[Leica] Are there different Summilux 75 versions?

[mark at rabinergroup.com (Mark Rabiner)]

On 11/27/04 8:57 AM, "Dan C" <bladman99@yahoo.ca> typed:

> The Leica 75mm Summilux is the one and only lens that I have ever used that
> had a look to it that was distinctively different (and better) than others.
>    My 90/2 APO-ASPH (or my Minolta 85/1.4 for that matter) is sharper but
> just doesn't take as nice a photo.   I'm sure that others reading this who
> own both lenses will know what I'm talking about.
> 
> I am 100% convinced that if Leica ever redesigns the lens it will just
> become one of a set of sharp medium length tele lens that are a dime a
> dozen these days.   As I sell off my collection of Leica lenses (three and
> counting), the 75 will likely be the last to go.
> 
> -dan c.
> 
While not quite seeing Leicas latest generation of ASPH's as a dime a dozen
or in any way boring I do think Leica made a wise move in Leaving the 75
like it is, thinking of it was a classic as you do and coming out with
another 75 inspired by Mr. Koberoski's 2.5 move in high compactness and lack
of high speed. Although an f2 Summicron 75 would not be considered I don't
think either a slow or a fast lens it is an OPTIMIZED lens. And an optic
there is room for in the Leica lineup as having the 75 only be in effect a
cropped Noctilux has a limited studio audience.
The 75 1.4 is the only Leica focal length I don't use.
the Cosina Voigtl?nder 2.5, an early try for him/them under whelmed me and
I'd have to use it the an adaptor as Its screw mt.

Everyone said here on the list that Leica would not dare to compete with
them on the 75. 
I hoped and thought they would.
I was right.

I think Leica should come out with an optimal frameline configuration with
no 50 smearing up against the 75.

I think they should come out with a configuration in which the middle group
instead of of 50 and 75...
40 and 75.

My new 40 Summicron has been glued on my body (the camera one that is) for a
month. It solves the dilemma as to which lens to bring. The 50 or the 35.
You just bring the 40 and shift your weight forward or backwards a little.

50's are great but an optimal optional set could be:

A 5 40 and 75 
(skip your 35 and 90.

And a 28mm 

But reintroduce the Summaron as I said last week for a compact option on the
28. And a lower cost option at that. A 2.8 super compact amazingly sharp
lens. Or get an old one with lots of character

So that's a 28, 40, 75 setup.

Which would mean of course they'd have to re introduce the 40.

A 40mm has a Horizontal angle of view of 48 lets call it 50 degrees
A 75mm lens has an HAV of 27 call it 30 degrees
A 28 lens has an HAV of 65

So you've got a 30, 50, 65 degree setup.

That's a nice efficient point spread Nick the Greek would agree.

Extensions of that basic setup would be to go even wider and longer.


A 90mm lens has an HAV of slightly less then 20 degrees a 10 point spread.
So maybe skip it and go directly to a 135mm hyper APO or cheapo Hektor
(woof!) which is 15 degrees.
So you've now got a 15, 30, 50, 65 degree setup.

A 21 pulls you out to 80 carry the one.

The new 18 which seems to be on the horizon to 90 degees.

The total Leica lens set which is available sets you up with a HAV's about
10 degrees apart. You've got a lens in the 10's 20's 30's etc.

I know I could have gotten by with a well planned 20.
If I only used one body at a time at all shoots.


We need more pancakes!!!!




Mark Rabiner
Photography
Portland Oregon
http://rabinergroup.com/