Sharp! Phase One 55mm LS

[steve_cor]

Some have said the Schneider-Kreuznach Phase One 55mm LS lens is not sharp wide open. I say it is.

The issue is the focus trim may be wrong. The focus trim changes for different distances. For normal distances, my lens front focuses. I have my focus trim set at +50 to compensate. But up close, it back focuses. I changed my focus trim setting to -75 For this one.

—Steve.

 

[Paul Spinnler]

the point with the 55 is edge performance ...

 

[steve_cor]

I can’t think when do you want to shoot wide open and have the edges be sharp. If it’s a portrait, you want the background blurred. If it’s a landscape, you want to stop down and get everything in focus.

 

[Paul Spinnler]

If I remember correctly it wasn't even sharp stopped down on the very far edges

 

[steve_cor]

It’s true, this lens is a little soft in the corners. This is the top left corner at F/2.8. I can use F/11 if I need sharp corners.

Full scene:

 

[Paul Spinnler]

There's also sample variation with the 55 silver ring, the BR lenses are better on average; the copy I had in silver ring hat mushy corners. Never tried blue ring, but understand also if the 80 MK II had sold well, this would have been the next candiate for an MK II refresh.

 

[steve_cor]

I have a good copy with the silver ring. But it’s frustrating because the focus trim changes for different distances, or recompose and it throws the focus off. Have to shoot and check, change something, try again. Can’t just focus, shoot, and rely on it.

 

[steve_cor]

Well, the 80mm Blue Ring F/2.8 Mark II Lens is too overpriced. Who’s going to pay $6,000 for that? The other one is $3,500 new, and used for under $2,000. Were they going to over-price the new 55mm LS lens too? Then of course it would not have sold well.

 

[Phase V]

To be honest, I wonder who buys these lenses new anymore??
MPB currently has six 55 BR on offer, which means that this thing is the biggest dud in the lineup next to the 28.
I don't think Phase One has the means or any interest in bringing out improved versions.
BTW, the corner cutout has such horrible chromatic aberrations, you can't even show this on Instagram these days.

 

[Paul Spinnler]

Well, the 80mm Blue Ring F/2.8 Mark II Lens is too overpriced. Who’s going to pay $6,000 for that? The other one is $3,500 new, and used for under $2,000. Were they going to over-price the new 55mm LS lens too? Then of course it would not have sold well.

Yes, the 80 MK came out right before the pandemic and then XF went downhill ... its a shame its a fantastic optic