RE: comparing lenses

[P3D Cliff Mugnier <cjmce@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

In regard to high-quality 90"s lenses from Nikon, I have calibrated a 
number for photogrammetric applications since 1990.  A FORTRAN program was 
written to model the systematic radial lens distortion in a lens.  After 
the photos were taken with a 55mm Micro-NIKKOR lens, developed, and images 
measured, we were initially upset because the program we wrote did not 
work!  I then tried the same procedure with a 1950's Kodak Retina Reflex 
and a 50mm Schneider-Kreuznach lens.  Wow!  Was there distortion present! 
 We then went back to the Nikon calibration and concluded that the maximum 
radial distortion over the entire field of view did not exceed  3-4 microns 
(micrometers)!!!

Clifford J. Mugnier (cjmce@xxxxxxx)
The Topographic Engineering Laboratory
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
UNIVERSITY OF NEW ORLEANS
New Orleans, Louisiana  70148 -2212
Voice and Facsimile:   (504) 280-7095


-----Original Message-----
From: P3D 	P3D Michael Kaplan SMTP:mkaplan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] <>
Sent:	Wednesday, October 08, 1997 9:02 AM
To:	Multiple recipients of list
Subject:	comparing lenses

>Can the experts elaborate on comparing a good quality '90s fixed lens vs
the '50s lens?

I was actually comparing '50s optics with '70s optics. I have personally
never used high quality '90s optics, though some of the *low quality* (or
at least low cost) '90s optics is quite good. I've seen results with
current Leitz optics and they look superlative, though I've never had a
chance to use them -- or current Nikon optics, for that matter -- next to
my Belplasca.

The analogy to analog/digital audio is an interesting one. I prefer analog
reel-to-reel tape, though I'll admit CDs do some things very well.


===================================
Michael Kaplan
Professor of Architecture Emeritus
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
mkaplan@xxxxxxx


------------------------------