90mm alternatives to the Summicron - either M or LTM

[CharlesDAMorgan]

I like the 90mm focal length a lot, but my 1st edition one is somewhat large, prone to flare and lacking a bit of punch (if Zeiss did 90mm M mount fast lenses that don't have issues). In colour, which I don't shoot much, I think the Summicron is a joy.

Any recommendations worth considering in M Mount or LTM with a bit more contrast and somewhat lighter - I doubt I would ever use anything slower than f2.8 (so bye bye tele tessar). Cheaper than more modern Leica is also good.

 

[Timmyjoe]

I've used a number of 90mm Leica lenses, and haven't found one I like as much as my Nikkor-P.C. 8.5cm f2.0 LTM. It's probably not any lighter than the Leicas or much smaller, but I really like the way it renders.

Best,
-Tim

 

[bullterrier]

Voigtländer apo lanthar 90mm but f3?5..its small though and looks nice in silver

 

[ranger9]

I had that first-gen 90/2 Summicron (the one with the built-in tripod socket) and I found it super disappointing. I was much happier with the LTM version of the 105/2.5 Nikkor (big and heavy) and happier yet with the 100mm f/2 Canon, which I still own. One potential gotcha is that nobody except Nikon made a camera with a 105 frameline, and nobody but Canon made one with a 100 frameline.

 

[CharlesDAMorgan]

Four that had not occurred to me! 85 is fine with framelines, not so sure about the others, but a slightly tighter crop is not the end of the world. Thanks!

 

[jordan.dickinson]

The newer Leica Elmarit-M is amazing in my opinion and can be had for about $850 depending on condition. Additionally the older Leica "fat" tele-elmarit 90mm f2.8 can be had for about $650 or so, and again, a great option. Nice and compact but a little bit heavy. Finally, the Konica Hexanon-M 90mm f2.8 is even cheaper, resembles the Elmarit-M (latest) and has pretty good reviews from what I've seen. I've not owned this lens, but always wanted to try it, especially given the price, maybe $400 (not sure on this one). In any event, you have a lot of good options out there.

 

[Huss]

I use the Leitz Macro Elmar M 90mm f4.
Fantastic and tiny.

 

[valdas]

Elmarit -M? Quite compact, very very sharp. Nice bokeh.

 

[DominikDUK]

Leica Summarit-M 2.5/90mm can be found for the same price as later Summicrons and is very very sharp

 

[splitimageview]

90/2.8 Tele Elmarit, nice and light, actually pretty much the same size as the 90/4 Elmar.

If weight isn't an issue, 85/2 Nikkor.

 

[CharlesDAMorgan]

Even more!

I fear Huss that the Macro Elmar M is just too rich for my blood, alas. I shall use the excuse of the f4.

 

[D.O'K.]

I'll put a word in for the humble 90mm LTM elmar, my copy of which at least is sharp and pretty contrasty, and surprisingly flare-free for its era (although I tend to use a lens hood). They're also fairly small and light, and have good ergonomics.

However at f4 it might be a bit slow for you--but they're cheap!

Regards,
D.

 

[CharlesDAMorgan]

I had the LTM Elmar 90 Darren, I found it a bit inclined to flare, so while it's a nice old beastie I'll pass (but it's certainly cheap!)

 

[Yokosuka Mike]

The Voigtlander 90mm f3.5 APO-Lanthar LTM lens. It might not be fast but it's good!

https://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=168121

All the best,
Mike

 

[Rob-F]

90/2.8 Tele Elmarit, nice and light, actually pretty much the same size as the 90/4 Elmar.

And as a matter of fact, it's only a tad longer and heavier than the 75mm CV Color-Heliar. I will throw it in the bag when I want a small light 90 along. I'm thinking of the thin Tele-Elmarit when I say this.

 

[Rob-F]

The newer Leica Elmarit-M is amazing in my opinion and can be had for about $850 depending on condition.

I still have my original chrome 90 Elmarit. I've always thought of it as being about as sharp as a lens could be. A tripod is definitely required to fully appreciate how good it is. But I have wondered how much better the Elmarit-M might be--not that I need a better lens. Maybe someone who has tried both could comment or show examples.

 

[presspass]

Another vote for the thin tele elmarit. I have, and use a Summicron, but when I want light and sharp, I turn to the tele elmarit. Small, sharp, portable and easy to hand hold. I use it in preference to the elmarit M

 

[WJJ3]

As a Summicron alternative, I second the Canon 100mm f2. I have had mine for a couple months and so far I am really impressed with it's performance. It is not a small lens, but for what it is the size weight and handling are great.

 

[Tim Gray]

I like the 90 Macro the most of my 3 90’s. The Konica Hexanon M is okay. Relatively affordable and small, not the sharpest lens I own. The pre-ASPH Summicron is a nice lens which you can get around $1k. Big, slow to focus, but nice and sharp stopped down and a bit soft wide open. Nice lens.

I’ve had the Macro twice. Once some years ago. I really enjoyed it then - perfect for traveling. Bought it again last year and glad I did. I only sold it originally because mine wasn’t 6 bit coded and it would have cost too much to code the lens and the adapter. It was cheaper to sell and buy the whole kit again later.

You can find the lens on KEH or Lensauthority for a decent price. More than a used Summarit or LTM lens sure, but pretty affordable for a Leica lens. I think I like the older version that works with the goggles more; I can use it with my film cameras and it’s cheaper.

 

[peterm1]

Another vote for the Elmarit M. I own the chrome one circa 1960 and like it though its appearance is a little archaic. The later ones are even better performance wise. I also own a fat and a skinny Tele Elmarit. (Obsessive, agreed). The only real criticism is that both tend to flare if the sun is anywhere near the field of view though a deep hood helps. So I tend to discount this if I were you given would be swapping it for another lens which flares.
You can see from this that I too like the 90mm focal length.