M9CH Posted January 19, 2011 Share #1 Posted January 19, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi all, I have got secured a new M9 in silver but cannot use it until end of month: it is my birthday present ! In the last decade I have been using a M6 TTL 0,72 with a Summicron-M Aph 35mm/f 2.0 and Summicron-M 50mm/f 2.0 and a M6 TTL 0.58 with a Summicron-M Aph 28mm/f 2.0. I would have liked a 24mm but I absolutely wanted to avoid an external additional viewfinder and came to the conclusion that a 0.58 with the 28mm would be a close solution; now with the M9, that has a 0.63 viewfinder, I shall see how I can handle the situation ! I am really satisfied with these lenses that I found great for my needs. I started taking pictures in the late sixties with a IIIb and a 50mm and a 90 mm - what a lucky boy ! - Well now I am thinking of completing my stable with a 75mm. I have seen on the net the new Summarit-M 75mm/f 2.5 but have not found any review . By Leica standards it is a cheap lens but how I does it fare versus the Summicron that cost twice as much. Also the 35mm and 50mm f 2.0 are cheap lenses in comparison with their Summilux sisters, but generally speaking the price difference is difficult to justify until one would expect extreme results. These Summicrom are really first class lenses ! Do someone have any appreciation of this new lens which is advertised to be well suited for the new M9 ? Tks ! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 19, 2011 Posted January 19, 2011 Hi M9CH, Take a look here summarit-m 1:2.5 / 75 mm. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
cliffp Posted January 19, 2011 Share #2 Posted January 19, 2011 I own the 75mm Summarit and find it to be excellent. I haven't compared it to the Summicron version but it doesn't have a built-in hood (you have to buy it separately) and it doesn't focus as closely. Funnily enough, I was thinking of selling and trading up to the Summicron. I recommend subscribing to Sean Reid's website where you can get very detailed reviews of most Leica lenses including the ones you are considering. If you do buy a Summarit, I recommend buying secondhand as they depreciate quickly. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
01af Posted January 19, 2011 Share #3 Posted January 19, 2011 Well now I am thinking of completing my stable with a 75 mm. I have seen on the net the new Summarit-M 75 mm 1:2.5 but have not found any review. By Leica standards it is a cheap lens but how does it fare versus the Summicron that cost twice as much. The Summarit-M 75 mm 1:2.5 is a damn fine lens and definitely can hold the water to the Apo-Summicron-M 75 mm 1:2 Asph. In direct comparison, both lenses have their strengths and weaknesses; I cannot say which is 'better' overall. The Summarit-M 75 mm, at full or near-full aperture, has even (slightly) better sharpness at the frame's center than the Apo-Summicron-M 75 mm Asph but then the fall-off towards the corners is significantly greater—both in terms of sharpness and illumination (vignetting). The Summicron has just incredibly even performance across the field, even at full aperture. The Summicron is faster by half an f-stop, focuses closer (0.7 m as opposed to 0.9 m for the Summarit), and retains most of the good performance at close distances thanks to the floating elements. But the focus pitch is way too steep and the focus ring is not very smooth. The Summarit is more flare-resistant and the focus ring is smoother. I encountered samples of the Summicron which were virtually useless for actual work due to jerky focus ring movement which made fine adjustments to the focus impossible. And the Summarit is smaller, lighter, and way more affordable. Both lenses have nice bokeh. The Summarit has slightly more lateral chromatic aberrations which however corrects well in the raw converter and usually are no problem even when not corrected for. The worst points of the Summicron are the sensitivity to flare and the unpleasant focus action. The best point is the almost super-natural performance at full aperture (unless ruined through flare). Overall, the Summarit is the more down-to-earth and easier-to-use lens with very good performance that hardly leaves anything to be desired. Bottom line is ... there is no bottom line. The decision between the two really is a tough one. Also the 35 mm and 50 mm 1:2 are cheap lenses in comparison with their Summilux sisters, but generally speaking the price difference is difficult to justify until one would expect extreme results. These Summicrom are really first class lenses! In the 35 and 50 mm focal lengths, the decision is easy. Here I clearly prefer the Summarit-M lenses over the Summicrons. If you need faster speed then go for Summilux. If Summilux speed is not required or too expensive then go for the Summarits. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPH1962 Posted January 19, 2011 Share #4 Posted January 19, 2011 I used a summarit 75 for almost 2 years, first an the M8, then on the M9. Optically is is an excellent lens, rather small and light. together with a 35 an nice combination. The only thing I didn't really like was the rather short focus throw and the fairly light focussing action - I mean it was a bit too easy to turn the focus barrel. To my taste it was difficult to nail focus. In comparison other lenses like the summilux 75 are easier. But that is only my preference and perhaps only my sample was like this, I didn't compare with other summarit 75 samples. In any case, you can do nothing wrong with it. rgds JPH Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Per P. Posted January 20, 2011 Share #5 Posted January 20, 2011 I agree with the others: 1) Subscribe to Read Reviews 2) The Summarit is a damned fine lens. I use it along with the 35mm and 50mm Summicrons, the 21mm, 28mm and 90mm Elmarits, and the 25mm Zeiss Biogon. I never waste a second wondering about quality differences between the lenses. Compared to the potential for improvement of the CONTENT in my photos the minor technical differences of a bunch of super lenses are irrelevant. Like so many have said before: If you need the extra speed then, by all means, it is your money. If not, then don't worry so much. Just buy any reasonable lens and get out to take some photos. The man who doesn't feel so old, but appears to be getting grumpier 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mn4367 Posted January 20, 2011 Share #6 Posted January 20, 2011 It is an excellent lens. Contrary to what JPH said the focus barrel on my copy is quite stiff, more than on any other lens I own. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
giordano Posted January 20, 2011 Share #7 Posted January 20, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) I'm extremely happy with my Summarit 75. There are some pictures made with it at Broome Bos Indicus Sale - jn's Photos Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted January 20, 2011 Share #8 Posted January 20, 2011 I have it from 2007 (bought new - with M8) and have also an Elmarit-M 90, older but bought used in 2010 : - Summarit 75 is absolutely great as image quality - Is completely usable at 2,5. - The short focus throw which I found, initially, a bit annoying, is not a real issue, after I got accustomed to it. - The screw on hood isn't fine : makes the lens a lot less compact when carried : +1 for the Elmarit-M 90 - The rubber of the focus ring is of a so-so quality... after 3 years... you do notice. - The lens assembly has acquired a bit of looseness... this DOES NOT affect the focus throw nor the IQ... just a bit of play in the front: let's say, is undoubtly mechanically less perfect than the Elmarit-M 90 that is older - bought used - rock solid. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
UliWer Posted January 20, 2011 Share #9 Posted January 20, 2011 I don't know the Summarit. Sean Reid did a comparison between different 75mm lenses and he was very favourable towards it: Welcome to ReidReviews As has been said before, focussing the Summicron might be called difficult because of the short throw of the focussing ring. Others (e.g. Reid) wish to have a short throw for quickness. I don't know whether the focussing throw of the Summarit is longer. Besides this, I never had any problems with the focussing ring and none at all with flare. I'd call the Summicron a very flare resistant lens. In the German forum some examples with this lens were shown where you see patches of veiling under certain light. I have not been able to reproduce this effect with my lens neither on the M8 nor on the M9. A big pro for the Summicron is it's closest focussing of 0.7m, which makes it very usable for "close ups". For someone who already has the 2/28 Summicron the 75-mm Summicron (together with the 50 lux asph) may be attractive as all three lenses render colours very similar. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted January 20, 2011 Share #10 Posted January 20, 2011 M9CH, welcome to the Leica forum! I really enjoy using my 75mm Summarit on my M8 (equivalent to 100mm) but a 90mm version would be preferable on an M9. If you click the Search menu item (top of page) and enter Summarit lenses you will reference many informed discussions in the forum. Some question the build quality; that has not been an issue with me. I do like the relatively wide focusing band on the 75 (and 90) Summarit which is better ergonomically than the older Elmarit (highly respected) and 90 Summicron lenses. Just a small point for consideration. The last 90mm Elmarit has a consistently high reputation. I recently found one 6-bit coded (good for identification in metadata) and am very pleased with it. That lens does not often come onto the market because few owners want to sell. Finally, what self-discipline! Waiting for your actual birthday! Enjoy it when you receive it! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
01af Posted January 20, 2011 Share #11 Posted January 20, 2011 The short focus throw which I found, initially, a bit annoying ... I absolutely cannot understand why Leica feels compelled to make the newer lenses with these awkwardly short focus throws Some users say they appreciate the 'faster' focusing ... which I feel is nonsense because actually it's slower as it takes so much more effort and concentration to get the focus right when the throw is so absurdly short. Too long a focus throw, of course, isn't good either. The focus throw of the Summarit-M 75 mm is very much on the short side but still just barely acceptable. I'd prefer a slightly longer throw but—after some getting-used-to—I can live with it the way it is. It should be noted that the focus throw of the Apo-Summicron-M 75 mm Asph is even shorter and thus, in conjunction with the rough and stiff focus action, too short for critical work. Here, Leica definitely has pushed it too far. The screw-on hood isn't fine: makes the lens a lot less compact when carried To the contrary! The Summarits' screw-on hoods are very fine. I appreciate them very much. Unlike other lenses' built-in hoods, they're actually useful. Yes, they do add a bit to the physical size but that's a small price to pay. And if they're too unwieldy for you, you can unscrew them any time. I leave them on all the time. The lens assembly has acquired a bit of looseness ... this DOES NOT affect the focus throw nor the IQ ... just a bit of play in the front My copy of the Summarit-M 75 mm, purchased used from eBay, developed some play in the aperture ring after a while. Leica Customer Service fixed it free of charge, and now it's as good as new. Just like in your case, the image quality (or exposure accuracy) was never affected. I guess the play in your copy also can be fixed at little or no charge. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
01af Posted January 20, 2011 Share #12 Posted January 20, 2011 Besides this, I never had any problems with the focussing ring and none at all with flare. I'd call the Summicron a very flare-resistant lens. Now you're the second person who is considering the Apo-Summicron-M 75 mm Asph a particularly flare-resistant lens, lately. I am flabbergasted because mine flares like hell, and other copies I tried also did. Slowly, I'm getting the impression there are two distinctively different types of Apo-Summicron-M 75 mm Asph lenses floating around ... did you acquire yours new or used? Is it older or newer? Mine is serial number 406XXXX and originally 6-bit coded (no retrofit code), i. e. fairly new. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted January 20, 2011 Share #13 Posted January 20, 2011 As a side note, I am not so sure I'd appreciate my Summarit 75 on a M9 (have m8 only, at the moment... )... are you sure isn't better to think of its 90 brother ? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Washington Posted January 22, 2011 Share #14 Posted January 22, 2011 I am giving a 75mm, f1.8, "Heliar Classic" a run at the moment. At $700 plus a bit, why not? I have nothing to say in-so-far as comparisons are concerned nor do I yet have an opinion of my own as I have not given it a "real-life" work-out yet. But here is a photo from the first test "roll" taken today almost directly into the sun (which proves exactly nothing): 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! Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/142071-summarit-m-125-75-mm/?do=findComment&comment=1565561'>More sharing options...
01af Posted January 30, 2011 Share #15 Posted January 30, 2011 Besides this, I never had any problems with the focussing ring and none at all with flare. I'd call the Summicron a very flare resistant lens.Now you're the second person who is considering the Apo-Summicron-M 75 mm Asph a particularly flare-resistant lens, lately. I am flabbergasted because mine flares like hell, and other copies I tried also did. Update: My copy of the Apo-Summicron-M 75 mm Asph has returned from Leica Customer Service recently, and today was the first sunny day I could try it. And hey—I don't know what they did to it (they didn't care to tell me) but the bad flares are gone! Okay, it still is not the most flare-resistant lens I own (this title still belongs to the fantastic Summarit-M 35 mm 1:2.5), but it definitely does not 'flare like hell' anymore like it did before. After eight months of ownership and two trips to Leica Customer Service, it seems I'm going to become friends with this lens finally. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
M9CH Posted February 1, 2011 Author Share #16 Posted February 1, 2011 Thanks Folks, I am now a bit more confused than before, also because I went on iternet and in this Forum to see about the 90 mm. In the meantime I have started shooting with my new M9 and I want as a fisrt step to feel comfortable with it and then I will decide. I have to acquire some experience to this novelty. I am used to adjust speed and aperture as I did before with my M6's, that is extending my hand in front of the lens, at arm length and I get a good reading. Without thinking much I took the new M9 and started doing just the same. In some circumstance actually it is better than when set on Automatic. In the landscape there is not much difference, but inside with diferent sources of light the difference is noticeable. Well this this should be discussed in another thread ! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
xtof Posted August 11, 2011 Share #17 Posted August 11, 2011 Hi, Did the M9 recognize the Summarit 75mm, 1:2.5 ? The frame within the wiewfinder doesn't seem matching with the view angle ? Thanks for bringing your lights. Xtof Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted August 11, 2011 Share #18 Posted August 11, 2011 (edited) .......... If you do buy a Summarit, I recommend buying secondhand as they depreciate quickly. New price around £1200; used price £950. I would say they hold there price quite well considering they have not been in short supply like most other faster lenses. I also have the 75 Summarit. Like most owners, I find it a superb lens. Only if you need the extra half-stop and slightly closer closest focusing distance is the extra expense worthwhile, in my opinion. (Do get a lens shade for the lens; well worth the expense. It can be reversed on the lens for compact trave) Edited August 11, 2011 by wda Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sblitz Posted August 12, 2011 Share #19 Posted August 12, 2011 +1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ho_co Posted August 12, 2011 Share #20 Posted August 12, 2011 (edited) ... Did the M9 recognize the Summarit 75mm, 1:2.5 ? The frame within the wiewfinder doesn't seem matching with the view angle ? ... Xtof-- The M9 does recognize the 75 Summarit. Remember, the 75mm frame shows at the same time as the 50mm frame, so you need to pay attention to the inside one. Or am I misunderstanding the question? 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! Edited August 12, 2011 by ho_co Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/142071-summarit-m-125-75-mm/?do=findComment&comment=1763524'>More sharing options...
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