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Aperture Series: 35/1.4 — Glacial Erratics (M240)
Comparison used the Leica M Typ 240.
The Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH is a high performance lens, but the strongest visual impact is obtained by careful placement of focus which accounts for a rearward focus shift.
Glacial erratics, late day
Focus was using the EVF at full magnification with the lens at f/2.8. At f/2.8, 75% of the peripheral rays are blocked, leaving mainly central rays, this relates directly to the phenomenon of focus shift as rays vary slightly in focusing distance. Focus was at f/2.8 near the small erratic at center (the EVF allows focusing only at center).
Achieving the exact focus position intended is rarely perfect, but it doesn’t matter here—in the discussion that follows what matters here for analysis is the actual placement of the zone of peak sharpness at any particular aperture relative to the other apertures. Put another way, one could focus semi randomly and still examine the behavioral changes between apertures.
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Diglloyd Guide to LEICA contains in-depth coverage of Leica M system cameras and lenses, with additional coverage of Leica M Monochrom, Leica Q.
Special emphasis is placed on Leica M lenses and certain Zeiss ZM lenses.
- Make better images by learning how to get the best results right away.
- Save money by choosing the right lens for your needs the first time, particularly the Summilux/Summicron/Elmarit choice and/or Zeiss ZM.
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- Jaw-dropping image quality found nowhere else utilizing Retina-grade images up to full camera resolution, plus large crops [past 2 years or so].
- Real world examples with insights found nowhere else. Make sharper images just by understanding lens behavior you won’t read about elsewhere.
- Aperture series from wide open through stopped down, showing the full range of lens performance and bokeh.
- Optical quality analysis of field curvature, focus shift, sharpness, flare, distortion, and performance in the field.
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