It was kind of soft and glowy, so had it overhauled by Leica, but it came back with a focusing problem - it wouldn't hit infinity. Sent it back and they fixed that but I also...Show more →
I will definitely give it a good examination. I don't have much trouble honestly unless it's fairly close and wide open. Otherwise I seem to be ok. I am definitely not going to be sending anything to Leica direct for a long while unless I absolutely have to. I just got my 28 Summicron back last friday and it was finally right but I am afraid to use it because what if it isn't fixed? I don't want to just keep ripping on them, but I don't have much confidence in their repair department after such an experience.
If after testing it is truly off then I will reach out to DAG and see what can be done.
Oh and I have a black one that's 6-bit coded. It's fairly new (4113xxx Serial)
AbramG wrote
I didn't get to try it beforehand. I normally don't, but I bought it on eBay and it was slightly misrepresented. Slightly stiff focus (but I understand that is probably due to the floating elements), minor wear on the barrel and minor oil on the aperture blades. None of which was represented or photographed or specified upon my questioning.But it was a "reasonable" deal, so I lived with it. I usually shoot it stopped down a bit anyways, and I find it much easier to focus when I'm not near MFD as it's noticeably smoother rather that jerky / notchy feeling.
I'm sure it's just a limited DOF thing, sorry for being paranoid!
I bought my 50 Lux ASPH used from a forum member and received it in somewhat suboptimal condition. It was kind of soft and glowy, so had it overhauled by Leica, but it came back with a focusing problem - it wouldn't hit infinity. Sent it back and they fixed that but I also...Show more →
I will definitely give it a good examination. I don't have much trouble honestly unless it's fairly close and wide open. Otherwise I seem to be ok. I am definitely not going to be sending anything to Leica direct for a long while unless I absolutely have to. I just got my 28 Summicron back last friday and it was finally right but I am afraid to use it because what if it isn't fixed? I don't want to just keep ripping on them, but I don't have much confidence in their repair department after such an experience.
If after testing it is truly off then I will reach out to DAG and see what can be done.
Oh and I have a black one that's 6-bit coded. It's fairly new (4113xxx Serial)
Jun 07, 2016 at 07:17 PM
p.1326 #18Leica M/X/T/S/Q/CL/SL Picture Thread
DAG is the man. 
Just remember the DOF 50/1.4 at 1 meter is 3cm. Just moving your head a tiny bit will effect things. There are plenty of people who don't think you can reliably shoot that fast on an RF. Leica started with F/3.5 on the 50 elmar, knowing it was much more forgiving. Those fast evil Zeiss lenses soon had Leitz working hard to keep up.
But since that's where you want to improve, then more practice is going to help (F/2 is much easier). Finding out hours later you missed does not help much, which is why I chimp it right away.
But once I am really used to a lens, I get more accurate focus with M9 than A7, including very high speed.
Ron, you've gone through alot with that Lux!
I went up for a quick overlook today:
L1049430 by unoh7, on Flickr
But soon was running for cover
L1049425 by unoh7, on Flickr
Calibration has too many variables Some are not so bad: my 135/3.4 APO front focused when I got it, despite few signs of use. I missed everything. Infinity stop was good, though. Gradually I started using it more and more. Last 6 months I don't seem to be able to miss with it. Not because I have the english down, which is doable as the case demands. If you know to move a smudge to infinity WO at 3 meters, the mind remembers it and you can shoot just as fast. But my 135 has self healed! No english required now OMG
Maybe it just needed a good shaking
Here it was today in the same location:
L1049442-3 by unoh7, on Flickr
Mid-day high winds, but still worth a shot for fun.
Edited on Jun 07, 2016 at 10:15 PM · View previous versions
Just remember the DOF 50/1.4 at 1 meter is 3cm. Just moving your head a tiny bit will effect things. There are plenty of people who don't think you can reliably shoot that fast on an RF. Leica started with F/3.5 on the 50 elmar, knowing it was much more forgiving. Those fast evil Zeiss lenses soon had Leitz working hard to keep up.
But since that's where you want to improve, then more practice is going to help (F/2 is much easier). Finding out hours later you missed does not help much, which is why I chimp it right away.
But once I am really used to a lens, I get more accurate focus with M9 than A7, including very high speed.
Ron, you've gone through alot with that Lux!
I went up for a quick overlook today:
L1049430 by unoh7, on Flickr
But soon was running for cover
L1049425 by unoh7, on Flickr
Calibration has too many variables
Some are not so bad: my 135/3.4 APO front focused when I got it, despite few signs of use. I missed everything. Infinity stop was good, though. Gradually I started using it more and more. Last 6 months I don't seem to be able to miss with it. Not because I have the english down, which is doable as the case demands. If you know to move a smudge to infinity WO at 3 meters, the mind remembers it and you can shoot just as fast. But my 135 has self healed! No english required now OMGMaybe it just needed a good shaking
Here it was today in the same location:
L1049442-3 by unoh7, on Flickr
Mid-day high winds, but still worth a shot for fun.
Edited on Jun 07, 2016 at 10:15 PM · View previous versions
Jun 07, 2016 at 09:26 PM
p.1326 #19Leica M/X/T/S/Q/CL/SL Picture Thread
Allen - Love the White Hat picture and also the B&W boat close up. Superb!
Jun 07, 2016 at 09:40 PM
p.1326 #20Leica M/X/T/S/Q/CL/SL Picture Thread
I've just gone through about 6 pages of this great thread. Copious likes applied!
I received my M9 back a week or so ago with the replacement (goodwill) sensor. I wish I had had the camera a few weeks back when my wife bought me (us) a photo-weekend at a local air museum. I posted some images from that in the MF digital thread. I would have loved to shoot with my M9 there also.
A 3-stitch 'mini-pano' from yesterday, with the ZM25 running an ND filter. Canberra escaped the devastating damage to the East coast from a very severe low pressure system last weekend, but we still received a month's worth of rain last Sunday. This image was taken 2 days later. An image I saw elsewhere on the wet day itself bears no comparison!
Gibraltar Falls by David McI, on Flickr
I received my M9 back a week or so ago with the replacement (goodwill) sensor. I wish I had had the camera a few weeks back when my wife bought me (us) a photo-weekend at a local air museum. I posted some images from that in the MF digital thread. I would have loved to shoot with my M9 there also.
A 3-stitch 'mini-pano' from yesterday, with the ZM25 running an ND filter. Canberra escaped the devastating damage to the East coast from a very severe low pressure system last weekend, but we still received a month's worth of rain last Sunday. This image was taken 2 days later. An image I saw elsewhere on the wet day itself bears no comparison!
Gibraltar Falls by David McI, on FlickrJun 07, 2016 at 09:44 PM