recommendation on portrait lens

[zoom2zoom]

Hi all.

I just acquired a beautiful M6 classic, since I dont even have a lens to mount, I am dying for a lens to try.

I love to shot portraits using the D2X with 85 1.4D, I am thinking about the Leica 90mm f/2.8 Elmarit M.

Can anyone please tell me if this is lens is a good performer? is this sharp at wide open (which I like to do), any reviews of this lens? and what is the price range for a mint used copy?

thank you in advanced,

 

[Ronald M]

Leica never made a bad 90mm optically. Period.

Some 90 2.8 tele-elmarits second version develope a separation like problem in the rear elements that can`t be repaired. At this point, if the lens doesn`t have it, it should be ok.

The lens you refered to is the current one and is popular. The 90 4.0 current is a bit sharper in the close range under 6 feet.

I`m not sure you want leica sharp for portraits. Some of the better ones can get pretty ugly sharp in my opinion.

My two favorites for portraits are the second generation 90 2.0 which goes a little soft under 5/6 feet and the old 90 4.0 in screw mount plus lens shade. This lens has a sharp but soft quality to it.

If you want shallow debth, get the 75 1.4 for 2.0. The 2.0 will be very sharp up close.

Leica glass has it quirks, strengths and weaknesses. Really need to know what the final effect is you desire.

 

[x-ray]

My personal favorite is the original formulation 90mm elmarit 2.8 (not the current M version). Very sharp without being harsh, excellent tonality, small and light and quite reasonalbly price. I see them regularly from $395 for chrome and up. Four to five will buy a very nice one. I also have an elmar f4 and have owned a couple of summicrons (not compact version) and find both very good but still love the old elmarit.


http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=5045

 

[mad_boy]

Congratulations with the M6.

I've got the 90 2.8 latest version for 650 Euro after quite a long search.
It is very sharp. As said above maybe too sharp for portraits. If you enlarge the pics you will see any defect on the person's face. Could be corrected with a soft-focus filter, but as Ronals suggests, an olderversion that is cheaper and softer may be a better choice for you.

Mad_boy

 

[zoom2zoom]

I was also tempted in the 75 1.4, does anyone have any pics taken wide open or f2.0 that you can post..

 

[vizioneer]

http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=78211

Click on "Details" under the photos to find out which were with the 75 lux. It's a killer lens. The graduation photos were at around f/2.8 BTW, the others wide open.

 

[merciful]

Nikkor 85/2...

 

[rover]

CV 90/3.5, note this was at 1/30s at most, wide open.