90mm alternatives to the Summicron - either M or LTM

[charjohncarter]

This is my 90mm, 11 years with me (~$80). Home made light box. I don't use the 90mm very much.

Untitled by John Carter, on Flickr

 

[peterm1]

This is my 90mm, 11 years with me (~$80). Home made light box. I don't use the 90mm very much.
Untitled by John Carter, on Flickr

John, I had one of these some years ago and while it was a very pretty little lens and quite convenient to have in the bag or on the camera, I intended it mainly for use on an LTM camera and when I sold that camera I sold this lens (eventually - I hung onto it for some time).

I think I recall it being a little too low in contrast for my taste at the time though this on reflection could have been due to a need for a good old fashioned cleaning. More recently after I swapped over to shooting more and more digital images to the point that I now seldom shoot film, I find that low contrast is a desired attribute and in any event can be rectified easily in post.

 

[CharlesDAMorgan]

A very good point Peter - my experience with the Elmar largely predates my developing and scanning, with those all done by the film processor. I did get some lovely images from it, but it also had a habit of being low contrast to the point even post processing couldn't get you there.

My niece Natasha

A bit too vintage even with contrast up to the max!

 

[pyeh]

There is also the modern Zeiss ZM 85/2 Sonnar, made in Germany. They stopped production a few years ago but it occasionally pops up for sale used, at hideous prices. I don't think it was cheap to start with though. People rave about it like they do with the Summilux 75/1.4, also scarce and expensive.

 

[Richard G]

The Elmarit M. Biting.


Rosetable by Richard, on Flickr

 

[charjohncarter]

John, I had one of these some years ago and while it was a very pretty little lens and quite convenient to have in the bag or on the camera, I intended it mainly for use on an LTM camera and when I sold that camera I sold this lens (eventually - I hung onto it for some time).

I think I recall it being a little too low in contrast for my taste at the time though this on reflection could have been due to a need for a good old fashioned cleaning. More recently after I swapped over to shooting more and more digital images to the point that I now seldom shoot film, I find that low contrast is a desired attribute and in any event can be rectified easily in post.

I can't tell a high contrast lens from a low contrast lens: too many variables. And you would think in California which is sunshine wise similar to Australia; with that variable gone I would be able to tell the difference. But anyway with digital post processing the polemic is moot.

My brother-in-law with his wife many years ago (90mm Elmar LTM):

Tmax400 HC-110h by John Carter, on Flickr

 

[peterm1]

I can't tell a high contrast lens from a low contrast lens: too many variables. And you would think in California which is sunshine wise similar to Australia; with that variable gone I would be able to tell the difference. But anyway with digital post processing the polemic is moot.

My brother-in-law with his wife many years ago (90mm Elmar LTM):

Tmax400 HC-110h by John Carter, on Flickr

"Polemic: a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something."

I would not call it a polemic John: That is rather too strong. I am simply stating my impressions of the lens and my reasons for not keeping it. In some ways I rather liked it - especially its build quality and discrete size. I agree that for the most part contrast can be rectified easily these days. regards Peter

 

[charjohncarter]

"Polemic: a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something."

I would not call it a polemic John: That is rather too strong. I am simply stating my impressions of the lens and my reasons for not keeping it. In some ways I rather liked it - especially its build quality and discrete size. I agree that for the most part contrast can be rectified easily these days. regards Peter

Actually, polemica is Spanish for controversial, I guess I slipped into another language. No attack: just contrast is so easy to adjust digitally. I don't think in terms of high/low contrast lenses. Que tenga un bonita dia.

 

[Ramersdorfer]

“No Canons, Nikkors or Apo Lanthars to be found in the UK.”

There’s an Apo Lanthar (along with some other Voigtländer ltms in case anyone is interested) here in Germany at photohaus.de.

No connection to the seller etc, but I have bought from them before.

 

[CharlesDAMorgan]

Thanks Ramersdorfer - always happy to buy from Germany and a very nice example there!

 

[CharlesDAMorgan]

And bought.

The cheapest option, fast enough and slightly different to the Elmarit norm.

I'll see how I get on, better sell a few more things to keep up the net DeGas though...

 

[Huss]

Sold at Beyond the Lines Gallery in Ojai - Kosmic Koi shot using Macro Elmar 90mm, pin sharp at 40x60 inches.

 

[CharlesDAMorgan]

Lovely. It's a lens that's on the list for later acquisition.

 

[CharlesDAMorgan]

Just to add on the Apo Lanthar (apples and oranges possibly) is it weighs a mere third of a Summicron (210g) and is about half the size. It was also cheaper than the only Hexanon by a fair amount. When the weather improves a pocketable 90mm will be well worth it, and it's silver to match my M3...The compromise is that half stop (I never ever used the Summicron at f2) vs the alternatives butI can live with that.

Now to flog the Summicron!

 

[Ramersdorfer]

I hope it works for you.

And that's some re/de-gassing going on!

 

[peterm1]

Actually, polemica is Spanish for controversial, I guess I slipped into another language. No attack: just contrast is so easy to adjust digitally. I don't think in terms of high/low contrast lenses. Que tenga un bonita dia.

All good. 🙂

 

[EZfan]

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.

+1 🙂 well said 🙂

 

[Beemermark]

I currently have the Elmarit-M (last version made) and (I think) the last version Tele-Elmarit made. All the tele-Elmarit were good lenses, but the last version (thin??) was the best and the Elmarit slightly better yet @ 2.8 & 4. But given the 90mm is typically a portrait lens I don't think which is slightly better means that much. The Elmarit is one of the few Leica lenses I've purchased new only to see the price drop. Both lenses are a steal at today prices and I've seen the Tele_Elmarit going in the $400~500 range.


The 90/2.8 is a rather simple lens, design wise. Why everyone is recommending a 2.8 lens is because it is so much smaller lens than 90 Summicron. I have a 135mm Elmarit (with goggles) that is roughly the same size as the 90 Summicron. I sold the 90 Summicron because I rarely used it, because of the size. I rarely use the 135mm Elmarit but when I want that incredibly shallow DOF with a portrait lens the 135 is perfect. The 135 Elmarit today sells in the $250~350 range, a really bargain.

 

[CharlesDAMorgan]

I agree on the 135mm Elmarit f2.8, a real bargain and one I have. It is a portrait lens par excellence (I don't think I've used it more than twice for any other purpose) and on the M3 framing is easier.

Now to await my Voigtlander.

 

[retinax]

These Voigtländer 90s have an internet reputation of haze, like some other ltm Voigtländer lenses. Make sure to check while you can return it!
reddotcameras.co.uk also has one.