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MTF: 21mm f/3.4 Super-Elmar-M ASPH
Performance according to the MTF charts looks to be near optimal wide open at f/3.4 for coarse structures (very impressive), improving only very slightly by stopping down to f/5.6 for fine structures and for contrast in corners.
Clearly, the 21/3.8 is a very high performer. The MTF charts also suggests a nearly flat field, and there is absolutely minimal astigmatism, both attributes that are admirable for digital (see Making Sharp Images).
That said, the Leica M Monochrom sensor displays the MTF falloff quite clearly: starting about 3/4 of the way out, the crispness drops off noticeably; not unsharp, but not entire sharp either. The differnce is seeing MTF of 70-80% vs MTF of 50-60%; this is very significant for the MM.
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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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