Leica M 75 mm f/1,4

[Annibale G.]

I'm sorry but, is not more in production the Leica M lenses 75 mm f/1,4?
Annibale

[marknorton]

Yes, it's been discontinued, along with the Tri-Elmar 28-35-50, the 50mm Elmar and the 90mm Elmarit. They've all be removed - finally - from the Leica Camera web-site.

[Annibale G.]

and now there's only the 75mm f/2. Is this better in quality ? or Not?

[marknorton]

It's not so much a question of better quality as different quality. Comparing the two is more like comparing the Noctilux and the 50mm Summilux ASPH. The more modern designs are technically excellent but the old designs yield images which are just as appealing in their way.

[ddp]

Originally Posted by Annibale G.

and now there's only the 75mm f/2. Is this better in quality ? or Not?

Don't forget the 75/2.5 Summarit.

Better can only be determined by the photographer and how they use the lens. I wanted the 75/1.4 because of it's distinctive look and out of focus characteristics. The 75/2 wouldnt give me what I'm looking for. So for me, the 75/1.4 is the better choice.

[gravastar]

Originally Posted by ddp

Don't forget the 75/2.5 Summarit.

Better can only be determined by the photographer and how they use the lens. I wanted the 75/1.4 because of it's distinctive look and out of focus characteristics. The 75/2 wouldnt give me what I'm looking for. So for me, the 75/1.4 is the better choice.

The same applies to me, I've just purchased a used (discontinued) 90mm Summicron in preference to the ASPH version. I like the look it gives for portraits and "older style" images.


Bob.

[Annibale G.]

what do you mean by older style images?

[stunsworth]

Not as sharp, lower contrast <grin>.

[chris_livsey]

Originally Posted by Annibale G.

what do you mean by older style images?

Henri Cartier Bresson

[adan]

Originally Posted by stunsworth

Not as sharp, lower contrast <grin>.

"Never confuse 'sharp' with 'good' - or you'll end up shaving with ice-cream cones and licking razor blades!" - Bill Pierce (Leica user)

<grin>

I'm not cruel enough to say "good riddance" to the 75 f/1.4 - I know some folks like them and appreciate them.

But if I really wanted a camera/lens combo that big and heavy, I'd have stuck with SLRs. The 75 'cron and Summarit are much more M-like in scale, IMHO.

[mhoersch]

Hi Adan,
and what is it you have on your camera in the little thumbnail photo by which we identify your posts?

[Annibale G.]

so what about buying the 75 f/2?

[stunsworth]

Cracking lens - maybe I'm saying that because I own one. I don't think you'd be disappointed if you bought one.

My tongue was firmly in my cheek when I made the comments above by the way. Both are very good.

[wizard]

Originally Posted by stunsworth

Not as sharp, lower contrast <grin>.

More forgiving, to the subjects that is .

Andy

[ddp]

Originally Posted by wizard

More forgiving, to the subjects that is .

Andy

Indeed...I love the look for portrait work. I had the 90 AA Summicron before the 75 Summilux....and it's a nice change of pace to use. I really don't miss the 90.

[adan]

Originally Posted by mhoersch

Hi Adan,
and what is it you have on your camera in the little thumbnail photo by which we identify your posts?

That's my old Digilux 2 and Vario-Summicron "28-90". Whole thing weighs not much more than the 75 lux (wink!). Not a bad guess, though - it takes 69mm filters and the outside diameter of the 75 Lux is - 69mm!

[Hacker]

The 75 Lux focuses nearer than the 90mm.

[budrichard]

I have a set of original lenses for my M3 including the 35mm Summicron RF, 50mm DR, 90mm Summicron and 135 mm 2.8 RF. I also have 21mm ASPH, 35mm 1.4 ASPH, 50mm 2.8 Elmer(only reason I purchased it was it was collapsable), 75mm Summicron AA and 90mm Summicron AA for use with my M6 & M7. They are lense of different eras and if you like the bokah thing and the belief that you get some sort of esthertically different image out of the older designs, than they are for you. On the other hand if sharp reproduction is what you desire most, than the new lenses are far superior. I never use my M3 kit anymore except for maybe once in a while the 135mm RF if I need the reach.-Dick

[darkstar2004]

Originally Posted by stunsworth

Cracking lens - maybe I'm saying that because I own one. I don't think you'd be disappointed if you bought one.

My tongue was firmly in my cheek when I made the comments above by the way. Both are very good.

the 75/2 'cron would be a better choice for E6 work due to its eyepopping shapness, the 75/1.4 for B&W artistic work. That's the best I can determine based on what I have read.

I have a pre-ASPH 50/1.4 which I'm hanging on to for B&W use for ths same reasons.