75/2 Summicron

[Roger Hicks]

Well, I was going to celebrate the end of the press embargo by posting a picture I took with the 75/2 -- I've had it for about 5 weeks -- but the procedure for attaching pics is not, shall we say, intuitive. Fortunately a few hours later I succeeded thanks to the moderator's kind help -- see below.

It's a gorgeous lens, incredibly sharp: by f/5.6 or so I was seeing 125 lp/mm on Pan F. With sharpness like that you need either a tripod or a very high shutter speed, but as a reportage lens it's also wonderful, much smaller, lighter and handier than the 75/1.4. As far as I am concerned, the Summilux is a special-application lens; the Summicron is an all-rounder. With a fast 35 you have a superb outfit.

Cheers,

Roger (www.rogerandfrances.com)

 

[Todd.Hanz]

please post some if you get the chance, would love to see the results!

Todd

 

[back alley]

roger, use the 'post reply' not the 'quick reply' if responding to a post.
if starting a post, go to 'manage attachments' below.
then you can upload from your hard drive.

joe

 

[Stephanie Brim]

Using the

 

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Stephanie,

That's extremely kind of you. What I'll try to do is get it onto my own website at www.rogerandfrances.com, but that will probably take a day or two. I'll try to get it in the 'diary' section.

Cheers,

Roger

 

[back alley]

roger, you can upload from your own hard drive.
use the manage attachments button and just upload the pics you want.

 

[StuartR]

I am excited to see the results. I love the 75 summilux, but as you say, it is a bit of a special purpose lens if only because of its elephantine proportions. I am tempted by the 75 summicron, but I just have so much photo equipment at the moment that I am starting to feel a little silly. I am hoping to make it a part of my work (I just finished an MA, and my future work is a little unsure at the moment), but until then I am a little hesitant to fill gaps that don't need to be filled (doubling up on focal lengths etc).

 

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Joe,

Thanks. The problem is that I detest computers and they return my loathing with interest. Programmers' minds work one way; mine works another.

This is one of my favourites so for. The 75/1.2 seems the perfect complement to a 35: one for the big scene, one for detail.

Is this size (600 pixels high) OK for mosty people? I'd rather have the whole pic on the screen at a time, but of course I can upload any size you want. And what JPEG compression should I use? This is 8.

Cheers,

Roger

 

[Todd.Hanz]

Looks nice Roger, of course it's hard to see too much detail on the web. How is the size, say in comparison to a 50 summilux (E43 version), this lens would be a nice addition to my 28 and 40 on my M4P (though price may hinder that decision). I know it's not a Leica but have you used a VC 75mm? any comparisons besides the obvious?

thanks,
Todd

 

[andrewn]

Dear Roger

Have you had the opportunity to compare the new Leica with Voigtlander's 75mm optic? I know you are not one to spend lots of cash unless there is a significant benifit to be had and would be fascinated to hear your view of the relative merits of these two lenses.

Many thanks

Andrew

 

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Todd, Dear Andrew,

I've only used the 75/2.5 in reflex guise, and while it's very, very good, it's not a 'magic' lens like the Summicron. 'Magic' is impossible to define but very few lenses have it: another that does is the 38/4.5 Biogon on my Alpa.

The Summicron focuses closer; is contrastier and sharper, especially at full aperture (which is of course 2/3 stop faster); and handles very sweetly indeed. In size, it's very like a pre-aspheric 90/2 Summicron in diameter but (understandably) a bit shorter.

I've attached another pic taken at 1/15 wide open using a monopod: some loss of sharpness due to camera shake but still pretty good.

Cheers,

Roger

 

[Sonnar2]

Is the 2/75 a new lens??

 

[StuartR]

Roger, that is a fabulous shot. The lens does indeed look excellent. The sharpness in the boy's eyes is nice and the background blur is very pleasant. Nice example.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Thanks Stuart. But at a list price of $2950 the lens really ought to flatter even a modest photographer's skills!

Cheers,

Roger (www.rogerandfrances.com)

 

[Todd.Hanz]

Thanks Stuart. But at a list price of $2950 the lens really ought to flatter even a modest photographer's skills! (www.rogerandfrances.com)

.........and get me to work and back! 😀

Todd

Roger,
great portrait, bokeh is smooth.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Todd,

Well, yes...

But if you want a 38/4.5 Biogon in Alpa mount -- the lens I compared the Summicron with for 'magic' -- it'll cost you even more on the USED market! Magic don't come cheap.

Thanks for the kind words: herewith another shot which (I hope) well illustrates bokeh in a very varied background.

Cheers,

Roger (www.rogerandfrances.com)

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Roger... I'm green with envy!

But then, I've never had an urgent need for a 75mm. That's my compensation. If I don't do that, I won't be able to sleep at nights...

BTW, really nice portrait!

 

[Roger Hicks]

Yeah, well, I never felt much need for 75mm either -- until I got this one! I'm trying to work out how long I can hang on to it before giving it back to Leica!

And thanks for the kind words about the picture of Jack.

Cheers,

Roger