75/1.4 vs. 75 'Cron

[highdudgeon]

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I'm looking for some feedback on these lenses. The short story is that I sold off all my M equipment, including a 75 lux, some 8 years ago. I've now decided to get back in because, after borrowing a friend's camera, I found that I take more interesting pictures with the system!

 

Anyway, I had a 75, but only briefly. It takes beautiful pictures. I found it a bit awkward, however, because it is big, block part of the viewfinder, and is heavy to use. I don't feel that, aside from ergonomics, it has any drawbacks. Also, I usually stop down.

 

Meanwhile, in my absence the 75/2 has come out. Obviously, I haven't had a chance to use one. It is very attractive in that it has a newer design that optimizes close-up performance and the ergonomics, or at least size, are more attractive.

 

Questions: I rarely shoot wide-open (it's not my thing) but I'm wondering what is the difference in depth of field in the 1-3 meter range between both lenses? Minimal at best?

 

Can anyone compare the handling?

 

Is the 75, while sharper on paper (hard to imagine!) actually "sharper" in practive?

 

Thanks!

[Eoin]

Where do I begin, LOL. I bought the 75 Summicron for portrait type shots with my head, my reasoning was smaller, newer design, better optics. My heart told me 75 Lux for the softness. Since then I've tried the 75 Summilux and to be quite frank beyond f:/4 there is little difference in sharpness. Contrast is another matter, here the Lux has less and the cron has more.

Best way I can describe it is if you want to shoot brides, get the Summilux if you want to shoot coal miners get the Summicron.

 

Without a doubt the Summicron is an easier lens to use in terms of size, weight and focus throw, it is very similar to the 50 Summilux Asph in it's fingerprint. I can't help but feel however the subject matter and f/stop is really the deciding factor, closed down there is little difference, opened up, two very different lenses. Sorry I can't be more help.

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[erl]

Here comes a totally biased POV! A few hours ago, I took delivery of a new 75/2.0 Cron. I based my choice on several factors. I was offered a 2nd hand Lux. Very sexy lens. I am no shrinking violet when it comes to handling bigger/heavier lenses. Most of my working life I spent carrying kilos (& kilos!) of hasselblad gear, light stands, tripods, you name it. I did it. Latterly, I 'flog' my M cameras + Noctilux. A veritable monster. But I love monsters! Because they deliver, if you massage them properly.

 

My serious reservation re. the Lux '75 was the long focus throw. A bit like the Noctilux, which I love .... but I am a bit impetuous by nature and decided I like to focus fast sometimes and the 75 Cron is fast to focus. On the M8 it is a dream lens. Yet to try it on my M7 etc. but I know` I will like it. Small, light, fast, just like a good woman.

 

I can't comment on quality comparisons between the lux & the cron, but I suspect the biggest variable in most picture (mine at least!) is not the lens but the photographers handling skills. I could have had the lux for less money, but chose the cron (with 30% disc) mainly on ergonomics and ease of use. The lux is still highly desirable though.

 

There! I think I sat on the fence squarely.

[MP3]

Color tones and nuances in low light from the Lux wide open (f1.4 and f2) is unsurpassed. Lower contrast wide open can also benefit portraits.The tradeoffs are its slower focusing throw, size and weight.

 

For more general purpose work and walk around, I bought the Cron last year. Excellent lens especially on closeup near distance due to its flowing elements. For portrait wide open or when a bit softer look can benefit my subject, I snap on a B+W Carl Zeiss Softar I. So I can got good soft portrait and extreme fine details as desired.

 

That said, color tones, nuances and bokeh of the Lux is still unsurpassed =)

[rosuna]

I compared them and finally I bought the Lux.

From f/2.8 I cannot see great differences on the M8 (crop 1.33). Maybe a bit difference in microcontrast, depending on the subject.

[innerimager]

and now there's a 3rd choice, the new 75 summarit, making an already hard decision that much more so. (Of course depending on how that unreleased lens performs). I have both the lux and cron, and echo what has been said. For portrait softness, dreamy bokeh, very subtle B&W tones, the lux. For crispness, higher color saturation, ease of focus and close focus, the cron. Both simply fantastic lenses. best....Peter