In my own Leica experience, I find that my increasing comfort with a lack of "tack" sharpness in some (though not all) images arises from the fact that I am using very fast (f/1.4) primes wide open almost all the time. Often, very little is in focus anyway, and learning how to master these kinds of optical effects takes a long time. Moreover, it's hard to always nail focus with such shallow DoF, though it's amazing how much better one gets with practice.
That said, stop down just a little bit, and images can become stupidly sharp. Even at f/2 or f/2.8, nailing focus and obtaining ridiculously sharp images becomes much easier. At f/5.6 or slower, the Leica optics are so good that they will (almost) obviate the benefits of a higher resolution sensor, such as a Nikon D800. For example, in a recent studio shot that my wife and I did (some results of which are posted on this thread), we used both a Nikon D800 with a 24-70 f/2.8 at f/8, and the latest generation Leica 50 on an M240 at f/8. I was surprised to see that the sharpness and overall detail in the Leica shots was virtually indistinguishable from the Nikon images. I could not really see the differences between the files until looking past 400% magnification, and even then, the distinctions were incredibly subtle.
Thanks arka. Much appreciated. I have always loved trees without their leaves, its how you see their "soul". If you can capture it, they can tell quite a story. I think.
I remember once seeing a tree that I wanted to shoot, it had a big soul, and then one day I came by and saw that utility people had butchered a large portion of this tree to insure their precious lines were not infringed on. I was so pissed, the tree was not in the way at all anyway, but they cut it off like kenneling, because they could. I saw another tree they did this way along that same road that I can't think of the name for, but is sort of in trouble in the smokies due to the wooly worm I think it is, diseasing and killing the trees. They can be saved with a few different treatments, but they have to be treated, or the worm will win.
Thank you all for the info.
I have to try one in my hands to have a feel. I like the "organic" look the leica gives on people. It has a very distinct look
Somehow some of the photos i see of landscapes here are a little out of focus. I wonder if its my old monitor.
Is it difficult to focus using the RF way?
It's easy to focus unless your eyesight is poor! I wear spectacles and I get by fine (my corrected vision is 20:20).
If you want to try a Leica digital RF then I can really recommend the 10 megapixel M8 as a starter. I am a happy user of this camera and I note thare are always some for sale on here, at better prices than eBay and suchlike.
I still prefer shooting the Leica to my 5D III. The lack of an AA filter and quality lenses (Leica, Zeiss, Cosina-Voigtlander in decreasing order of cost) make for a stunning combination. I have obtained sharp images using a $120 Jupiter-3 (Russian copy of a 50/2 Zeiss design) at medium apertures on my M8.
Good luck and let us know if you make the transition.
Doug - very nice pics. I also like that B&W of the tree…
Michael - nice to see some more pics from the ZM21 Biogon. Very nice colors and PP.
Luka - looks to be a great place to bring in the New Year. All the best to you.
Carsten - cool pics! #2 looks so surreal.
Justin - Leica can produce just as "crisp" and sharp images as other systems. You may also be viewing some of the Noct images which can produce a bit of "glow" effect when shot wide open.
Joachim - nice B&W's!
Ryan - nice pics with the 135. The Zoo is a great place for that lens and I will be doing the same in a day or two.
djarth wrote:
Thank you all for the info.
I have to try one in my hands to have a feel. I like the "organic" look the leica gives on people. It has a very distinct look
Somehow some of the photos i see of landscapes here are a little out of focus. I wonder if its my old monitor.
Is it difficult to focus using the RF way?
I find focusing a rangefinder a whole lot easier than focusing a DSLR. I think for landscape most would hyper focus using DoF scales on the lens. I do for my street work.
3D.Doug wrote:
Thanks arka. Much appreciated. I have always loved trees without their leaves, its how you see their "soul". If you can capture it, they can tell quite a story. I think.
I remember once seeing a tree that I wanted to shoot, it had a big soul, and then one day I came by and saw that utility people had butchered a large portion of this tree to insure their precious lines were not infringed on. I was so pissed, the tree was not in the way at all anyway, but they cut it off like kenneling, because they could. I saw another tree they did this way along that same road that I can't think of the name for, but is sort of in trouble in the smokies d
ue to the wooly worm I think it is, diseasing and killing the trees. They can be saved with a few different treatments, but they have to be treated, or the worm will win.
I am a huge tree fan as well. Here's one I shot on one of my long walks almost 3 years ago. I've not done much tree work on the Leica, but they are some of my favorite subjects... and I agree 100% about the "soul" of a tree being bared by its leaflessness. It would be nice to go on a tree shooting walk with you I think.
Arka, Oh, that tree is a beauty, thanks for sharing. Yeah, does sound like it would be fun! I do happen to know a nice place or two for trees here. They are limited in size, only by the sky. Smoky Mountains park protects them from idiots that would destroy such beauty, as I have seen occur in the city and county I live in.
Share trees with me anytime! :-)
I should probably create a tree gallery at my site, seems like a good idea.
Here's another set from me. This is of my wife, just after my sister's wedding last weekend. Which do you like better, B&W or color? Leica M240 with a Summilux ASPH 50mm at f/1.4.
BrianVS - great ISO1250 16 bit M8 RAW example. I've been playing with that too but see little difference at base ISO where I usually shoot, so have reverted to 8bit as a default.
Gary - love that 2nd (icicle) shot in particular. Picked up a ZM25 myself during the last week - stellar lens!
Michael - dreamy surf shot!
Arka - excellent tree shot, and beautiful images of your wife - I prefer the colour version.
Now, this next one is for Justin (djarth):
Leica M8 DNG to 45% quality jpg (made in Capture One Pro 7: 45% quality to keep file size under FM posting limit). No colour, exposure or any other PP. This is a 100% crop made with the Zeiss ZM 25 f2.8 Biogon lens.
Taken about 1hr before sunset in dull conditions - .
Arka, as a photographer, I like the BW better. But I can see personal appeal for the color also, because it shows her wardrobe colors, and because it shows her gold colors, and skin tones.
