Size of the 90 Cron Type 3?

[javimm]

Hi.

I'd like to know the physical size and weight of the 90 Cron Type 3 (pre ASPH). I've heard that the crons are bigger than the Elmarits, but I think if the weight and size isn't that much greater than the size of the Elmarit (latest version) it'd be a better buy if the price is correct.

I've read that the extra stop and better performance is worth the difference in size, but I don't know the exact numbers of either lens.

Any experiences?.

Thank you.

 

[maddoc]

I had two different Elmarit-Ms 90/2.8 (latest E46, one in black and one in silver chrome) and now use the 90mm Summicron-M (E55, latest pre-ASPH). The 90 'cron is slightly heavier compared with the silver-chrome Elmarit 90/2.8 and remarkable heavier compared with the black Elmarit 90/2.8 but handles very good with my M4-P and M5.

The extra stop of the 90 'cron made it a keeper for me and I don't find it to soft at f/2.0.

 

[ferider]

The 90/2 v3 (E55, latest pre-ASPH) is not the biggest fast Tele, and not the smallest. Very manageable, IMO (middle lens below). It is much smaller than v1 and v2 90/2, those are the ones typically referred to as large.

The "thin" Tele Elmarit is very small, not comparable to the above.

Roland.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Javi, there are those who claim that the Elmarit is the best and sharpest 90mm lens Leica ever made... but the extra stop is the deal breaker to me.

The 'cron you're asking about is relatively small, compared to the second version of the lens. Compared to other Elmarits, it's large, but never as cumbersome or unwieldy as, say, the Elmarit 135. I'd say it's about 9cm (roughly 4 inches) long, and the filter size is 55mm. You can have a very good idea by looking at Roland's photo above.

Good thing about this lens: it's very light. Be aware that the focusing ring has a wide turn. Going from very close to very distant will mean probably a more than 360º turn. But it's easy to live with that.

 

[katgut@earthlink.net]

I have the 90 cron 55. It's very compact, but deceptively heavy, and seems to get heavier as I carry it around. It's mostly a balance issue and not an absolute weight thing, and I've found that a Zhou half-case works very well to balance it. My biggest gripe is, as stated above, is the long focus throw.
Otherwise, very sharp and great bokeh.

 

[javimm]

Thanks all for the answers. Nice pic, Ferider!!. Really shows the size.

Seems that there's not a problem with size at all. The focus throw is not so problematic, I think. With a long focus length it should be a plus, as you can focus more accuratley. 9 cm length is not a problem for me. After carrying my DSLR kit around, anything RF size is SMALL in comparison.

I don't know if the version that I can buy is the E46 or E55 one. Are those two versions the same in terms of performance?.

Thanks again.

 

[ferider]

Hi Javimm,

the only E46 Leica Tele that I know is the modern Tele Elmarit. One of the sharpest RF Teles ever, but f2.8.

The Summicron (f2.0) came first with E48 and, between v2 and v3, was changed to E55.

Roughly, the modern Tele Elmarit and v3 E55 Summicron should go for about the same price, used.

Best,

Roland.

 

[javimm]

Hi Javimm,

the only E46 Leica Tele that I know is the modern Tele Elmarit. One of the sharpest RF Teles ever, but f2.8.

The Summicron (f2.0) came first with E48 and, between v2 and v3, was changed to E55.

Roughly, the modern Tele Elmarit and v3 E55 Summicron should go for about the same price, used.

Best,

Roland.

I meant the non E55 version of the Type 3 Summicron, the E48 you mention. See this page for reference:

http://www.antiquecameras.net/leicamlenses.html

They seem to be cheaper than the E55 version, but I don't know why, being both Type 3 Crons.

 

[awilder]

Type 3 to which you refer is E49, not E48. The E49 version is optically identical tp the pre-asph E55 that followed it and is the smallest and lightest (about 2 oz. less than E55) of all the 90 Summicrons. One way to quickly identify it is that when the hood is retracted it covers the aperture ring. Fewer of these were made as they were only in production for a year or two before the E55 version took over.

 

[javimm]

Thanks, awilder.

I'll probably go with the 'cron. Extra stop and correct size, more or less same price as the Elmarit. Will couple well with my 50 'cron that I love.