Leica Super-Elmar-M 18mm f3.8 ASPH. , part 2 (April 27, 2009)
Introduction
The SEM 18 is a true workhorse lens, it lacks the glamorous attributes of a Noctilux or the historical pedigree of the Summicron 50mm. It is also one of the very few lenses without flaws and can be truly referred to as a masterpiece of design. It's slender dimensions belie its performance.
In the first part I noted the excellent general qualities of contrast, field of view, definition and tonal reproduction on film. On the M8 series the crop factor does reduce the useable angle of view to that of a 24mm. See below a scene captured on the M8.
The depth impression and the definition of details at medium apertures is above comment.
See the detail below. The JPG version does not bring out all details, but you will get the message.
This is a lens that can be used without any reservation at all apertures and distances and under all circumstances. Every time it will bring the best possible results.
Flare is almost non-existant. You really have to trick the lens to create flare. See below. The sun is just outside the top left edge.
The hyperfocal distance.
With a lens with such inherent depth of field focusing would not be necessary even wide open.
This statement depends a littke on distance. At a distance of one meter there is a visible difference in sharpness between the spot on focus and the hyperfocal distance. At moderate distances (around three to seven meters) the difference in sharpness is negligible. The pictures below were made at a distance of five meters. Full picture is here.
LeftLeft picture is a selection of the sign board at full aperture and focused.Right picture is hyperfocal focused at same aperture: a slight reduction in sharpness is just visible.
It is a logical conclusion that stopping down to smaller apertures will increase the depth of field, but also increases the unsharpness due to the slower shutter speed. The final trade off must be made by the user.
Verdict.
The Leica SEM 18 is a very fine lens that functions flawlessly in almost any situation where the lens is asked to perform. The images are very natural, hardly without distortion and with excellent definition from centre to edge. It is very close to the sibling lens, the Elmar-M 3.8/24mm ASPH in characteristics and makes a good pair.
The even and homogeneous performance does easily forget that this is a true 18mm lens with a 90 degrees horizontal field of view. It is not a general purpose lens, but one that really challenges the creative capabilities of the photographer. The lens is able to force a new visual awareness on the user. After mastering the lens characteristics you will use the lens more often than you could have anticipated. I myself used the lens more often than I had intended to do. The perspective is both fun and challenging with an outstandingly good imagery.
Photographers with a historical background will remember with fondness the Angulon lenses f4 and f3.4. The SEM is very close in general profile but with a much higher performance. at a wider angle of view.