Leica User Forum - View Single Post - Summicron-M 90 versus Elmarit-M 90

adan · 04/25/08, 10:49 PM

For portraits in low light, considering cost, not much will compete with the recent pre-ASPH 90 'cron. At f/2 it has some aberrations, but they tend to be GOOD for portraits - sort of overlaying a soft image on top of a fairly crisp one.

The Summarit is very similar in feel - and optical layout - to the recent pre-ASPH 'cron, and is only 1/2 stop slower. But it costs more, at least until used ones hit the market, and its close-focus limit is a bit further away.

The recent Elmarit is crisper and more contrasty than the 'cron at wider apertures - a bit too "clinical" for my tastes.

I have and use the 90 TE thin and the 1980-98 'cron. Find my recent post on the Mandler lens designs for sample pix (search "Mandler" in the forum).

The critical issue really will be finding a 90, especially f/2, that focuses reliably on YOUR camera. It takes very little variance from specs for a 90 to become really frustrating on a rangefinder. Be sure to do some rigorous testing on your camera with the exact unit you are considering.

04/25/08, 10:49 PM	#6 (permalink)
adan Erfahrener Benutzer Join Date: 03/04/04 Location: Denver Posts: 1,118	Re: Summicron-M 90 versus Elmarit-M 90 For portraits in low light, considering cost, not much will compete with the recent pre-ASPH 90 'cron. At f/2 it has some aberrations, but they tend to be GOOD for portraits - sort of overlaying a soft image on top of a fairly crisp one. The Summarit is very similar in feel - and optical layout - to the recent pre-ASPH 'cron, and is only 1/2 stop slower. But it costs more, at least until used ones hit the market, and its close-focus limit is a bit further away. The recent Elmarit is crisper and more contrasty than the 'cron at wider apertures - a bit too "clinical" for my tastes. I have and use the 90 TE thin and the 1980-98 'cron. Find my recent post on the Mandler lens designs for sample pix (search "Mandler" in the forum). The critical issue really will be finding a 90, especially f/2, that focuses reliably on YOUR camera. It takes very little variance from specs for a 90 to become really frustrating on a rangefinder. Be sure to do some rigorous testing on your camera with the exact unit you are considering.