Tom A
RFF Sponsor
I would also consider the Voigtlander 75mm f1.8 - it has a nice smooth look at f1.8/f2 and sharpens up quite a bit when stopped down.
The Nikkor 195mm f2.5 is another good choice - it still can hold its own as portrait lens. Also look at the Nikkor 85mm f2.0 - again even though it is an old design - it works well.
The Nikkor 195mm f2.5 is another good choice - it still can hold its own as portrait lens. Also look at the Nikkor 85mm f2.0 - again even though it is an old design - it works well.
MCTuomey
Veteran
I hit focus more reliably with 75s, so they are my preference for portraits. Many good ones noted already: CV 75/2.5, Summarit 75, and the expensive but very good Summicron 75 AA. +1 on the 240's 75 framelines, quite comfortable in use, quick/short throw focus rings.
filmtwit
Desperate but not serious
I'm with TOm here, though the 75mm f1.8 is kind of long and big lens as a whole.
Another one you might try is the Nikkor 85mm f2 (sonnar). It's fairly compact.
Another one you might try is the Nikkor 85mm f2 (sonnar). It's fairly compact.
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
Keith, another Zuiko you may want to consider.
Zuiko 135mm 1:2.8
This is mounted on my E-P2 which makes it a 270mm (ish) focal length. But look at the creamy tones. Portraits would look good with this lens.
Zuiko 135mm 1:2.8
This is mounted on my E-P2 which makes it a 270mm (ish) focal length. But look at the creamy tones. Portraits would look good with this lens.
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
Sonnar 85/2 ZM? See below on M9:
Gorgeous photo!
judsonzhao
Well-known
Zeiss does have a 85/2 Sonnar and it's made in German. It runs more expensive than a 90 summicron APO
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Had, I think, rather than has. As far as I know the last batch was made 4 years ago.
Cheers,
R.
Mackinaw
Think Different
A friend has lent me her M-240 for awhile and I used it to photograph a model friend of mine this past weekend. I used a 50mm Summicron, a 50/1.2 Canon LTM, and 75 Summilux and a 90/2.8 Elmar-M. While I just started to process the DNG files, my favorite pics, so far, are those taken with the old Canon. Here’s one taken at F1.4.
Jim B.
Jim B.
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
One of the Photo annuals I liked, circa 1961 or so, had a portrait taken with a 90mm Summicron, of a young girl named "Birgitta." I never forgot that photo. Anyone else remember it?
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
Thanks for the advice and pics everyone. I'm thinking early 90mm Summicron .... I don't mind the size and the one I had a few years back was a gem. 
teddy
Jose Morales
Thanks for the advice and pics everyone. I'm thinking early 90mm Summicron .... I don't mind the size and the one I had a few years back was a gem.
The Summicron 90/2 was the sharpest thing around in the 50's and 60's. Not ridiculously sharp like the current lenses, but still sharp. I think the 90 Summicron is just right for you.
Leica M3, 1959 Summicron 90 f2, wide open, (Midland Canada), Edu Ultra 100
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
The Summicron 90/2 was the sharpest thing around in the 50's and 60's. Not ridiculously sharp like the current lenses, but still sharp. I think the 90 Summicron is just right for you.
Leica M3, 1959 Summicron 90 f2, wide open, (Midland Canada), Edu Ultra 100
Lovely ......
jcrutcher
Veteran
If you want a softer modern lens not super sharp like the 90 F2.0 super Cron I would recommend the Voigtlander Heliar 75mm f1.8.
My great Nephew Gavin at his preschool graduation. M-240 M-P
Gavin Crutcher Graduation.jpg by Jim Crutcher, on Flickr
My great Nephew Gavin at his preschool graduation. M-240 M-P
Gavin Crutcher Graduation.jpg by Jim Crutcher, on Flickr
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
What can anyone tell me about the 90mm f2.5 Summarit .... Mainline here in Oz has a used one in stock at the moment.
kermaier
Well-known
The CV 75/2.5 Heliar is so good and so cheap that you can't afford not to pick one up, even if you also go for a 90mm of some sort.
uhoh7
Veteran
What can anyone tell me about the 90mm f2.5 Summarit .... Mainline here in Oz has a used one in stock at the moment.
That's my main 90, wicked sharp, even infinity WO, great with color, but a very edgy modern look.
A fantastic, and unique lens.
For portraits I usually go the 75 Lux, which will go to .7, as will the new 90/2.4
here the 90/2.5 on A7.mod:
DSC09074 by Charlie Webster, on Flickr
below I'm front focused a bit and you can see the OOF rendering a bit:
DSC08792 by Charlie Webster, on Flickr
Very good form factor on the lens also, and you probably won't have the calibration risks that come with older lenses.
As we all know there are a ton of great old portrait lenses, I have 3 Canon 85s, 1.9 though 1.5 and the 105/2.5 nikkor. All great if you have a good copy but all big and heavy, though the Canon 85/1.8 is pretty good size.
The summarit is a much nicer form factor than the elmarit-M and just as sharp with maybe better color.
As mentioned above the 90 Hex is really nice, but calibration must be carefully checked, and the CV 75/1.8 is the poor man's Lux.
The Lux is in a class by itself, but it's big. I had to pay over 3k for mine, but it is a perfect copy; most are not.
here is the 90/2.5 on M9:
Storm Clouds by unoh7, on Flickr
I don't use it for portraits much, but maybe I should
