90mm, Summicron or Elmarit

[ravid905]

Of the two, which would you pick for wide open and close up. Not the new ASPH or anything like that since I dont have that kind of money. Also I am unsure of what type they are, fat, short, skinny, or anything else they may be nicknamed. I've seen both in the same price range lately and was wondering what others experiences have been? Also if anyone has any photos taken with either, and maybe a little bit about why you would choose it over the other?

 

[laptoprob]

comparison

comparison

Welcome to the forum. I had the last version Summicron pre-asph and compared it to a fat 60's Tele-Elmarit. At f2,8 they proved equally sharp, the Summicron is quite a bit softer wide open. And heavier. Sinci I usually do not need the speed that much I sold the Summicron. But, it is a very, very nice lens.
Here is that comparison.

 

[Ronald M]

Lenses with removeable heads for visoflex use will give the best performance for closeup photography. 2.8 elmarits 4.0 elmars or the Summicron with removeable lens head which leaves out the last two versions including the APO. No tele-elmars

The 100 Apo for the R series is a killer near or far and better than any M lens full open close up

 

[Les Lammers]

The Minolta 90 f4.0 for the CLE is an excellent lens, uses 40.5 mm filters and is a good buy.

 

[x-ray]

I've owned two earlier summicron 90's and three elmarit's. By far the elmarit is the better lens. I've been using the elmarit since 1968 and find it to be a superb lens even by todays standards. I recently purchased a apo asph 90 and still have my elmarit. I certainly like the apo asph but really love the images from the elmarit and have no desire to sell it. IMO the elmarit is the best overall 90 that Leitz has produced. The apo asph may be a little sharper but the tonality and smoothness of the elmarit is stunning not to mention the compact size.

Do not confuse the performance of the tele-elmarit with the conventional elmarit. While it is a fine lens it isn't the same as the elmarit.

 

[x-ray]

Here are a few examples of the elmarit 1st version.

 

[x-ray]

a few more examples of the 90 elmarit.

 

[wlewisiii]

You might find this shot of use as well - from left to right there is the 90/2.8 Elmarit, 90/2 Summicron and 90/4 Elmar. We did this comparison at the recent Madison, WI RFF gathering.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=24804

Hope this helps,

William

 

[back alley]

mango has a cv 90 for sale right now, here on the forum.
it's a 3.5 but by all accounts it is deadly sharp.

just something else to consider.

 

[ravid905]

Thanks for all the replies. First off, I'm a little new to all the different names for the lenses, I had thought that the elmarit was the same the the tele elmarit except someone didnt put the "tele" on it. Forgive the novice mistake on that one. As for the rokkor or even elmar-c, I have a tele-arton for my IIIS ( 85 F4 ) but i find it a little too slow and close focus of 6 feet limiting indoors. I figured if I am going for something a little closer focusing, a little faster wouldn't hurt either.

I guess i should say that my goal as far as M-mount is concerned, is a faster wider than 50, which I have ordered a 40 nokton from cameraquest, ( 2 stops over my retina 35 ) the 90 ( 1 or 2 stops and closer focus ) and maybe a 135, very iffy about a need for this one though, ( not concerned about the stop difference but much closer focus than 13 feet ). I'm happy with my 28 f4, and my 50 1.9. As far as weight is concerned, anything lighter than a maxxum 7, with grip, and say a 28-135 4-4.5 which is on body the most, and batteries ( lets say 1700g altogether ) isn't going to bother me, I'm still young and plucky ( for now, crossed the 30 barrier if that meens anything ). My eyes are still good so I'm guessing I will be able to focus a summicron with a .72 finder for quite a while still ( see above ).

I am glad I found this site, it has definitely been a great help, especially the understanding and excellent replies to my posts of the last few weeks, I'm looking forward to being able to contribute something besides questions one day. Once again thanks to all.

 

[Shac]

Ravid - Wide open my “old” chrome elmarit is noticeably sharper than my thin tele-elmarit. The latter also is prone to flare. I’d go with the elmarit (first version) if size isn’t a problem. The chrome elmarit weighs 323 g compared to the black anodized tele-elmarit which weighs 209 g
Good luck
David

 

[Hugo vanG]

a few more examples of the 90 elmarit.

X-ray, I only saw these shots today, I really like menonite boy and petroskids, outstanding portraits.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

I've shot with the 90 fat Tele-Elmarit (very good lens in its own right) and the Hexanon-m 90/2.8. I kept the Hexanon-m 90/2.8, exceptionally well-built, even better than the Leica, super sharp, beautiful signature wide open, built in sliding hood, compact. A hidden gem of a lens, as indeed, most of the hexanon-m lenses are. good luck.

 

[photocrazy]

I have the first version elmarit as well as the latest summicron asph. The elmarit is already very good even wide-open. It might not be ideal for colour film as the single coat produces less contrasty images. However, for B&W, this turns out to be an advantage by which you can have richer grey tones. I do recommand you buy a lens shade if you go with this lens. The hood is very useful for good image quality. Another choice could be Voigtlander 90 f3.5 lanther. It's a modern lens with very good contrast and resolution and is also very inexpensive.

 

[raid]

Both lenses are excellent, but the Summicron is heavy. I have the old design with built-in lens hood. It is an awesome lens, an love using it. I also use the old Elmarit quite a lot. Whenever I think that I can live with the Elmarit and I should sell the Summicron, I take out the Summicron and shoot a roll with it. When I get back the photos, I realize [again] that I must keep it.

 

[Will]

Hi,

Anyone with experience on a 90 Summicron Type 2?

Are they good wide open or at 2.8?

 

[ravid905]

Thanks to all. After a couple of weeks of staring ( obsessively really ) at x-rays and Daniels photos, I finally decided to go with the summicron. I think second version actually is the one. You would think it would be easy to do actually, I watched so many elmarits and crons pass me by, I probably could have had one by now.