7 Antique Soft Focus Portrait Lenses Compared

jimgalli · Jan 15, 2008

You know the drill...

Some pretty exotic lenses on this one.

Pinkham & Smith Series VI Synthetic 10"
Pinkham & Smith Series IV Visual Quality 14"
Hermagis Eidoscop #2 14.5"
Hermagis Eidoscop #1 19"
Gundlach Achromatic Meniscus 18"
Puligny Anachromatique 15"
Voigtlander Portrait Euryscop Series II #6

My idea was to just use a single set up in order to try to see nuances of differences. I've imbedded high res images behind the ones that come up quickly. Click on the images to get a higher res version. That's where you can see some differences. The Voigtlander lens is not a true soft focus lens. It is a Rapid Rect. and is sharper than the others.

I hope some will enjoy this. I know most of you prefer sharp pictures, but there are a few of us interested in the fuzzy pictures too.

http://tonopahpictures.0catch.com/JapaneseLanterns/The_Japanese_Lanterns_7_Portrait_Lenses.html

Jim Noel · Jan 15, 2008

A really interesting, and well done comparison. Now all I have to do is get 2 or 3 more lenses. The Gundlach Meniscus especially interests me.

Jim

copake_ham · Jan 15, 2008

Nice work, Jim. I always enjoy seeing your comparison posts.

BTW: I also liked the subject matter. The use of an old boot as a "vase" for the dried plants is inspired!

matti · Jan 15, 2008

Sweet!
Indeed very nice glow on the Pinkham & Smith.
But a bit heavy here with the Hermagis Eidoscop wide open.
The Voigtländer seems nice. I have to test my two RR when I see this. I have one "Rapid Weitwinkel Euryscop V No 2 (#45900)" that I haven't checked out yet. I suppose this was "II" as compared to my "V" and not "No 2". (Wow, I didn't even understand that myself after reading it...)

/matti

highpeak · Jan 15, 2008

Tri Tran · Jan 15, 2008

Jim,
Thanks for posting this . Now you make me itchy again. I vote for the Hermagis Eidoscop #1 19" and please let me know when you property tax due
.

Jim Fitzgerald · Jan 15, 2008

Jim great job1 I must agree with Tri. I vote for the Hermagis Edioscop #1 19". Love the glow wide open.

Jim

Charles Webb · Jan 15, 2008

Jim,
All images are fantastic. I really like them all. Were I you, I would hang onto all of them! Each has it's own definite personality and look. I have been hooked on the P&S for better than fifty years, see no reason to change my mind. Have never owned or used a VQ 14 incher but seeing your results I could get intrested very quickly. Thank you for sharing, it is a wonderfull comparison.

Charlie.......................................

jimgalli · Jan 15, 2008

Charles Webb said:
Jim,
All images are fantastic. I really like them all. Were I you, I would hang onto all of them! Each has it's own definite personality and look. I have been hooked on the P&S for better than fifty years, see no reason to change my mind. Have never owned or used a VQ 14 incher but seeing your results I could get intrested very quickly. Thank you for sharing, it is a wonderfull comparison.

Charlie.......................................

Hi Charlie. Thanks! At this point, these are all my keepers About the only way I'd part with any of them would be in a trade for the P&S Series III which seems to be all but impossible to own.

Jersey Vic · Jan 15, 2008

They all make gorgeous images but that pinkham and smith 14" is magical.

I'll translate: I WANT THAT LENS

Jerevan · Jan 16, 2008

I like softness and wide open stuff. Some of your photos are pure magic, Jim, but in this instance, I find that I like the 13.5" Voigtlander the best, followed by the 19" Hermagis Eidoscop #1 @ f6. The other get kinda fuzzy all over and today I don't find that interesting. Ask me tomorrow and I may have changed my mind...

rknewcomb · Jan 23, 2008

I must admit, the Pinkham & Smith does have a nice look about it. I had hoped that the less expensive lenses that I might actually get to own would tell me that the P&S wasn't needed, but it does have a great look!
Robert N.

7 Antique Soft Focus Portrait Lenses Compared

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