Peter Karbe on the lens of the X-Vario

[jonoslack]

HI There
I thought this was an interesting read - enjoy!

Interview with Peter Karbe

 

[marlof]

An interesting read indeed.

 

[Hosermage]

Thanks, Jono, for the link. I think it highlights many things that I just take for granted when using a camera, while he's battling with them on a regular basis.

 

[scott kirkpatrick]

It sounds like quite an innovative design. Moving n-1 elements in and out to change focal length and then (auto!) focusing with the nth element sounds like the old convertible lens approach from field cameras, but to do it to modern standards is most impressive and unexpected. Notice that the closest focusing distance is 20 cm for the longest focal length but increases to 30 cm for the shortest focal length. This is the opposite of typical behavior in (non-Leica) primes. I doubt if it feels that odd, in hand, though.

Where do you think the solutions to problems solved in this lens will show up in other Leica lenses?

scott

 

[glenerrolrd]

Really well done interview . Peters Q&A is a compelling testament to a well thought thru design . Thanks for sharing it.