Summarit f2.5 90mm M

[57andrew]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I bought a second hand model of this lens today for the equivalent of under US$1,000. I have tried for ages to find a new f2 Summicron 90mm in HK but failed (offered one used and rather battered for about US$3,000 equivalent. The reviews on the Summarit seem to be quite polarized. Ken Rockwell in particular seemed to give it a panning despite its apparently strong optical performance. After using a 50mm f0.95 lux the lens seems almost weightless and I'm going to spend a couple of days shooting to see what results I get. What issues have forum users found with this lens or am I in for a pleasant surprise? Thanks.

[JMacD]

Optically I love the 2.5. I wish the hood was a sliding hood ala the 2.0 but that's all i miss.

The large screw-on hood for the 2.5 is rarely used by me.

[01af]

Unlike the Apo-Summicron-M Asph's sliding hood, the screw-in hood of the Summarits actually works.

 

And no-one cares about what Ken Rockwell says.

[andybarton]

I have been very impressed with mine. And the hood stays permanently on the lens.

[mumu]

Summarit 2,5/90 is next on my wishlist

[StS]

I have been very impressed with mine. And the hood stays permanently on the lens.

 

Same over here on both points. In a way it is a pity, since the lens is extremely compact without hood.

 

Stefan

[57andrew]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

The absence of a hood surprised me too but I do like the lightness and I find it (on a very short outing) easy to focus.

[Jeff S]

Summarit range

 

Jeff

[57andrew]

Here is a shot with the 90mm this morning

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

- Uncle Mak is 94 years old and the local ironmonger. Still working I took some shots into his workshop but the best shots were, not surprisingly with the 0.95 lux

 

[lars_bergquist]

I have never owned a 90mm Summarit (I own a late Elmarit) but I bought a 75mm for my new M8. I did love that lens. It was well built, optically very good indeed, and I was especially impressed by its freedom from flare. I would never hesitate to buy a Summarit unless I really needed more speed.

 

I sold the 75 when I got my M9, because I have little use for 75mm on the full 35mm format. But the total experience was a very positive one.

 

Unfortunately, Summarit lenses do not sell the way they deserve to sell, because lots of people think it is the name on the front ring that takes the pictures -- and because lots of Leica lenses are bought by people who are not primarily interested in taking pictures with them. The bling factor has helped to preserve Leica's market niche, but it is also holding them prisoners there. Not for ever, we hope.

 

The old man from the Age of the Old Summarit (1:1.5)

[57andrew]

Thank you Lars. I um'ed and ah'ed about the "lost" 0.5 but in the end decided I could live with it. My old 50mm lens was F2.8 and that was it until my wife mortgaged the dog to buy me the 0.95 Noctilux. I will certainly give the Summarit a decent trial before I decide whether I made the wrong choice.