Good lens choice "around 90mm"

[M like Leica M6]

Many years ago, I had a Summi 2/90, heavy iron. I sold it because it was simply too big and heavy.

Today I consider buying a used 'portrait' lens, not only for portraits, of course.

But there are so many lenses available, and all these choices confuse me.

The focal length could be between 80 and 110mm, ca. f2.8. It can be M mount or LTM, can be anything except russian lenses (I am too lazy for try and error).

What is a good choice for a sharp, contrasty, affordable lens that is not prone to flare?

("Bokeh" is not important to me.)

 

[Meakin]

Delurking here for a second.

Have a look at the Konica M-Hexanon 90/2.8 - should fit most of your demands.

Cheers,
Meakin

 

[steve kessel]

CV Heliar 90/2.5

 

[Arvay]

Canadian Tele-Elmarit 90/2.8. Light and no so bad

 

[rogue_designer]

canon 100 f3.5 if you want small, sharp and affordable.

canon 100 f2 (or 85 f2) if you want fantastic.

Maybe a touch less contrasty that what you're after though.

 

[Arvay]

CV Heliar 90/2.5

Does it exist?
Or you mean 70 mm?

 

[venchka]

I have & like...

I have & like...

Delurking here for a second.

Have a look at the Konica M-Hexanon 90/2.8 - should fit most of your demands.

Cheers,
Meakin

If I knew then what I know now, I would have jumped all over the 90mm M-Hexanon.

Instead, I bought a 1965 90mm/2.8 Elmarit. Later I bought a Nikkor 8.5cm/2.0. I like both of them. I still yearn for the M-Hexanon and the Nikkor 10.5cm/2.5. I'll get over it.

 

[ferider]

Really depends on your budget. If have tried a lot, I like short teles. Here are my recommendations (used prices, EXC condition, you have to look a bit):

- $100 - $200: Canon 85/{1.9,2.0}
- $200 - $300: CV Heliar 75/2.5, Elmarit v1, Nikkor 105/2.5, chrome Nikkor 85/2
- $300 - $400: Hexanon 90/2.8, Tele Elmarit (E39, serial > 3 Mio)
- $400 - $500: black Nikkor 85/2, Canon 100/2, Canon 85/1.8
- $600 - $700: Summicron 90/2 v3 (smaller and more resolution/contrast than the one you had),

All worth the money.

Cheers,

Roland.

 

[holgaguy]

On a budget ? ( I always am)
Then the Jupiter-9 85/2

 

[M like Leica M6]

On a budget ? ( I always am)
Then the Jupiter-9 85/2

On a budget, yes, but not at the cost of taing the risk with a russian lens. If I found a dealer that really tests such a lens and guarantees that it really works well it might be an option. But I had asked for such a dealer in our "FSU" sub-forum, and everybody said that the low costs of these lenses would not allow testing.

Can someone explain in a nutshell the differences between all those Elmarits, Tele-Elmarits, v1-3, German or Canadian...?

 

[Uwe_Nds]

I own the M-Hexanon 90/2.8 and the pre-war Elmar 9 cm/4 and I am happy with both of them.

Best regards,
Uwe

 

[venchka]

I also have the CV 75/2.5. One of these days I need to figure out which one of my 3 lenses between 75mm & 90mm to part with.

 

[ferider]

Can someone explain in a nutshell the differences between all those Elmarits, Tele-Elmarits, v1-3, German or Canadian...?

I recommend not to worry about German vs. Canadian. Here is a nice summary:

http://www.kbcamera.com/elmarit90mm.htm

Best,

Roland.

 

[Pherdinand]

how about a 90/2 summicron, lol

sorry, that's what i have that's what i recommend 😛 except my jupiter-9 which you excluded from start.

 

[steve kessel]

Does it exist?
Or you mean 70 mm?

Sorry I meant CV 75/2.5

 

[Fuchs]

What about a late E46 Elmarit-M 90/2.8? These are brilliant performers.

 

[pevelg]

The Elmar Macro 90mm.... Pretty expensive and also slow at F4, but very nice images and can focus to .76m, and up to .5m with the macro adapter. Also VERY compact. I've owned two Jupiter 9's, one horrible and the other superb. What was nice about the superb one was I got a premium price when selling it as it was proven good. On the other hand, I sold the bad one for about 40 due to it's poor quality.

 

[hans voralberg]

Nikkor 85/2, it's superb. I lust for the 105/2.5 but have no money at the moment =)

 

[DwF]

I recommend the 90mm Tele-Elmarit, fat or thin models both are good. It is worth noting, these lenses come alive at f3.5 So think of it as a 90mm f3.5 and wide-open (in those terms), it's a really fine lens. Small and easy to pack around. They need a good lens hood because of potential to flare. The newer E 46 Elmarit M is also a great lens but for more money.

David

 

[WoolenMammoth]

If you can find a hexanon it will go head to head with *any* 90 out there. truly an amazing lens. the thin tele-elmarit is also a very nice lens with a much different character, owning both isnt redundant at all. The hex is a monster amazing lens...