75 or 90?

I haven't used a 90 with the R-D1, but my 75mm Heliar doesn't get used a lot. I really like the lens, but the framing takes some practice and you need to use it regularly to keep your framing skill in useable condition. A 50mm lens that focuses to 0.7m works for portraits at least as well as the 75mm (with 1m focus limit, which can be frustrating).
 
I have enjoyed the 75 best. Theses days, I typically use my camera in social gatherings. In these circumstances, I find the 75 is perfect for facial portrait photos, while the 90 is too close (often you can't see any space around the face).

Phil

P.S. I have a 90/2 AA Leica that never focused properly for me on the R-D1. This is not uncommon (see http://www.richcutler.co.uk/r-d1/r-d1_11.htm for more data). This problem could have led to my preference. I am experimenting with a 90/2.8 Konica Hexanon - I've liked it so far bit I still prefer the 75.
 
I dont go by just a FL, but rather by the lens I like. I have used and liked M-Hexanon 90, Nikkor 10.5cm and Jupiter 9 (85/2) on RD1s - all with great results. You sort of have to guess framing, but so what? ;)
Hex 90:
3345425294_e0e7e21e58.jpg


J-9:

2548430328_e8f90d6c6e.jpg


Nikkor 10.5cm:

2892870566_3a752c3fa4.jpg



all wide open or close to wide open.
 
want to bump this thread...

i have a 35-135 nikon external finder, so i am not too worried about framing for the various focal lengths mentioned.
i am using the 50 (76 fov) more and more and getting more comfortable with it.
my budget would prefer a cv 75 which = 114 fov on the rd1, my unchained desire is for the zm 85 but i also wonder about the cv 90 which generally get rave reviews from users.
 
want to bump this thread...

i have a 35-135 nikon external finder, so i am not too worried about framing for the various focal lengths mentioned.
i am using the 50 (76 fov) more and more and getting more comfortable with it.
my budget would prefer a cv 75 which = 114 fov on the rd1, my unchained desire is for the zm 85 but i also wonder about the cv 90 which generally get rave reviews from users.

I love the 75 and the Heliar is a really sweet lens. But for your subjects, I would suggest the 90, which is a lot sharper wide open. Plus you don't need the extra speed.
Later you could get a chrome Nikkor 85/2 for that extra speed and the special sonnar look that is so attractive for portraits.

I'm really really happy using the summicron 75/2. But certainly way over budget, even at today's low used prices.
 
I dont go by just a FL, but rather by the lens I like. I have used and liked M-Hexanon 90, Nikkor 10.5cm and Jupiter 9 (85/2) on RD1s - all with great results. You sort of have to guess framing, but so what? ;)
Hex 90:
3345425294_e0e7e21e58.jpg


J-9:

2548430328_e8f90d6c6e.jpg


Nikkor 10.5cm:

2892870566_3a752c3fa4.jpg



all wide open or close to wide open.

Outstanding fotos.
 
I love the 75 and the Heliar is a really sweet lens. But for your subjects, I would suggest the 90, which is a lot sharper wide open. Plus you don't need the extra speed.
Later you could get a chrome Nikkor 85/2 for that extra speed and the special sonnar look that is so attractive for portraits.

I'm really really happy using the summicron 75/2. But certainly way over budget, even at today's low used prices.

that's interesting, i would have thought for my style that a 75 might be better.

judging from the number of responses, i am assuming that not many rd1 users are using longer lenses, would that be accurate?

joe
 
Joe have you that of a Elmar/CLE 4/90? I've used that lens on the RD1 also. It can be found for around $250 or so and easily sold if you don't like it. It is a very small lens so easy to carry and blocks less of viewfinder. Focus has been easy I suppose because of the f4 max. Framing not as easy without a finder but it sounds like you have that solved.
 
I had a 90 and I found it very hard to focus accurately at middle distance. I wasn't using a magnifying diopter though.
 
i have owned the cle 90 in the past (several times).

the cv 90 is attractive because it gets such great reviews and i also like the cv 75 (which i have also owned several times).
my dilema is deciding which focal length might be best for me on the rd1, 114 mm or 138 mm?
 
brain jammed...doh!

well, i just had a brilliant thought, why not look through my nikon varifocal external finder and see what i might see when shooting at 114 or 138 (75 or 90) and it's not all that dramatic a difference.
i think the cv 90 is sharper than the 75 but by enough for me to notice the difference? doubtful for street shooting.

the decision now shifts to new or used and whichever pops up first at the best price.

for those who may have been following my lens acquisition travels...i decided against the cv 12, for now, as i want to use the 15 and 21 for a while longer till i get better with them.
joe
 
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