Which lens to prefer?

[EvdM]

Recently I have acquired from a relative his old camera bag which appeared to contain some interesting glass. Two of the goodies are:

- Summilux M 1:1.4/35 (3139xxx)
- Apo-Summicron 1:2/90 ASPH (2473xxx)

Currently I own and use (M4, M6ttl):

- Summicron M 1:2/35 ASPH (3845xxx)
- Elmarit M 1:2.8/90 (3924xxx)

I would really like to know a bit more about these lenses. In particular how these lenses compare in optical respect. I know and appreciate the differences with regards to the extra stop, but have no experience regarding optical performance.

Any experiences, comments (or pointers) are much appreciated, thanks in advance!

EvdM

 

[rickp]

here's a good place to start your reading 🙂

http://www.cameraquest.com/mlenses.htm

have fun with your choices!

rick

 

[samoksner]

The 90mm f2 ASPH is probably the finest 90mm ever made. However, your 90mm is still a superb performer. Leica never made a bad 90mm as far as I know.

The 35mm f2 ASPH is also probably the finest 35mm f2 lens ever made. And is outdone only by 35mm f1.4 ASPH if you need f1.4. The pre ASPH 35 summilux is quite "glowy" wide open but much better stopped down.

I would keep the 90mm f2 ASPH and both 35mm lens since they both have their place.

The 35mm ASPH is ridiculously sharp at all apertures, the only good reason to stop the lens down is to gain depth of field. It's quite high contrast lens .

The 35mm lux pre asph is glowy wide open and improves all the way to f5.6 - f8. I don't think it can match the ASPH in brute performance but it does go to f1.4 and it has that legendary leica look and feel. It's not as contrasty as the modern lens, it's different...

Your 90mm f2.8 is a great lens but the 90mm f2 ASPH is such a good performer that having both makes little sense. You can expect all modern ASPH lens to perform alike: high contrast, scientificly sharp. What you like or dislike about your 35mm ASPH will likely apply to Leica's other ASPH lens.

Check this thread to see how the 35mm pre asph shots: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49501


Have fun, put each 35 on a body with the same film and take the same shots with both lens, not in a scientific way, just so you see how they behave differently, do the same with the 90mm's if you care to.

 

[payasam]

All among the finest lenses made. You will need to decide only if speed justifies -- for you -- the added weight and bulk.

 

[thomasw_]

Are you in a situation where you can only keep some of the glass? If so...how much will you need to sell?

Assuming you can keep whatever you want, I'd keep the 90/2 ASPH and sell your 90/2,8; the other two 35s you will want to keep. Both are awesome lenses for rendering different looks. Check the m-mount group on flickr for numerous image samples.

 

[maddoc]

As Thomas said. I have the 35/1.4 pre-ASPH and like it especially for BW film. For color, optimum contrast at f/2.0 and a closer minimum focus-distance of 0.7m, the 35/2.0 ASPH is perfect, IMHO. The two 35s + the 90/2.0 APO should make a perfect combination for different situations. If you are missing the 50mm focal length, I would sell the 90/2.8 and get a nice 50mm, like a Summicron-M or 50mm M-Hexanon.

 

[EvdM]

Great, thank you all for your suggestions. This was basically just what I was hoping for. I do not have an urgent need to part with any of the lenses, but the trade of the 90/2.8 for a nice 50 seems interesting indeed. Would the new Voightlander 50/1.1 be a good suggestion?
I also much like the idea to just have both 35's on different bodies and shooting like images. That way I would be able to learn the behavior and differences of both lenses.
Thanks again!

 

[thomasw_]

Well, the jury is still out the 50/1,1 as there are not many images made with it. I would wait until you have seen numerous different shooters post their varied results until committing to buy it; it is waaaay cheaper than any noctilux, but the f1,1 still is not a 'cheap' buy for a working man like most of us. My initial reaction to the lens' rendering is luke-warm. I was hoping it would be similar to the spectacular cv 35/1,2 but in a fast 50. It seems different than that, though.

What I do recommend you check out, considering the approximate value of the 90/2,8:>

1. ZM C Sonnar 50/1,5

2. Leica Summicron DR 50/2

3. Hexanon 50/2

4. [if you can spend a bit more] Leica Summilux 50/1,4 Type 3 pre-asph.

---All of these lenses are capable of stunning portraits, street scenes and daily life shots.

 

[Matthew Runkel]

You should verify which 90mm Summicron you have since the serial number given is much too low for an APO-ASPH version.

 

[EvdM]

I seem to have made a silly mistake. The number is: 3924xxx
The other one belongs to my M6ttl.
Hope that makes more sense...