Leica-M 90mm 11123 vs 11136

I remember well the first time I saw an early Chome 90mm Summicron and thought it was the most handsome lens I ever laid eyes on. Had a later head unit only v2 that I used on my Leicaflex, and then found this early v2 in 'black paint.' In many ways, it is one of those perfect vintage lenses for a solid build, style, and optical quality. This lens is actually black anodized with the one brass/black-paint ring,11122 SEOOM is from a limited special order (est. maybe a few hundred made) in 1959. With the iconic 'collapsible water cup' lens hood and the large area 'scalloped' knurling rings (early with the groves on the 'mountain tops'), this one also has the gold-amber lens coatings that Leitz used on some of their fast lenses in the early 1960s. The same lens layout as v1 1957, but was updated with LaK9 (lanthanum crown glass) for better optical quality. It is sharp with medium/low contrast wide open and gets really good stopped down by f4, flat field, and little if any vignetting. Very long focus throw which can take some time and finger dexterity, but can actually help with closer distance at that wide aperture. You don't really hold the camera with this lens, but use the lens to stabilize with one hand under it [or I use a Leitz table-top tripod as a shoulder stock threaded directly on this lens]. Yes, it is a bit of weight but this can be an advantage with slower shuttle speeds in low light. I had a v3 also, more compact, shorter focus throw, and optically quality was basically the same with maybe slightly better contrast/flare-control at f2. I really like this lens on my Leica SL.DSCF0892.JPG
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I've used both lenses, and while the earlier lens takes great pictures, I much prefer the later lens as it is quite a bit shorter and lighter - it's easier on my shoulder on long days, and it's a much more discrete thing to be noticed taking pictures with.
 
I tried the big one and did not like it. I bought the pre asph that looks like the center one. Far better lens. Then the APO which is superb. The 90 micro collapsible is as good as the best, but only F 4.0. I carry it for light weight long with 50 2.8 Elmar M collapsible.
 
I bought the older version, c. 1960 (mine has no serial number) specifically to be able to remove the head and use it on my Visoflex bellows. I can get close to 1:1 macro with the head on the bellows, and still focus to infinity. The same ring allows me to use the head from my 135/2.8 on the bellows. I do use both lenses as normal lenses as well, especially the 90, but it is large and heavy. I carry my 90/2.8 "fat" in my bag, and only take the 90/2 if I really want the shallower DOF and the softer focus wide open.

Here's a shot taken with it on Acros II with it in "macro mode" on the visoflex and bellows.
Acros II R1 17 by Drew Saunders, on Flickr

If I ever get a digital M (M10M or M11M), I'll keep the lens and bellows, but use the Novoflex tube set instead of the really clunky Visoflex and compose on the screen or with the Electronic Visoflex.
 
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