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Advice on 75 Summilux


MarkP

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For those of you who have experience with the 1.0/50 E60 Noctilux and the 1.4/75 Summilux,

 

I'm thinking that I'm wasting my money on another camera body (A7R and accessories) and that I should spend my money on lenses - yet another :rolleyes: If I sell the M9 (I have the M240 and Monochrom) and don't buy the A7R (with accessories) then that is about the value of the 75 Summilux with some change left over, or a WATE :).

 

Leaving the WATE aside, the 75 Summilux has been tempting me for some time for all of the obvious reasons. I love the look of photographs taken with my 1.0/50 E60 Noctilux. None of my other lenses give me photographs with that look. I usually don't shoot at 1.0, too soft and shallow DOF for my taste, - but 1.4 and lower. Otherwise that takes nothing away from the lens abilities although it does have some barrel distortion.

 

So I have the 1.0/50 E60 Noctilux (v3) and a2.0/75 Summicron ASPH. If 'm happy with the Noctilux' rendering and colour, and 50mm is my most used focal length, is there anything to gain with the 75 Summilux over the 50 Noctilux other than a bit more reach. Or do is sell the M9, not buy the A7R, maybe even sell the 75 Summicron :eek:, and buy a 75 Summilux for special qualities that are even 'superior' to the 1.0 Noctilux.

 

.....or is the 75 Summilux just a 1.0/Noctilux with a bit more reach and shallower DOF?

 

Thanks in advance for your comments :).

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I bought the Summilux 75 to complement my Noctilux. If you shoot portraits and like to come in close you will definitely appreciate the the more flattering 75mm focal length. Also it focusses closer than the noctilux so good for anything that needs close shooting.

 

That's the main reason I bought it but since owning it discovered it's other strengths. It is so ridiculously sharp when stopped down, possibly the sharpest lens I own. I will never sell it and I would certainly recommend buying it.

 

I would buy it over a camera body any day and it's value is increasing by the month so a no brainer in my opinion.

Edited by Paul J
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Both are amazing lenses. The 75/1.4 also shows less CA and vignetting than the 50/1.0.

 

The Summilux 75 can be frustrating at times: it's big and heavy, has a long focus throw and achieving critical focus wide open can be hit-and-miss, although this is much improved with the EVF. For these reasons, I prefer to use the very competent Summarit 75/2.5 for street work in this focal length.

But in the right circumstances (carefully-composed portraits, pictures of architectural or landscape details, etc.) and when you get it right, the results from the Lux are jaw-dropping - even more so IMO than those from the Noctilux, which in itself is no small feat. You get a dreamy look wide open and it becomes razor-sharp as you stop down.

If you like Mandler lenses, and enjoy some challenges in your photography, the 75/1.4 is a must-have. It's one of a small handful of lenses I'd never part with.

 

If you decide to get one, you should also consider sending it to Solms for a CLA - and coding while you are it. I did that with mine a couple of years ago and it came back perfectly adjusted.

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The summilux 75 and 50 Noctilux are two different lens, even with the same pope. The 75 has a more consistent yield throughout the field of view, while the Noctilux has a central bubble of sharpness. The Summicron 75 has made ​​a absolutely more crystalline the first 2/3 diaphragms, 75 summilux is more mellow, and then became very affected 5.6 / 8, with the yield at f11 it starts to become less affected by diffraction. You can see the test in my blog.

It 'a different objective from NOCTILUX? Yes.

The 75 lux cam may have problems focusing, but if you use it in live view with the 240 does not have a problem, or send him to adjust to Solms. Or if you are lucky split hairs!

Gabriele Caproni photographer

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I would buy it over a camera body any day and it's value is increasing by the month so a no brainer in my opinion.

 

Yes, the prices for this beauty are going North. I just sold mine - a mint, late Solms-built example, non 6 bit.

 

It went for 3000 British pounds.

 

Slight regrets, but it is a big heavy, slow to focus, beast. But lovely nonetheless.

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I have both and they 'paint' with the same 2B or 3B pencil, but with the Summilux 75 it has been sharpened a little, the 75 seems to have an incredible ability to show texture and keep sufficient sharpness with a greater feeling of weight to the inky blacks than any other lens I have. Add a little contrast to the 75 at 1.4 and it's sublime.

 

The magic between the F1 Noctilux and 75 Summilux is of the same order. But the swirl and crayon like softness of the Nocti is traded for a slightly greater resolution of micro contrast and a dreaminess to the Bokeh instead of the movement of the Nocti when wide open.

 

In one line I'd say the 75 has a slightly darker crayon that is a tiny bit sharper and agree about the central Noctilux performance. Plus the exceptionally strong vignetting of the Noctilux 'adds' something too the look of the Nocti at F1

 

You do need a 75 Summilux, you don't need a Sony ;)

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I've owned my 75 'lux for about 5 or 6 years. Due to the narrow plane of focus and some field curvature wide open, it's always been a bit frustrating wide open and close on my M8 and even film Ms, but the ability to use live view or an EVF with it on the M Typ 240 has made me really love this lens. In fact, I had originally planned on buying a 75 AA after buying the M, but now I get to save that money. It's really a fantastic lens, and you can count on it holding it's value.

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Mark,

 

Your work with the Noctilux is wonderful so, since you have the M240, why not consider the 80/1.4 Summilux-R instead of the 75 Summilux? I feel sure you've seen Ben Liebermann's (roguewave's) exceptional work with the 80 Summilux, which is significantly less expensive than the 75 and offers a smidgeon more reach. Yes, it requires the EVF with M240 but I find the combination quite workable and it possesses many of the same image qualities as the Noctilux v4.

 

Sorry if this complicates matters further for you but it's another option worthy of consideration.:)

 

Pete.

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Thanks for everyone's comments, and to Pete for your kind compliment.

Unfortunately the 1.4/80 Summilux R will be fine on the M240 but not the Monochrom :(.

 

The 75 Summilux is VERY tempting so I'm now looking around for a good later production date copy.

Will get sent for 6-bit coding and adjustment regardless.

Edited by MarkP
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I bought the Summilux 75 to complement my Noctilux. If you shoot portraits and like to come in close you will definitely appreciate the the more flattering 75mm focal length. Also it focusses closer than the noctilux so good for anything that needs close shooting.

 

That's the main reason I bought it but since owning it discovered it's other strengths. It is so ridiculously sharp when stopped down, possibly the sharpest lens I own. I will never sell it and I would certainly recommend buying it.

 

I would buy it over a camera body any day and it's value is increasing by the month so a no brainer in my opinion.

 

What he said.

 

Seriously, this is probably my favourite lens on the Monochrom. "Probably" because all my lenses are my favourites at some stage (going a little cold on the 35 Summilux FLE at the moment, and the Distagon 15/2.8). My dream bag at the moment is 21 Summilux, 28 Summicron, Noctilux, 75 Summilux, with big shoulders thrown in :-)

Edited by IkarusJohn
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What he said.

 

Seriously, this is probably my favourite lens on the Monochrom. "Probably" because all my lenses are my favourites at some stage (going a little cold on the 35 Summilux FLE at the moment, and the Distagon 15/2.8). My dream bag at the moment is 21 Summilux, 28 Summicron, Noctilux, 75 Summilux, with big shoulders thrown in :-)

 

Interesting your comment about the 35 Summilux FLE. I have a real love-hate relationship with this lens and am currently in an ambivalent to-hate phase. Love this one shot a few weeks ago on the M240 (http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/landscape-travel/311118-sunset-over-coogee.html), but I just took the lens away with me for the weekend with the 90 Macro-Elmar and M240 and didn't like the look of any of the photos taken with this lens (unlike those taken with the 90).

 

Though it's probably just a bad workman blaming his tools ;).

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A 75 Summilux sat at Samy's in Los Angeles for several months before it was sold. I was surprised by the lack of demand, perhaps if it was (more commonly) known how great the lens the price would be closer to the Noctilux.

 

75mm is a beautiful focal length, the Summilux is a lifetime lens. I would buy the lens, the Sony body can be purchased new or used later.

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The 75 summilux is one you won't regret. I got one at KEH for 3100 earlier this year. Just sent it in for 6 bit coding and adjustment. It is razor sharp and magical wide open. It is heavy, so like the noctilux, not always in my bag, but when you find the occasion it's worth having.

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What he said.

 

Seriously, this is probably my favourite lens on the Monochrom. "Probably" because all my lenses are my favourites at some stage (going a little cold on the 35 Summilux FLE at the moment, and the Distagon 15/2.8). My dream bag at the moment is 21 Summilux, 28 Summicron, Noctilux, 75 Summilux, with big shoulders thrown in :-)

 

Don't forget, you'll need Fort Lux! :D

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i'll let my pictures do the talking and jot some thoughts on this lens as we go

 

 

1. 2221_L1025796_1.jpg

 

2. 2221_L1025787_1.jpg

 

3. 2221_L1040509Edit_1.jpg

 

4. 2221_L1040606Edit_1.jpg

 

 

The lens is heavy compared to the usual M mount lenses and is a little front heavy on my M9. The focus throw is long, like the Noctilux f1 version. It tends to flare. I like flare so i dont bother with the slide out hood on my copy. Good contrast and excellent micro contrast, even wide open.

 

Here are some examples of the micro contrast:

 

 

5. 2221_L1025784_1.jpg

 

6. 2221_L1025926_1.jpg

 

7. 2221_L1026003_1.jpg

 

8. 2221_L1025929_1.jpg

 

 

As you might have noticed by now, the bokeh wide open is quite different to the Noctilux f1 in terms that there are no "swirls" and in deference to the f1, the bokeh is "splotchy" ... think Monet, not van Gogh

 

 

what i mean is:

 

 

9. 2221_L1026385_1.jpg

 

10. 2221_L1026158_1.jpg

 

11. 2221_L1026379_1.jpg

 

 

The edge falloff is not half as strong as with the f1. Against bright surfaces it does show purple fringing but with the new LR capabilities, this is not a concern anymore

 

 

12. 2221_L1026617_1.jpg

 

 

And the tonal range is gorgeous for B&W work without being too contrasty so the latitude left for post processing is very flexible

 

 

13. 2221_L10258792_2.jpg

 

14. 2221_L1026605_1.jpg

 

 

My Jekyll does Hyde.

 

Stop it down a few notches and the 75 lux loses it's artsy cool composure and becomes bitingly sharp

 

 

15. 2221_L1042878Edit2_2.jpg

 

16. 2221_L10428813_1.jpg

 

 

I have the Heliar 75/2.5 LTM, the APO 75/2 ASPH and the 75 Lux ... everytime i reach for a 75mm i always reach for the 75 Lux

 

Hope that helps

 

 

More stuff here -> Flickr: TheGodParticle's Photostream

 

Cheers,

Hari

 

Thanks so much Hari, this is one of the best lens reviews I've ever seen.

This is exactly what I wanted to know.

 

The God Particle has the God Lens :D

I'm sold!

 

Kind regards,

Mark

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You do need a 75 Summilux, you don't need a Sony

 

Very true. Those new digital gadgets (any manufacturer) really wear off quickly, a 75 Lux holds you for a long, long time.

 

I would go after you sale strategy, get a nice sample of the 75 Summilux (keeping your 75 Summicron) and see, which lens you like better.

 

Many comment about the 75 Summilux as being very similar to the 50/1 - it is not indeed.

The 75 Summilux probably has a character as schizophrenic, as the 35 Summilux pre ASPH, but on a whole different level.

 

There are similarities wide open with the look from the 50/1, the field is indeed more flat and the light falloff has an entirely different character (smoother with no extreme "cutoff" as with the 50/1).

The lens focusses as close, as you 75 Summicron, so you can use it exactly as you Summicron and will feel at home quickly.

 

It does have the long focus throw of a 50/1 (which I personally love, as you really NEED that focus throw for precision). It is a (front-) heavy lens to carry as an "extra".

 

It sharpens up extremely when stopping down, as mentioned and has a very lovely character for detailed portraits from f5.6 on with crisp skin detail.

 

My biggest beef with the 75 Summilux is indeed it's weight combined with the 75mm focal length, putting it in the shelf most of the time, as I rather grab a 50mm.

 

If you like you 75 Summicron and can live with the weight, bulk and long focus throw of a Noctilux f1, by all means get the 75 Summilux - it's a legend!

 

Make sure, you get it perfectly adjusted, if you feel you have any focussing issues. This, the Noctilux, the 21 Summilux and the 135/3.4 are the most notorious lenses to use, when slightly out of spec and can produce large amounts of frustration and self questioning.

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