manilius Posted July 3, 2011 Share #1 Posted July 3, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Bought an M9 and a 35mm Summicron some time ago. Both have performed impeccably. No problems whatsoever. Last month I 'upgraded' to a new 35mm Summilux trading in my old Cron. I don't want to keep buying and buying lenses. I shoot many street and landscapes so the 35mm is perfect. But occasional I like to do some portraits. And 75mm seems a more logical step up than say 90mm. So which 75mm should I go for? A Summicron, Summarit, or Summilux? I'm in no rush for the moment, so if there's a new update say for the Lux on the horizon I could easily wait. I'm merely an enthusiastic amateur, hence why I'm posting a question out to you guys! Many thanks! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 3, 2011 Posted July 3, 2011 Hi manilius, Take a look here Which 75mm?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
microview Posted July 3, 2011 Share #2 Posted July 3, 2011 For exploration of the Summarit try Leica 75mm Summarit Vs Leica 75m, Summilux - The GetDPI Photography Forums. And read Erwin Puts on the Summarit range. Consensus is that it is the best (with the 35) of the four Summarits. Google Guy Mancuso for his lens tests. (Albeit with the M8 camera.) See also http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/185071-75mm-summarit-first-light.html. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
intermediatic Posted July 3, 2011 Share #3 Posted July 3, 2011 I got a subscription to Reid's Reviews and found it very worthwhile in his thorough testing of lenses. Not to give too much away, I went to Photo Village in and picked up a Cosina Voigtlander 75mm f/1.8. I never had a 75 before and the 90 on my Contax G2 barely got any exercise. I now use my 75mm everywhere. It's dirt cheap by Leica standards and there's nothing I can complain about. Shooting with it wide open is just great in low light or shallow depth of field applications but I haven't spent a fortune on it. I haven't seen this lens recommended much on this site and it's well worth a plug. Get Reid's Reviews and see his evaluations for yourself. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsjxyz Posted July 3, 2011 Share #4 Posted July 3, 2011 Before using Leica, I used Nikon F3 with nikkor 85mm f/2 and nikkor 85mm f/1.4. WIth M9, I am using 2 75mm lenses: Daily use is 75 Summicron AA, which the size is small and almost the same size like Nikkor AiS 85mm/f2 without the hood. The great thing about 75 cron, it has a built in hood. 75 Summarit, saw and handling that in the store, my only problem is when the hood attached it becomes much longer. 75 Cron is a match with the 35 cron asph for traveling light. And it is fast enough for candid. The 75mm Summilux is a wonder lens. I am using that during concert, special portraits that require extra bokeh. But it is heavy and BIG (for a Leica M). Other than that it is a perfect lens. I always compare that to the way I used my 85mm Nikkor 1.4 in the old days. My recommendation is if size is not a problem, get the 75 lux. I created this topic sometimes ago with some sample photos: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/116549-falling-love-again-my-75-summilux.html?highlight=falling+love+again+75+lux Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bo_Lorentzen Posted July 3, 2011 Share #5 Posted July 3, 2011 +1 with Jerry, 75lux is a amazing lens and maybe worth of the suspension that a lens can in fact add something magical to photography. But the size is - well at best huge. Bo Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Washington Posted July 3, 2011 Share #6 Posted July 3, 2011 intermediatic, I use the 75mm, f1.8, Heliar Classic as well. Nice lens ain’t it! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecar Posted July 3, 2011 Share #7 Posted July 3, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) WIth M9, I am using 2 75mm lenses: Daily use is 75 Summicron AA, which the size is small and almost the same size like Nikkor AiS 85mm/f2 without the hood. The great thing about 75 cron, it has a built in hood. 75 Summarit, saw and handling that in the store, my only problem is when the hood attached it becomes much longer. 75 Cron is a match with the 35 cron asph for traveling light. And it is fast enough for candid. The 75mm Summilux is a wonder lens. I am using that during concert, special portraits that require extra bokeh. But it is heavy and BIG (for a Leica M). Other than that it is a perfect lens. I always compare that to the way I used my 85mm Nikkor 1.4 in the old days. My recommendation is if size is not a problem, get the 75 lux. I use two 75mm as well, but I couldn't notice any difference in IQ between the Summarit and the Summicron (I'd actually go as far as saying that I sort of preferred the rendering of the former) that could justify the price difference, given that half a stop gap is hardly material in real-life photography. In addition, I don't mind the Summarit's hood, and like the fact that it weighs less than Cron. To be entirely honest, however, I must add that it's the only lens that I had to send back to Solms, after a few months of otherwise limited use, with a loose aperture ring. The repair was done under warranty and the lens has been working flawlessly ever since (2+ years), but it left me pondering over the build quality of the Summarits The Summilux however, is an entirely different story: if you can live with its size, weight, long focus throw and (slight) focus shift, it will reward you with unique images. If you like the signature of Mandler designs (I wouldn't trade my Noctilux f/1 for the new f/0.95...), this lens is a must-have. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smb Posted July 3, 2011 Share #8 Posted July 3, 2011 With the difference in price you can buy the Summarit and then get a used 90mm tele-elmarit and have two portrait lenses, one sharp, one soft. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_n Posted July 3, 2011 Share #9 Posted July 3, 2011 My only experience with the 75mm focal length is the Summicron. I use it in a two lens set with a 35 Summicron ASPH and they make an excellent pair. Both are small and very easy to use; perfect for travel. I did the opposite to you, bought the 35 Summicron and sold the 35 Summilux ASPH mainly for the convenience. The 75 Summicron is a brilliant lens and I think its look would match well with your 35 in terms of its look. It doesn't seem to be that popular and I don't understand why; it's small, sharp, renders beautifully and produces stunning results. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250swb Posted July 3, 2011 Share #10 Posted July 3, 2011 I suggest the 75mm f2.5 Heliar, not just because I have one and think it is one of the best 75's, but its also the cheapest. Don't listen to me, subscribe the small fee to Sean Reid's site and see how good it is compared to a Summicon or Summarit. Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnloumiles Posted July 3, 2011 Share #11 Posted July 3, 2011 There's a lot of 75mm threads floating around right now. I can only comment on the Summarit as that's what I have. Beautiful lens both build and rendering. I think this is the one length where there is a more even playing field between the 3 Leica lenses in terms of image quality. In that case you just have to ask yourself how wide open you need to go. Obviously the Summilux is the king but is it 2500 better then the Summarit? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Fluff Posted July 3, 2011 Share #12 Posted July 3, 2011 Another vote for the 75/1.8 Heliar. Stunning lens. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Washington Posted July 3, 2011 Share #13 Posted July 3, 2011 Let’s here it for the 75,1.8 CV…….. RAH, RAH, RAHRAHRAH!!!!! Can you tell I really like it? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ianman Posted July 4, 2011 Share #14 Posted July 4, 2011 Obviously the Summilux is the king but is it 2500 better then the Summarit? Wow ! 2500 what? I didn't know the Summilux was still available. If second hand ones are selling for 2500 (presumably usd) more than a new Summarit, then, and I never thought I'd write these words, mine is for sale ! Ian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Fluff Posted July 4, 2011 Share #15 Posted July 4, 2011 The Lux can do things the Summarit cannot - low light, shallow DOF - neither of these are strong points in an f2.5 lens. However the Heliar 1.8 can IMHO do *almost* what the Lux does both in terms of aperture and rendering, but in a smaller, easier to use (hate the Lux focussing!) package, for a fraction of the price. Anyone contemplating a 75 Lux should start with the 1.8 Heliar, just to see how they like that - mine more than cured me of a long term love/hate relationship with the big old monster that is the 75 Summilux. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sblutter Posted July 4, 2011 Share #16 Posted July 4, 2011 I just picked up my 1st 75 ever - Voight 2.5 Heliar Can't take it off - and for about $430!?!? Tested really well - and nice size Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacarape Posted July 4, 2011 Share #17 Posted July 4, 2011 Wow ! 2500 what? I didn't know the Summilux was still available. If second hand ones are selling for 2500 (presumably usd) more than a new Summarit, then, and I never thought I'd write these words, mine is for sale ! Ian There are 75/1.4s on the completed listings that have gone for over 3 grand. I don't know what used Summarits are selling for. I wouldn't guess there are many out there, yet. Does anyone want to venture a guess if L will ever build another 75 Lux? I say they will, there seems to be a lot of deep pockets chasing the current 1.4 line at all FLs. A 75/1.4 ASPH APO would be a jewel. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
swamiji Posted July 4, 2011 Share #18 Posted July 4, 2011 2.5k or 3k... Wow... my 75 Lux has sure increased in value.... But it's not for sale. I have both the Summarit and the Summilux. I reach for the Lux 90% of the time. I only take the Summarit when weight is an issue. The Close focusing is really nice (.6 vs .9), The Bokeh is magnificent. My portrait lens of choice. The Lux IMHO is far better than the Summarit. Maybe I should sell the Summarit... I have had to send the Summarit for repairs... aperture ring came loose. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Washington Posted July 4, 2011 Share #19 Posted July 4, 2011 I use a remote finder on all my lenses… 12- 90 …. usually, but especially with a lens like the big 75 CV1.8 which does crowd the viewfinder some. They are great framing tools after focus and accurate with their framing to boot…. and brighter! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xmas Posted July 4, 2011 Share #20 Posted July 4, 2011 I just picked up my 1st 75 ever - Voight 2.5 Heliar Can't take it off - and for about $430!?!? Tested really well - and nice size Hi I got mine for some what less but that may be the current price, too much quantitive easing. Mine is an ok lens. Only critism they could have easly made the hood reversible, to reduce size, but light enough to carry all day. Noel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.