Considering my options on a 90mm

[traveler_101]

I am looking for a 90mm lens for portraiture and landscape. I prefer 50mm lenses really and have never shot with a 90 but I have managed to convice myself that I need it for these specific purposes. The lens will probably live on my Bessa-T which I use now as a backup camera, but it would also be very nice as part of my travel kit with the IIIf.

Had been looking at a Leitiz 9cm 4, but Brian and Raid pointed out the virtues of a Canon 100 3.5 on a recent thread. Any second thoughts or advice as to model? I see sometimes it is possible to get the viewfinder with the lens. Anyone know if the finder is usable?

 

[kokoshawnuff]

The Elmar 9cm is probably the best value for any Leica Lens (for a nice one they cost $80-$150), but most of the longer slow lenses of the LTM era are good (whether its Canon, Nikon, or Leica). Just remember you will need a 90mm VF for your Bessa T, and those can often be difficult to find for cheap

 

[rayfoxlee]

If you want something bit more modern, try the CV Apo Lanthar. Very sharp and a bit faster than the Delmar with f3.5.

 

[Bingley]

The Canon 100/3.5 is very, very good, very small, and inexpensive. As for sharp, how's this?:


Cholla-Blooms by bingley0522, on Flickr

 

[traveler_101]

Yes, the Elmar was my first thought but I have been having a hard time finding a good one. CV Lanthar--I will look into it. Steve, nice shot. Which version of the the lens do you have--the all black one?

 

[srtiwari]

I have one for sale here, if you're interested...
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/pho....php/product/37783/title/ltm-and-m-lens/cat/2

 

[cassel]

I would also put in a vote for the Steinheil Culminar 85mm f2.8 - plenty sharp, small and light weight, usually cheap when you can find it.

 

[traveler_101]

If you want something bit more modern, try the CV Apo Lanthar. Very sharp and a bit faster than the Delmar with f3.5.

One just showed up on e-bay for 200 bucks. I resisted my first impulse which was to grab it and while I was messing around trying to find out how much the lens weights and some other info. someone snapped it up - of course. Otherwise we are talking 500 + dollar lens.

 

[-Nash-]

I used a Sun Sola 9cm f/4 for a while with some pretty decent results.
Its a pretty hard lens to come by, but cheap when its up for sale.

There are a few 9cm LTM lenses for sale on Peter Loy's site.

 

[traveler_101]

I would also put in a vote for the Steinheil Culminar 85mm f2.8 - plenty sharp, small and light weight, usually cheap when you can find it.

Never heard of it; made in Munich though. How much does it weigh, do you know?

 

[dbarnes]

The CV Apo Lanthar 90/3.5 definitely is worth a look.

 

[traveler_101]

The CV Apo Lanthar 90/3.5 definitely is worth a look.

Yeah, looks good, but man it is expensive.

 

[John Shriver]

If you want sharp, it's the Canon 100/3.5. If you want something that won't expose every skin defect, the Elmar 90/4 is a better choice. You need one that is clean and haze free, however.

(Then there's the Nikon 105/2.5, but that is definitely big bucks, and quite bulky.)

 

[Bingley]

Yes, the Elmar was my first thought but I have been having a hard time finding a good one. CV Lanthar--I will look into it. Steve, nice shot. Which version of the the lens do you have--the all black one?

Mine is the older black and chrome. Thanks!

 

[goamules]

I just sold an Elmar 90mm, it just wasn't sharp compared to all my other lenses close to this focal length. Even a 1930 Fed 100/6.3 looked better in comparison. I shot it for a couple months and asked myself, "why keep it?" Unless you want it as a soft portrait lens, I'd look for something else. I don't have the Canon 100, but I've had a couple of the 135mm 3.5 ones, and they're the sharpest, nicest lenses I've used in that length. The 135/3.5 is my keeper "long lens".

 

[Livesteamer]

I recently got a Canon 100mm f3.5 and it is very small and very sharp. For $157 on e bay I got the lens, the case and finder in mint condition. I had thought about the Elmar 90mm f4.0 but I'm glad I went with the Canon 100. Perhaps because I already have several 50mm lenses and a VC 75mm. The Canon finder is small but useable. It gives a view about the same as my Nikon 35mm to 135mm finder when it is set to 100mm. Good Luck. Joe

 

[Brian Legge]

Can't go wrong with the Canon or Voigtlander lenses mention in this thread. Just be sure to check the Canon for haze as they seem prone to developing it. Clean ones are absolutely wonderful.

 

[traveler_101]

I found a nice Canon 100 3.5--the older one, black and chrome with the finder. I don't have a lot of time stateside on this trip and didn't feel like taking a chance of losing the lens when it went to auction stage so I just paid the guy what he asked: 200. I paid 43 dollars more than Joe for the same lens. Overpaid I know, but if the lens is in as good conditon as he says it is, it will have been worth it . . . and I have the lens. Better safe than sorry. Thanks for all your help!

 

[goamules]

I'll have to look for the Canon 100. But like I said, the 135/3.5 is the sharpest, nicest in that length I've used. I still see them slipping by for $50, which is what I got mine for when my college daughter begged for my previous one. It had become her favorite, too.

 

[ferider]

The canon 100/3.5 is nice. It's very difficult to find one without coating damage, however, and both the 34mm and 40mm versions are not easy to find a hood for or to filter if you are looking for yellow, orange or red filters. You also need a good LTM adapter for your Bessa, of course.

For modern performance, since your camera is M-mount, the un-sung 90mm hero, IMO, is the 90/4 Elmar-C or Minolta Rokkor (I have the CLE version). Wonderfully sharp, and compact, great handling (aperture doesn't turn when focusing), and the Rokkor versions are easy to find modern filters and hood for (40.5mm). Usually similar in price to the Canon lens when clean (around 300 US).

WRT viewfinder, do yourself a favor and use either Voigtlander or Leica brightline finder. Should be around US 100 used.

Roland.

PS: 200 US is a great price for the Canon that you bought - if it is haze free with intact coating.