VC 90mm f3.5 Apo Lanthar

[CrisR]

Looking around for a compact 90 to compliment my VC 15/35/50 lineup - anyone using this chap? How is it wide open at closest focus? What's the size like on an M body? Any better choices? The bigger the lens, the less likely I am to buy it tho!

Cheers 🙂

 

[kzphoto]

I used the VC 90/3.5 and found it to be really sharp wide open, with a nice OOF rendering. The handling of the lens didn't appeal to me (felt a bit light on the body / focus wasn't smooth) and I went for a Konica 90/2.8 instead.

The KM 90/2.8 is based on an Ernostar design, 5 elements in 4 groups. Has a beautiful rendering with razor sharp bite in the center. My sample is out for repair (dropped it in the sand) but you can usually find them in the $450 - 500 range.

 

[kermaier]

I haven't used the CV 90/3.5, but I agree that the M-Hex 90/2.8 is great. There's definitely a size difference, though -- think 39mm filters on the CV vs. 46mm on the M-Hex.

Another possibility, if you don't need f/2.8, is a Minolta M-Rokkor 90/4, which should be quite compact. I'm considering getting one myself, and letting my M-Hex go, though not for under $500.... 🙂

::Ari

 

[Nomad Z]

The focussing feels well damped and very smooth on my Apo-Lanthar. I also like the aperture ring - takes a little more effort than the 15mm LTM or 35mm Skopar Classic. Regarding size, it's small (bordering on tiny with the lens hood off). I haven't really used it for close stuff, but it is a sharp lens. I like the way it works with colour film - the times when I've had a roll done at the local minilab, the shots with the 90mm have really stood out.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Brilliant lens. I have one. Go to http://www.rogerandfrances.com/subscription/photo school index.html and the pic on the right was taken with one. You can't tell much from a pic that size but the original print is very, very sharp. Sorry, don't recall the aperture.

Cheers,

R.

 

[dbarnes]

Loved mine. *Plenty* sharp! Good OOF rendering. Not heavy, but longish with its hood on. Not fast, but not expensive.

 

[BTMarcais]

It's a good lens. Comparable in size to the Rokkor that I used to have, (maybe a little shorter w/ the hood off) not built quite as well, but no slouch. Kept this over the Rokkor mostly because I could use it on my IIIG (and it's silver, my preference, not necessarily your's though).
And yes, 39mm filters.
No complaints at all.

-Brian

 

[ferider]

When I was looking for a compact 90, I sold my 90/2.8 Hex and picked the 90/4 M-Rokkor. Amazingly sharp lens, smaller than any other 90 (including the ApoLanthar), super handling, easy to filter, etc. Only Japanese Leica lens made in Germany (by Leitz 🙂 ). Totally underrated if you ask me ...

Roland.

 

[CameraQuest]

its also discontinued.

get them new while you still can.

Stephen

 

[Tom A]

Leica M2 and Apo Lanthar 90f3.5. This was with Acros and Pyrocat HD. The 90f3.5 is usually the "long" lens I take along. It can sit at the bottom of the bag or in a pocket - not too big or heavy - and very, very sharp with great rendition. I have several 90's (Summicron 90's, Elmarit's etc) - but the Apo Lanthar is the one that comes along in most cases.
In spite of its modest size and price - it is a true apo-chromatic lens too. Doesn't really make much difference in bl/w - but in color it shows.

 

[CrisR]

Thank you very much for all the replies guys!

Does anyone have any good examples of portraits wide open with this lens? I've seen some great shots and i'm sure i'll normally use it stopped down for sharpness, but i'm a little concerned that with my love of strong Bokeh, i may be happier with a larger f2 lens.

That said, i'd found one at an excellent price it seems, so given it's diminutive size, i may well pick it up and see how i get on with it 🙂

 

[CrisR]

Thank you Daan, that's lovely!

Nice sharp subject, very attractive Bokeh without getting silly, looks like a good lens 🙂 I don't see many people talking about it tho?

 

[kanzlr]

I had the SLR version of that lens on a Nikon and it was really superb. Unforuntaley I sold it before the boom started 😉

On the M I now use a 90mm f2.8 Hexanon, that has CA (the CV lacks) but is not much bigger/heavier, a stop faster and still more compact and lighter than the latest Elmarit.

 

[CrisR]

I just got this lens through the post today, care of an awesome fellow board member and took it out for a quick test with my Sony NEX (having only film Leicas at the moment)

Impressed with it's size, bokeh and very impressive sharpness! I can see myself packing this in my bag on a regular basis indeed.


First To The Bench! by Cris Rose, on Flickr


Wait to Skate by Cris Rose, on Flickr

There are 2000px versions on my flickr if you'd care to click through and take a closer look at the detail 🙂

 

[Guaranteed]

While I don't use mine that often it's nice to have something in the bag on the longish side just in case.