On Sat, 04 Mar 2006 14:58:53 -0000, Bob Shell <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
On Mar 4, 2006, at 7:53 AM, Don Williams wrote:
Long, long ago (in Zimbabwe) I took one of those Novoflex lenses out to
the ranch to test. I used Alpa Reflexes in those days. I took pictures
of very rare green pigeons resting the contraption on tree trunks and
using the fastest shutter speed (1/1000) available. The pictures were
not sharp. I took the camera to the shooting range and took pictures of
targets from a bench rest. The pictures were still not sharp. I handed
the lens back to the dealer. He had to agree since he had processed the
pictures.
Novoflex lens heads were made by Schneider. They were very good for
their day, but don't measure up to today's standards. Low dispersion
glass has made a big difference in telephoto lenses by allowing
designers to cure chromatic aberration. The follow-focus system was also
good for its day, but loses out when compared against modern autofocus.
Nobody is suggesting these lenses are in the same league as a good modern
AF lens. Tim is after a cheap tele for shooting birds, and was wondering
about an M 400 5.6. I think a 400mm or 600mm Novoflex would be a good
alternative at a relatively low cost. Much easier to focus, and just as
good optically. Plus you can often get them on German Ebay at reasonable
prices.
John
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