Quote:
Originally Posted by mole73
I searched a lot for the topic but didnīt find what I hoped for.
So here is my question:
I search for a second lens beside my Summicron-M 50 to take portraits in low light. Of course cost is a factor, so the Apo-Summicron is out, but there are other choices:
- Summicron-M 90 (1980 - 1998)
- Elmarit-M 90 (used but currend version)
- Summarit-M 90 (current lens)
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Hi, Robert.
I recently picked up a chrome Summicron-M 90mm Type II (1964ish) for my portrait lens--it was very positively *cheap* for Leica glass! (I'd like to believe that the "made in Canada" origin of the lens puts collectors off and keeps the prices reasonable.)
I did take the initial hit for the step-up ring (48mm to 49mm, I believe) and the Leica IR cut filter.
Also, last week I shipped the 90 off for a CLA and 6-bit coding so that will also up the total price. But even with that I'm still ahead by about $700 over a new Summarit and I have f/2 (and chrome, which tipped the scale to "buy").
Not to mention that that's such a nice lens--and there's something satisfying about slapping 40+ year old glass on the M8 and just shooting away with it. It draws very nicely--a bit soft at f/2 with notable bokeh and very sharp at 5.6 (although not Summicron ASPH sharp). It is a "big" lens, but feels great. It has a "long throw" focus, which takes a bit of mental adjustment. But that long throw is good because you can be *very* precise in your focusing on closer objects--like faces when shooting portraits.
If you haven't considered it, regardless of which 90 you buy, do think about getting a 1.25x (or better) magnifier. I'd say that the magnifier is a *must* for focusing the 90 so factor buying one of those in to your price (if you don't own one already). . . .
Cheers and Luck,
Will