Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/01/10
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]If you mean the latest, non APO, 90mm f2 Summicron, Yes, I've used one.....in fact use it all the time....stopped down a few stops, it's like all 85-105 lenses of any manufacture -- simply fantastic (never saw one in this range that WASN"t, at least at f8-11). But since the only reason to own/carry the Summicron is to shoot it wide open at times, that's probably the information you're after..... Wide open, it's simply wonderful.....can't tell the difference in the Summicron at f2 from the Elmarit (which I've shot for years) at 2.8, also a damn fine lens......since the Summicron has newer technology coatings, it >seems< to have higher contrast wide open than the older ones....(i've owned a BUNCH of 90s), but of course, not so much contrast/saturation as when stopped down a couple stops. The main PROBLEM with the 90 f2 is focusing it wide open with an M4-6 rangefinder. It requires care. When I had questions about focus, I put it on both my M bodies, and used a ground glass.... checked at 10' and 3' -- it was PERFECT.....so any focus problem was my fault!! This was of course the same with my E-48 summicron 90, but it was so damn big/heavy I never used it enough to care! A note for you: Although the 90 f2 non APO is much more expensive than the Elmarit, used they are about the same price....now it sounds like this is a nod in favor of the elmarit, but I don't think so. I just believe that most folks don't want to carry the added size/ weight. I sometimes question my purchase (used/mint/boxed - $900) but it has NOTHING to do with inferior performance--just size/weight. And when I go to a bar/club/night venue, I'm thankful I opted for the Summicron--it's fine wide open, especially for publication or for prints up to 12x18 (my largest size). Handle them both and decide, but don't be afraid of the Summicron. Cheers, Walt On Sun, 10 Jan 1999, Dennis Painter wrote: > toshi tanaka wrote: > > > > HI! > > > > Has anyone seen any results from this thing? > > > > I'm considering the purchase of a 90mm Sumi... but don't know if the extra > > dinero is worth it... > > > > HELP! > > > > It seems to come down to if you need f/2.0 in your 90 or not. ;))) > > Dennis >