Battle of the lens (Minolta Mount)


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forbytes said:
I do agree that such test are not fun. Can learn from possible pitfall and future test can be improved and extended for other people like Nikon or Canon or etc. ;)
I did a few lens tests two years ago; I was (somewhat) obsessed with lens performance then.

An example: http://www.geocities.com/nhyone/LensTest100/Main.html (needs Javascript; poorly scripted)

Took me 20 minutes or so to set up the test target, the tripod, aligning the camera (and it was still tilted) and so on. With zoom lenses, you need to make sure the composition still works at both ends.

I laid out all the lenses properly beforehand to simplify matters.

Focusing was a pain. Took a minute or two. And no zooming in before focusing -- most zoom lenses are actually varifocal.

The actual shooting was fast; 3 to 5 seconds per shot (using MLU). I wrote down all the settings I wanted to test beforehand to avoid confusion.

Have to be careful not to touch or move the tripod and camera. Or it's game over! It's good to practise changing lens first.

I did the tests with the intention to see the difference in sharpness, but I learnt that,
- I should have listened to advice to use B&W film and not Velvia, despite being the sharpest slide film.
- Scanning at 2820 dpi means no sharpness test (2820 dpi is 55.5 lpmm)
- Saw difference in light falloff, color rendition, contrast and distortion -- didn't expect these to show up well

On the plus side, I know for sure the tradeoffs wide open, and when the quality becomes acceptable.
 

Hi nhyone, I would like to understand the point why b&w is bettwe instead of velvia. Please share with us your experience.

Very comprehensive description of your test and test results.

Thanks. Regards.
 

forbytes said:
Hi nhyone, I would like to understand the point why b&w is bettwe instead of velvia.
For the simple reason that B&W film has higher resolution. (You still got to use the correct B&W film; can't remember what was recommended)

On the Misc page, you will find a Thru The Dynax 7 Viewfinder picture. It shows what 93% viewfinder coverage means (indicated by the cellophane tape). Note that the scanned image is not 100% of the slide, but 98% to 99%. You can guess what the blue lines are. :)
 

If the weather is no good and you wish to double check with me if the event is still on, please contact me at 97590370. Thanks.
 

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