75 Summilux (latest)

[sps]

There was so much talk about the 75/lux I thought I would post a shot that, while not incredibly artistic, clearly shows both the dynamic range of the M8 and the potential of the 75.

This was taken handheld in passing. Dark in the cathedral, sunny outside. Notice not only the crispness of the lettering, notice also the details in the stone grout joints hidden in the shadows. Notice also the details in the hands. Amazing combination.

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[rosuna]

Do you have more examples?

I find the 75 Summilux a bit soft wide open (I haven't the lens, but I am looking photographs in the Internet). At f/2 it is sharper, but the Summicron seems to be ahead. I am not sure about the differences in bokeh.
The problem with small web samples is that many details are masked, like sharpness, noise, etc.
I think this lens, now dissapeared, will not be replaced by a new Summilux. The second-hand copies have increased their prices, and it is difficult to find now.

[innerimager]

Here's a wide open portrait with this lens. I love the lux! best...Peter

[eronald]

Originally Posted by rosuna

Do you have more examples?

I find the 75 Summilux a bit soft wide open

I think this lens, now dissapeared, will not be replaced by a new Summilux. The second-hand copies have increased their prices, and it is difficult to find now.

It is soft wide-open and reasonably sharp when stopped down to F8.

I think an aspherical Summilux will follow, and only the portrait crowd like me will retain the current version.

Edmund

[marknorton]

I've just received mine as my second 30% off lens, and I'm more than pleased with it. Even if an ASPH version does come out (though I think the priority at Leica will be for more modestly specified and lower cost lenses), I'm already liking the look of this lens.

[Philippe D.]

Hi,

Originally Posted by sps

There was so much talk about the 75/lux (...)
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This link unfortunately says:
"The file associated with this link has expired.
Unfortunately, this file has expired. A file link is only valid for a certain number of days or a limited number of downloads, whichever occurs first."
Could you not upload those pictures on the forum, that is maybe the best way?

I'm quite interested on this Lux-M8 combination, mine is right now in Solms for some adjustments and i'm impatient to get it back soon.

[Artichoke]

it does not surprise me that folks find the 75 Lux soft wide open or that it has risen in price now that it is no longer available
given the success of the M8, I suspect Leica will release a new version of this lens & predict that it will both be a costly lens & a great success
I got my 75 Lux about 5 months prior to getting the M8, jumping on one when I saw it appear on KEH's listings
it is my most often used lens with the M8, despite the fact that I do not yet have an ir/cut filter for it (come on Leica, make me a happy man & deliver my ir/cut filters)
the lens is not svelte and even looks a tad unwieldly mounted on the M8 (but does not obscure the viewfinder,) but I find it a delight to use and very, very fine optically
wide open shooting with a fast lens at portrait distance focusing is a recipe for softness, particularly at a telephoto focal length with a RF ...I think this soft reputation of the 75 Lux unfounded from my experience with my sample ...any lens profits from stopping down a bit and mine seems to be quite sharp at f1.7
I have a Nikkor 85 f1.4, which is generally considered an outstanding fast lens, and my 75 Lux seems sharper and certainly renders bokeh as lovely ...it handles specular highlights better as well and is, of course, a good deal smaller
here is a sample from mine nearly wide open ...I believe this was taken at f1.7, but it could have been f2



some folks forget that field depth increases with focus distance ...this nose emblem from a B58 strategic bomber was taken just under infinity focusing
the sentiments are how I feel about my Lux, though the acronym on this Cold War plane gives me a shudder
a larger version can be found here Leica M8 photographs Photo Gallery by Artichoke Vinagrette at pbase.com along with many other samples from this fine lens

[Philippe D.]

Hi,

Originally Posted by Artichoke

it is my most often used lens with the M8, despite the fact that I do not yet have an ir/cut filter for it (come on Leica, make me a happy man & deliver my ir/cut filters)

For the 60mm we have to wait, at least, till next June

[guy_mancuso]

The 75 lux at 6.7. becoming a real favorite for me this lens