Summicron-M 90 versus Elmarit-M 90

[mole73]

I searched a lot for the topic but didn´t 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)

And I´m no real fan of 75mm, I think it is to close to the 50, isn´t it?
Any advice would be helpful!
Robert

[Ronazle]

The older Summicrons are a little awkward and probably not as good as the better Elmarits. Having said that, you can probably find an ASPH Summicron used for about what you would pay for the Summarit. The ASPH Summicron used would be my hands down choice. How about buying a Voigtlander 90mm (which is excellent) and using it until you can find the right priced ASPH Summicron?

[waileong]

IF you need F2, you need a Summicron. A pre-asph should not cost too much used, $800 or so.

[christer]

ASPH is heavy and big.

For portraits you don't need 2,0

Elmarit-M would be excellent for your requriement

Tele-Elmarits (thin) are very good too

Even the Elmar-C with f/4.0 would be fine

(I have had or have all of the above)

[brianv]

My Thin Tele-Elmarit is about 1/3rd the size and weight of my Summicron 90. It is quite sharp, but of course you lose an F-Stop. So it depends on what you mean by low-light.

The Nikkor 8.5cm f2 in LTM is also worth considering. A good one goes for ~$300. It is small and light compared to my Summicron. In between it and the Tele-Elmarit.

[adan]

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.

[Skjöll]

Originally Posted by brianv

The Nikkor 8.5cm f2 in LTM is also worth considering.

As I was about to put the same question as adan and my budget is a little tight: what would I need to fit the Nikkor 85mm to my M3? Thanks for your advice!

[wstotler]

Originally Posted by mole73

I searched a lot for the topic but didn´t 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)

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