Re: [Leica] Tell Me About This Lens and Charlton Heston

[Bill Satterfield <cwsat@cyberhighway.net>]

I have the 90/2.8 TE as well as the 90/2 non- asph. I was thinking about
selling the 2 and getting the latest 2.8 and keep the TE. Any thoughts on what
I should do?

drodgers@nextlink.com wrote:

> Mark
>
> >>I moved up to the current Elmarit and I sure don't carry that lens around
> with
> me as much. But it's the difference in quality between black and white.
> I'll never go back.
> I'd like Leica to come out with a 75 2.5.<<
>
> At one time or another I've owned each one of the Leica 90s. I had a 90/2.8
> Elmarit (1970's), a fat 90/2.8 TE and a thin 90/2.8 TE. I've also had
> several 90/4 Elmars. I now own the latest 90/2.8 Elmarit, and like you I
> wouldn't go back.
>
> The older 90's are pretty decent. I didn't see much difference between the
> fat and thin TEs. But the latest version is the hands down winner at f2.8
> and f4. I sold my 90/2 Summicron M after I purchased the latest 90/2.8 TE.
> I hardly every used the Summi at f2 and I felt the 90/2.8 was better (or at
> least equal) at f2.8. Plus, the TE was smaller than the Summi.
>
> I use the 90/2.8 Elmarit wide open at least half the time and I have no
> complaints. It is a stunning performer. The greatest difficulty I have with
> that lens is keeping the plane of focus right at close distance and at
> maximum aperture. DOF is pretty narrow. I love to do head and shoulder
> shots with both eyes in sharp focus and the nose and ears edging out of the
> plane of focus. That's possible with the 90/2.8 Elmarit, but it's not easy.
> It seems either I'm moving or the subject is moving. I've said this before
> and I'll say it again...my hat is off to those who have a high degree of
> success with the 75/1.4 at close range and at maximum aperture. The reason
> I don't own the 75/1.4 is that I'm not that good. I have enough trouble
> with f2.8.  Plus, I'm not willing to put up with the extra weight of the
> faster lens.
>
> The latest 90/2.8 Elmarit is the ideal tele for the Leica, IMHO. The thin
> TE was a little too thin. While it was compact to carry, it just didn't
> feel right on the M body. I had trouble focusing that lens quickly. Both
> TEs (fat and thin) were stiff, as in the focusing ring was difficult to
> turn. I think the  90/2.8 Elmarit is a little more nimble, and the focusing
> ring is more smooth.
>
> All of this is, of course, my personal opinion. Everyone has favorites.
> Most of the time I only carry two lenses for my M. They are the 35/1.4 ASPH
> and the 15/4.5 Heliar (small and very useful). But I like the 90 for
> portraits and some landscapes.
>
> Dave