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MTF for Zeiss ZM 35/1.4 Distagon
Contrast at f/1.4 is very high and exceptionally uniform across the field and with tightly controlled astigmatism, outperforming the famed Leica 35/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH in all three areas (ditto for the 35/2 Summicron-M ASPH). It also far outperforms the Zeiss ZM 35mm f/2 Biogon.
The f/1.4 performances represents the best (consistently high and uniform) performance one can ask for with any f/1.4 lens for Leica M.
Stopping down to f/4 raises contrast of coarse and fine structures to outstanding levels across the field, showing slightly higher overall values than the Leica Summilux 35/1.4 and with more uniformity*. It is an outstanding performer that looks to be the new champion for image quality at 35mm. Stopping down to f/5.6 adds depth of field, which is of particular benefit to the mid zones in the sense of sharpness in the nominal plane of focus.
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Diglloyd Guide to Leica is by yearly subscription. Subscribe now for about 25 cents a day ($90/year).
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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.
- Make better images, a sort of “cheat sheet” saving yourself months or years of ad-hoc learning. Processing parameters are discussed and shown.
- 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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