Summicron 75 mm f/2 ASPH question

[John7617]

I've seen some great comments and reviews about this lens. For those of you who own one, how would you rate it overall in comparison to your other Leica M lenses?

I currently have a pre-ASPH 90 mm f/2 which I think is not too easy to focus (compared to my summicron 50mm) and a bit heavy. Would the 75mm focus as easily as the 50mm on a Leica MP body? Is the 75mm physically short enough on the Leica MP body to have a feel similar to the 50mm, rather than the bulky feel of the 90mm? Is the 75mm focal lengh too close to the 90mm to justify owing it?

Any other comments regarding the 75mm?

Thanks,

John

 

[erikhaugsby]

I've played with the 75/2 in stores as a demo, though I haven't ever owned it.

It is, IMHO, one of the best balancing lenses Leica makes. It is just long enough to fit a hand around the lens, wheras on the 50 I can fit 3 fingers at best, but at the same time it doesn't feel nearly as long as the 90.
It has a nicely small-enough diameter, too, which greatly helps with the size feeling "right."

 

[Austerby]

I have one and really like using it. I chose it in preference to the 90 precisely because of it's compact dimensions, but its weight also nicely balances the camera body. It produces stunningly lovely photographs, helped by its useability. I don't find it short compared to a 90 and it works well alongside a 35mm summicron in a two lens travel outfit. You won't be disappointed if you do get one.

 

[Berliner]

This and the 35 Summicron are my travel kit--The 35 on a .72x MP, and the 75 on a .85x M6. All the reasons above--compact, nice balance, and it's stunning IQ. I do not own a 50mm anymore and I'm trying to get rid o a 90 Elmarit M (too big or me) because o the 75 Summicron--Many will argue, but I have had great results stepping back or ahead with the 75...Get one--you won't be dissapointed by it's size, ease o use, and IQ...

 

[Tom A]

I have had the 75's since 1981 when the 75/1,4 came out. Over the years I have upgraded them, first to a rarety, a Elmarit APO 75f2.4 (this was a prototype 75 made in the early 80's) and later to the 75f2.5 VC and as soon as the 75/2 Asph came out I got one. It is one of the best short teles ever made. Remarkable close up performance and very sharp across the focus range. Not as harsh as some of the 35 Aspherics and with a moderate to high contrast. At the moment I have the later version 75f1,4 and the 75f2.5 VC and the 75f2 asph. I have to admit that the 75f2 is one I use the most, BUT on a Bessa R3M as that is the only body that will give me a free standing 75 frame. On the M4P and M6/MP you have to contend with the "mixed" 50/75 set up and it is too easy to confuse the frames.
It is a great travel kit lens, couple it with a 40 or 35mm lens and a 21 and you are set for most everything. It is not that big, at least compared to the 75f1.4 but it is no lightweight piece either. The "twist and lock" hood is an added benefit too. No more having to drill holes in the barrell and screw the hoods in place (as on the 90's and 50/2). they always collapsed at inconvinient times and threatened the front element while in the bag or in inclement weather.

 

[Alex Shishin]

I'm convinced. I toyed with an old 73/1.9 on my M8 and found it to be a tad too soft. It would be find for the sort of portraiture where the lens shouldn't be younger than the subject. But that's about it. Looks like I'm about to get a 75/2 one of these days.

 

[eef]

I put one on my M8 frequently, and the images just pop.

I am not sure this is my best example, I took it hand held in a museum, but it is already up on my blog, so easy to reference:
Glass object

You can click on the image in the entry for a larger view.

 

[sepiareverb]

Speaking of rare- I recently got the Rollei 80 Planar as a substitute for the 75/2, which would seem to be the perfect lens for me (except for cost!) The Planar has turned out to be remarkably better than I had hoped. Perhaps a side by side comparison will get done one of these days. The M5 is off having the 75 frame put in- I think it will handle the 80 the most.

 

[macymills@mac.c]

I don't own one (yet!) but have been doing quite a bit of research on it and so far everything I've read has been extremely positive. I called Popflash to place an order but it is now out of stock there, so I'm just waiting for them to contact me once it's back in stock!

 

[RichardB]

The 75 ASPH besides being extremely sharp has replaced my use of the 90mm ASPH for most occasions for its greater depth of field for portraits. It is compact, balances my M6/M7 with Motor M's nicely. I wouldn't be without it!-Dick

 

[JNewell]

On the M4P and M6/MP you have to contend with the "mixed" 50/75 set up and it is too easy to confuse the frames

I had a 75/1.4 for a number of years and felt it was perhaps my single ideal focal length, but I could never get the eye/brain thing working correctly in the viewfinder and eventually (with real regret) sold the 75. I suppose I could have had the 50mm lines taken out - never got that far...

 

[peter_n]

I use the 75/2 and it is a wonderful lens. Comparatively short focus throw and well balanced on an M7. It's like using a 50 with a step or two back, and since I have a pre-ASPH Summilux I don't need the ASPH 50 with this lens. Didn't bring it on vacation with me (am on vaca. now) but I may bring it on the next. 35 & 75 are a perfect pair. The lens also has a lockable pull-out hood, one of the very few decent lens hoods Leica has made. Highly recommended.