[Leica] In the Matter of the 75 Summicroncron But Lacking a Fugue on Leica Prices

[buzz.hausner at verizon.net (Buzz Hausner)]

While others may swing off into a fugue on Leica prices, let me address
your other observations.  Regarding the 75mm Summicron...

I can't speak for all of them, but my 75mm Summilux focuses down to
about .75 meters.  Of course, focusing this lens at that close distance
is quite a challenge, but a challenge one easily meets with experience.
You are correct in observing that the 75mm Summilux obtrudes into the
frame lines, but that is something to which one grows accustomed..."its
a Leica thing, get used to it!"

That said, one must realize that 75mm is an eccentric focal length for a
35mm camera.  You should only consider a 75mm lens if it is a focal
length that compliments your style of photography.  I use my 75 Summilux
more than any other lens because it has a framing, perspective, depth of
field, and field separation which express my vision.  Most of all, I
just plain like the image quality that the lens produces when the parts
are summed.

You should not purchase a 75mm Summicron or Summilux based upon the feel
and finish of a demonstration lens.  Indeed, at these prices, you
shouldn't purchase any Leica lens based upon how it feels in the show
room.  I would wager that if one "[N]ever really [put] much value in the
75mm focal length," a smaller, lighter, aspherical expression of the
lens isn't going to much change one's general impression of the focal
length.  My advice is first to determine if you NEED a 75mm lens and, if
the answer is, "Yes," then to consider which of the two best suits your
vision, needs, wallet, and orthopoedic resiliency.

        Buzz Hausner

-----Original Message-----
From: lug-bounces+buzz.hausner=verizon.net@leica-users.org
[mailto:lug-bounces+buzz.hausner=verizon.net@leica-users.org] On Behalf
Of Frank F. Farmer
Sent: Monday, June 06, 2005 12:01 PM
To: lug@leica-users.org
Subject: [Leica] 75 'cron & Leica's inventory revaluation

Greetings all,

After never really putting much value in the 75mm focal length, I want a
new 75 'cron.  This was a solid lens but it balanced very well on the
camera and did not block the frame lines.  It didn't suffer from the
loose apeture ring that we've been hearing about.  It focuses faster and
closer than the 'lux.  I think the fact that the 'lux only focused to 1
meter was the limiting factor for me.  Unfortunately, I didn't get to
burn any film with it as I was there at closing time and didn't get to
play as much as I'd like.

Any thoughts on the issues?  Has anyone done much shooting with the new
75 'cron?  There is a short article about it in the Leica news magazine
I just received but it is not the same as a real world review.