Ben Z
Veteran
I've had many different 90's, and my experience is if the lens has good glass and coatings and is properly collimated and hasn't been damaged (including tinkered with by an incompetent) you really can't go far wrong with any of them. Older lenses have somewhat less contrast and more propensity to flare with in-your-face light sources (making hoods desireable), and corner sharpness is down a notch until middle apertures.
The biggest advantages and disadvantages for me come down to speed and size/weight.
Currently I have 4 90's: a late (1956) LTM rigid Elmar, fat and thin Tele-Elmarits, and pre-APO/ASPH e55 Summicron. My favorite is the Summicron, but when traveling I opt for the small, light weight thin T-E. I have owned the last version Elmarit-M (great lens but not that much smaller or lighter than the Summicron, equal performance from f/2.8-4 except in the close range where the Elmarit-M wins by a stop), and the Voitlander APO-Lanthar f/3.5. The latter is by far the most modern-performing 90 you can get for screwmount if that is a criterion. Add an M adapter and it has IMO the best price-to-performance ratio of all, albeit it's not very fast. That was more of an issue back when I was shooting ISO 25-100 slide film (and why I sold it at the time) than it is now with digital.
The biggest advantages and disadvantages for me come down to speed and size/weight.
Currently I have 4 90's: a late (1956) LTM rigid Elmar, fat and thin Tele-Elmarits, and pre-APO/ASPH e55 Summicron. My favorite is the Summicron, but when traveling I opt for the small, light weight thin T-E. I have owned the last version Elmarit-M (great lens but not that much smaller or lighter than the Summicron, equal performance from f/2.8-4 except in the close range where the Elmarit-M wins by a stop), and the Voitlander APO-Lanthar f/3.5. The latter is by far the most modern-performing 90 you can get for screwmount if that is a criterion. Add an M adapter and it has IMO the best price-to-performance ratio of all, albeit it's not very fast. That was more of an issue back when I was shooting ISO 25-100 slide film (and why I sold it at the time) than it is now with digital.
x-ray
Veteran
I've owned all of the Leica 90's except the last non asph summicron,the v2 Elmarit and the fat Tele elmarit. Matter of fact Ive had multiple copies of most.
My favorite that I have used since 68 is the original V1 Elmarit. I've had 3 and all are superb. They're very sharp wide open but very smooth in tonality. It's not as long as people think but appears that way because it's thin in diameter.
My second choice and I currently own one is the Minolta 90 for the CL. It's very sharp wide open, contrastier modern without being harsh and is small, light and cheap.
I've has several Elmar's and found everyone to be soft side open and low contrast.
I owned two of the V2 models in the 70's. One was chrome and one black. I was never impressed with its performance wide open. They're a bit soft until you stop down a couple of stops. I'd you have to stop down to get performance why not get a high performance slow lens at a better price.
I had a 90 Apo asph for 7 years and while it was crazy sharp wide open I felt it was too harsh. There's more to a great lens than just sharpness.
I had a Tele Elmarit thin version and liked it fine but felt a deep hood was necessary to prevent flare. If there's any light source on the edge of the frame or skimming the front glass you'll rights probably get veiling flare. I didn't keep it because I liked the performance of the V1 Elmarit best.
I'd suggest the V1 Elmarit and the Minolta 90 for the CL.
My favorite that I have used since 68 is the original V1 Elmarit. I've had 3 and all are superb. They're very sharp wide open but very smooth in tonality. It's not as long as people think but appears that way because it's thin in diameter.
My second choice and I currently own one is the Minolta 90 for the CL. It's very sharp wide open, contrastier modern without being harsh and is small, light and cheap.
I've has several Elmar's and found everyone to be soft side open and low contrast.
I owned two of the V2 models in the 70's. One was chrome and one black. I was never impressed with its performance wide open. They're a bit soft until you stop down a couple of stops. I'd you have to stop down to get performance why not get a high performance slow lens at a better price.
I had a 90 Apo asph for 7 years and while it was crazy sharp wide open I felt it was too harsh. There's more to a great lens than just sharpness.
I had a Tele Elmarit thin version and liked it fine but felt a deep hood was necessary to prevent flare. If there's any light source on the edge of the frame or skimming the front glass you'll rights probably get veiling flare. I didn't keep it because I liked the performance of the V1 Elmarit best.
I'd suggest the V1 Elmarit and the Minolta 90 for the CL.
nikonosguy
Well-known
i'm seriously thinking an old beat up elmar 90 for the m8 and the iid (black paint, uncoated, but clear lens) and also getting an elmarit 90 for the m8 ---- will be looking soon --- just am paying bills right now
Sooty_1
Drive-by shooter
Having tried a few, I ended up with an early Summicron (scalloped barrel) for well under $400 a good few years ago! and more recently an Elmar for under $300.
The Summicron only has marginally lower contrast than later versions, but is sharp! And heavy....so the Elmar gets carried round most, the Summicron when I have something specific lower-light to do.
I think any of the lenses mentioned, as long as they are in good condition/serviced, are more than capable, even the oldest.
I find the Elmar the best compromise for me (if only money was no object....)
Nick
The Summicron only has marginally lower contrast than later versions, but is sharp! And heavy....so the Elmar gets carried round most, the Summicron when I have something specific lower-light to do.
I think any of the lenses mentioned, as long as they are in good condition/serviced, are more than capable, even the oldest.
I find the Elmar the best compromise for me (if only money was no object....)
Nick
nikonosguy
Well-known
found my 90 --- got a black elmarit 90/2.8 -- bought it on the forum -- thanks everybody
was briefly tempted by the $525 summicron 90 -- but am happy with the elmarit
was briefly tempted by the $525 summicron 90 -- but am happy with the elmarit