Single- or Multi-Coated Lenses?

[limonello]

I am a novice at B&W so excuse the basic question:

I've heard it often said that SC is better for B&W and MC better for colour photography due to differences in contrast rendition.

I would be grateful if someone could post some images showing similar images taken with MC and SC lenses which can show the practical differences the coatings can make.

Many thanks!

 

[chiif]

hi,

It's difficult not compare if you don't do pixel peeping...

I've just taken some pics using 35mm/f1.4 S.C & M.C using almost similar lighting condition on R-D1. You can download the pics and compare yourself.

You may download the pics to your computer to compare & share with others. These pictures have no copyright issues.

Anyone has other feedback (positive or negative), please let me know. I am trying all sorts of methods to provide better information to the CV community.

Thanks.

 

[kross]

looks like the mc is giving a "darker" black..... the sc gives an "antique" look....
nice.... i wish they come out with ONE lens that can "switch" between mc & sc....:bsmilie:

 

[gommy]

Sorry, off topic but can't help asking Chiif: Flirting with R-D1 again?:bsmilie:

hi,

It's difficult not compare if you don't do pixel peeping...

I've just taken some pics using 35mm/f1.4 S.C & M.C using almost similar lighting condition on R-D1. You can download the pics and compare yourself.

35mm/f1.4 Single Coated

35mm/f1.4 Multi Coated

You may download the pics to your computer to compare & share with others. These pictures have no copyright issues.

Anyone has other feedback (positive or negative), please let me know. I am trying all sorts of methods to provide better information to the CV community.

Thanks.

 

[limonello]

Thanks Chiif,

Those photos really do show that there seems to be some difference in color cast between the 2 lenses.

To my poor eyesight however it seems more to be a difference in colour cast than contrast.

I also wonder to what extent the R-D1 has some sensitivity to IR in the same way the M8 reportedly has and therefore to what extent the difference is down to how the 2 lenses filter IR?

A similar test run on (1) B&W film; and (2) Colour Film would really put this beyond doubt.

Anyone?


Thanks again for the sharing.

(And if you have an Epson R-D1 to sell or loan, I'm interested!)

 

[chiif]

R-D1 flirt? hahahaha.. just happened to get hold of one for 1 day and was flirting it with some of my lenses.

I will put in some time in the coming weeks to do a more comprehensive test of the CV lenses in B&W & colour negatives. Any feedback, ideas, suggestions, deeply welcomed.

Thanks!

BTW, I will be in Japan next week. anyone who has shopping list, do PM me.

 

[clubgrit]

I agree with you on color cast, my first impression too ... very little difference between the two, at least indoors and with few colors to show. Sharpness differences are really negligible. Contrast is also similar.

Basically, it's like the MC has a cool White Balance, and the SC has a warmer one. This is assuming WB was constant in the shots (not sure if RD has WB presets like any other standard DSLR). In this case, it becomes a matter of preference, like some dslr users prefer cloudy or flash, some with an Expodisc like me, etc.

Differences would probably be more discernible in bright sunlight ... maybe ...

At any rate, thanks to Chiif for this post.

Thanks Chiif,

Those photos really do show that there seems to be some difference in color cast between the 2 lenses.

To my poor eyesight however it seems more to be a difference in colour cast than contrast.

I also wonder to what extent the R-D1 has some sensitivity to IR in the same way the M8 reportedly has and therefore to what extent the difference is down to how the 2 lenses filter IR?

A similar test run on (1) B&W film; and (2) Colour Film would really put this beyond doubt.

Anyone?


Thanks again for the sharing.

(And if you have an Epson R-D1 to sell or loan, I'm interested!)

 

[benny]

I will put in some time in the coming weeks to do a more comprehensive test of the CV lenses in B&W & colour negatives. Any feedback, ideas, suggestions, deeply welcomed.

Wow!! I'll be looking forward to that! It'll be great reference!

The difference in the color is really quite obvious from the two sets.

Cheers,

 

[limonello]

Thanks Chiif. Looking forward to it.

Enjoy Japan. Looking forward to more photos of the cherry blossoms.

 

[doUbleCHIN]

I can't see any real difference after I run the two in PS auto level.

There are many discussion in Rangefinder forum about SC vs MC (with photo) and the conclusion ranging from no difference to minor difference or unless you really print out and compare. But many who own both lenses or Old bird who grew up with old lenses prefer the gentle look of the SC over the contrasty look of the MC. SC may exhibit relative more flare if there are backlight situation. Some say it look more vintage for B&W photo. Due to modern coating, MC seems to handle the flare better.

By the way, I am no expert, just what I read from the past week. :bsmilie:

So it depends what you are after. I just bought the MC version from Chiff and is in progress of churning some photo. :bsmilie:

I came across one of the interesting test which hopefully can contribute to your decision.
http://ferider.smugmug.com/gallery/2727734_MNe74#145142911

Hey! Chiif, I am standing by for your test and Japan photo also. Lovely place.

 

[chiif]

Sorry guys, I've taken the pictures off as I feel that they are not really true representation of the lenses characteristic, as some photoshop auto post processing might have altered the colours somehow.

I will conduct another round of test and update you guys at a later date.

Thanks for your continual support!

Regards,
Chii Fei

hi,

It's difficult not compare if you don't do pixel peeping...

I've just taken some pics using 35mm/f1.4 S.C & M.C using almost similar lighting condition on R-D1. You can download the pics and compare yourself.

You may download the pics to your computer to compare & share with others. These pictures have no copyright issues.

Anyone has other feedback (positive or negative), please let me know. I am trying all sorts of methods to provide better information to the CV community.

Thanks.