90mm choices

[robinje]

I am looking for a 90mm lens and have it narrowed to the following, which are within my budget:

Summarit-M 90/2.5 (new)
Elmarit-M 90/2.8 (used - like new)
Summicron (used - CLA'd, E55)

These are all roughly the same cost. Of course, the Elmarit-M and Summicron have nce built-in hoods, and the Summarit-M would require additional purchase of a screw-in hood. As I see it, the only benefit of the Summarit-M is that it is brand new and would have the factory warranty. The used lenses would perhaps be better from a purely technical IQ standpoint, but ultimate technical performance isn't so important to me. Dependability, image rendering, and user interaction (ease of use, feel, etc.) are what are my main considerations. The lens I buy will be used primarily for B/W film. These are all 'fast' enough lenses for my needs. What would you do?

 

[sleepyhead]

I would use the E55 Summicron - it'll give you LOVELY, WONDERFUL results with B&W film, and it isn't too expensive.

 

[chris00nj]

I wouldn't turn my nose up at the technical IQ aspects of the Summarit, but I'd probably go for the Elmarit in your case.

If you don't need the extra stop, why haul around a bigger, heavier lens. So that cuts out the Summicron.

Leica M lenses are built well, so warranty becomes a moot point. If the Elmarit works well now, there's no reason why it should continue to work well. It's not a transmission afterall.

 

[ferider]

For portraits the Summicron, for landscapes and travel the Elmarit. I had both and kept the Summicron. That version is not too big. Have no experience with the Summarit.

What other lenses do you use ? if you have a 50/1.4 your 90 should be faster, too ....

 

[robinje]

For portraits the Summicron, for landscapes and travel the Elmarit. I had both and kept the Summicron. That version is not too big. Have no experience with the Summarit.

What other lenses do you use ? if you have a 50/1.4 your 90 should be faster, too ....

My other lenses are all modern Zeiss:

• 25/2.8 Biogon
• 35/2 Biogon
• 50/1.5 Sonnar

 

[back alley]

the hex 90 is 2.8 and a sonnar as well. very sharp.

 

[fbf]

I didn't think the elmarit M was that much smaller than e55 summicron, or lighter. Both are sweet lenses but I much prefer the faster cron. I also have a much smaller and compact 90 TE for travel purpose. I even use the cv 90 (great lens btw) sometimes in the day time.

 

[payasam]

The CV 90 is an excellent lens: but as you can afford an Elmarit, that would probably be the best choice. As Chris says, warranty is not so important with Leitz lenses.

 

[ferider]

My other lenses are all modern Zeiss:

• 25/2.8 Biogon
• 35/2 Biogon
• 50/1.5 Sonnar

With the Sonnar as 50, I definitely recommend the Summicron - they match very well. Here are two example pics:

Cheers,

Roland.

 

[robinje]

I ended up going with the Elmarit-M. Thanks for all your advice!

 

[issa918]

Size of both.

Elmarit-M is from my friend, the Summicron is my newly acquired lens.

I love the Summicron after trial of both.

Elmarit-M + Kodak 400VC

Summicron-M + Fujifilm Xtra400

All were wide open, i def love Summicron better. Elmarit-M is more clinical and flawless, but Summicron gives me more mood. My other combo is Noctilux E58 + Summilux 35 ASPH + Summicron 5cm Collapsible. I'm a night shooter, mostly use 400 negative and B/W, so f2.8 is a bit slow to me, i always have to use 1/25 or 1/10 (yes, I use M3 DS), which need more luck to get a steady shots. For practical reason, Summicron-M matches my habit.

 

[peter_n]

Love these pics with the E55 90/2. What a lens!

 

[Erik van Straten]

Summicron 90mm f/2 6 elements, Leica M3, TriX printed on Ilford MGIV fb.

Erik.