75/2 Summicron

R

Roger Hicks

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

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