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lars_bergquist · 03/16/07, 06:42 PM

This to a large extent depends on what other lenses you have in your bag. You will certainly not lug both the 75 and the 90 'lux at the same time! 35 and 90 mm is the classical combo that covers about 90 % of everything. 35 and 75 gives you less range; the combination sounds like an old SLR zoom. The 28 length is a more natural companion to the 75.

But it also depends on your future with the M system. The success of the M8 is such that I suspect that film will fade fast. The film M cameras will go the way of the screw-thread cameras -- fondly remembered, sometimes fed a roll or two on a beautiful day, but not taken serious except by certified collectors.

If your future lies with the digital format, then the 90 becomes the equivalent of an 120 mm lens, with the 35 as a 47 mm 'standard'. This is still a very viable combo for outdoorsmen, but not exactly for round-the-world street photography. Here, 28 and 75 ("37 and 100") take over. So you see, there's a case for both sides. The question is, what kind of photographer are you? And that is ALWAYS the decisive question.

I must admit that my favourite 90 mm for the M -- any M -- is a 1958 vintage Elmarit. It costs less, is lots lighter, and is optically very good. You also have a sure-fire conversation piece if you encounter another leicaphile ...

The old man from B.C. (Before the Computer)

03/16/07, 06:42 PM	#2 (permalink)
lars_bergquist Erfahrener Benutzer Join Date: 11/15/05 Location: Greater Stockholm Posts: 1,393	Re: 90 vs, 75 Summicron This to a large extent depends on what other lenses you have in your bag. You will certainly not lug both the 75 and the 90 'lux at the same time! 35 and 90 mm is the classical combo that covers about 90 % of everything. 35 and 75 gives you less range; the combination sounds like an old SLR zoom. The 28 length is a more natural companion to the 75. But it also depends on your future with the M system. The success of the M8 is such that I suspect that film will fade fast. The film M cameras will go the way of the screw-thread cameras -- fondly remembered, sometimes fed a roll or two on a beautiful day, but not taken serious except by certified collectors. If your future lies with the digital format, then the 90 becomes the equivalent of an 120 mm lens, with the 35 as a 47 mm 'standard'. This is still a very viable combo for outdoorsmen, but not exactly for round-the-world street photography. Here, 28 and 75 ("37 and 100") take over. So you see, there's a case for both sides. The question is, what kind of photographer are you? And that is ALWAYS the decisive question. I must admit that my favourite 90 mm for the M -- any M -- is a 1958 vintage Elmarit. It costs less, is lots lighter, and is optically very good. You also have a sure-fire conversation piece if you encounter another leicaphile ... The old man from B.C. (Before the Computer)