patashnik Posted July 27, 2011 Share #1 Posted July 27, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) My current lenses are a 35mm Summicron-M ASPH (that I like), a Voigtänder 35mm Nokton f/1.2 (that I will never part with) and a 35mm Summilux-M pre-ASPH (that I'm really not getting along with...). I also have a 50mm Summilux-M ASPH on the way (the lens that I sold one too many times...) that I jumped on, and got a fantastic deal on. To round everything off, I'm looking for a 90mm lens. I've had bad luck here, getting some really bad copies of the Leica 90mm Summicron-M pre-ASPH, and having had a Leica dealer sell one that I already had paid a deposit for (and agreed to pick up later that week...). Speed isn't of essence, meaning f/2.8 will do fine. The ASPH Summicron-M is out of the equation, I owned it at one point and the size and weight really put me off it. So, I'm left with a couple of options: - try yet another copy of the pre-ASPH 90mm Summicron - search for a 90mm Elmarit-M - get in the queue for a new 90mm Summarit-M I shoot mostly film (handheld), so I have no illusion that every last lpm will count. Also, a lot of the time I do more artsy and abstract stuff, so "sharpness" isn't paramount. What is important, is the way it draws, especially the out-of-focus areas. My gut feeling is to just get in line for a new Summarit-M, and pay the price when it arrives. I will sell the 35mm Summilux-M pre-ASPH, so budgetwise - that should be able to more or less land me either one of these lenses. The question is to those of you that own (or have owned/tried) the Summarit-M: Would you happily recommend this lens, or would I be better off searching around for one of the others? I know about the mechanical bit not being quite up there with the Elmarit-M and Summicron-M, but this doesn't worry me. I quite simply want the most "cream" for my money - with the least amount of hassle. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 27, 2011 Posted July 27, 2011 Hi patashnik, Take a look here 90mm Summarit-M: Are you satisfied?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
sblitz Posted July 27, 2011 Share #2 Posted July 27, 2011 type of question that will get you lots of different answers. on one thread there are people opining that the 28 is an unwanted focal length on another i read how the 28 cron is better than the 35 cron and more like the 35 lux. in the 90 most seem to have the elmarit and like it, some talk about others. me, i own the summarit and like the lens very much. in fact i have no desire to own a different one. i think an important consideration is to weigh the cost again how much time the lens will sit on your camera vs a different focal length. more time, spend more money. as for the physical build of the lens, no complaints. let the discussion begin ..... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted July 27, 2011 Share #3 Posted July 27, 2011 I had a 90 Summarit. Its a great little lens. Excellent value. Obtainable. Well made. Good results. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnloumiles Posted July 27, 2011 Share #4 Posted July 27, 2011 I have the 75 Summarit and can't say enough good things about it. The OOF area is quite nice and the focal point is sharp. I have not tried other long lenses except for my 90 elmar but I know their size is off-putting. It's weird you see a lot of people ask about the Summarits performance because somewhere they heard it was cheaply made (cough* Ken Rockwell) yet I have not seen one post where a Summarit owner disparages it's performance. I heard one person say the aperture ring came loose. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kokoshawnuff Posted July 28, 2011 Share #5 Posted July 28, 2011 I was in a similar position a couple months ago looking for a 90mm. I tried to get a nice Elmarit-M but the prices were insane (bids from $1350-$2000 on ebay), so I decided to get a used 90 Summarit since I'd had luck with the 35 Summarit. I'm happy with it to this day, you won't be disappointed. Both with an M6 and Summarit 90 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! 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/157980-90mm-summarit-m-are-you-satisfied/?do=findComment&comment=1749891'>More sharing options...
Ecar Posted July 28, 2011 Share #6 Posted July 28, 2011 I heard one person say the aperture ring came loose. That was probably me. But I have been very happy with its performance otherwise. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
edmond_terakopian Posted July 29, 2011 Share #7 Posted July 29, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Definitely recommend it; a top lens. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted July 29, 2011 Share #8 Posted July 29, 2011 I would put more faith in user comments than general reviews, but FWIW, this overview of the Summarits by Puts might be interesting for you in case you haven't seen. Bottom line, the Summarits are fine, under-appreciated, lenses. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephan_w Posted July 29, 2011 Share #9 Posted July 29, 2011 why not an Elmarit 90? This is a terrific lens, with superb bokeh and rendition, incorporated lens hood, even available in chrome if you need it. Prices are affordable. This is the way I would go. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted July 29, 2011 Share #10 Posted July 29, 2011 The last Elmarit M imho is a lens of stunnin quality in any sense : optical / mechanical / ergonomy, though heavy (I have the chrome - even heavier than the black... ) ; for me, is a lens to buy, if found in really good conditions; Summarit : do not know the 90, have the 75 and in rendering is excellent, similar to the Elmarit M and significantly lighter : personally, I prefer by far the retractable hood of the Elmarit M, compared to the screw-in of the Summarit (which indeed is reversable with cap on - no bad - the 90 must be identical in this) ; BUT... my Summarit, , in 4 years, has became loose in the front part of the assembly (not on the stop ring) , the dealer told me it can be easily fixed at the local distributor's lab, with little expense, and probably I'll do... but I find a bit annoying this : let's say that, at least for my item, the mechanical quality isn't at the top... my Elmarit M is 3 years older, solid as a rock, smooth in any movement. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NB23 Posted July 29, 2011 Share #11 Posted July 29, 2011 I have the 75 Summarit and can't say enough good things about it. The OOF area is quite nice and the focal point is sharp. I have not tried other long lenses except for my 90 elmar but I know their size is off-putting. It's weird you see a lot of people ask about the Summarits performance because somewhere they heard it was cheaply made (cough* Ken Rockwell) yet I have not seen one post where a Summarit owner disparages it's performance. I heard one person say the aperture ring came loose. I'm sorry but Ken Rockwell is on drugs or acting like it. He used to rave (and still does) over Nikkor lenses and the Summarit line is very close to the whole Nikkor AIS line mechanically and clearly beats it optically. If Ken Rockwell gushes over the AIS Nikkors but is mitigated on the Summarit line, then he has an agenda. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nick.edwards1 Posted July 29, 2011 Share #12 Posted July 29, 2011 I have found this lens to be optically and mechanically excellent - one I would not want to be without - I use it on my MP and M8. If I had to buy a 90 again - no question - it would be the Summarit I would recommend that you visit Thorsen Overgaard's excellent site, where I think you will find the information you require.. THORSTEN OVERGAARD official homepage since 1996 - Danish feature writer and photographer - Portr Regards, Nick. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luuk Posted July 29, 2011 Share #13 Posted July 29, 2011 Elmarit M (IMO) seems the best option for you (considiring your post). Good luck in finding a mint one! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
christer Posted July 29, 2011 Share #14 Posted July 29, 2011 ........Ken Rockwell is on drugs or acting like it............. ? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrh68uk Posted July 29, 2011 Share #15 Posted July 29, 2011 I have it. I had the option, at the time, of a used 90 Elmarit or a new 90 Summarit. I tested both outside the shop on my (then) M8 and went for the Summarit. When I got home I was able to inspect the images more closely. They were so similar that I found it hard to spot differences but the Elmarit *may* have had a tiny bit more contrast. I only took the one image, though, so I wouldn't put money on that at all. I went for the Summarit because the image quality was there and the build quality was (is) excellent. It's still on my M9 after taking a few pics of my little lad recently: L1000764 | Flickr - Photo Sharing! Still very happy with it on M9 and with film. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Studio58 Posted July 29, 2011 Share #16 Posted July 29, 2011 type of question that will get you lots of different answers. on one thread there are people opining that the 28 is an unwanted focal length Same with the 24... according to some opinions a lens not worth owning while others say that it is one of Leica's finest optical creations.... go figure.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Studio58 Posted July 29, 2011 Share #17 Posted July 29, 2011 I read your thoughts on this lens but here is a link anyway. Leica Summicron M 90mm f/2 lens E55 boxed M8 M9 Mint- | eBay Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SangNguyen Posted July 29, 2011 Share #18 Posted July 29, 2011 I have 90 2.8 v.1 chrome and I like it with when shooting in film. Light in weight and easy to control is another thing I want. E39 is also my favorite lens size. I am quite happy with this lens when making a tele street shoot, but tele shoot is not my hobby I have not try the newer version of this lens so I have no comparison. I only would say 90 2.8 v.1 does not make me think to change another lens of this focal length. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
colonel Posted July 29, 2011 Share #19 Posted July 29, 2011 really just look at the first picture in this review leica.overgaard.dk - Thorsten Overgaard's Leica Pages - Leica 90mm Summarit-M f/2.5 tele lens and other Leitz and Leica 90mm lenses next question ? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith (M) Posted July 29, 2011 Share #20 Posted July 29, 2011 really just look at the first picture in this review leica.overgaard.dk - Thorsten Overgaard's Leica Pages - Leica 90mm Summarit-M f/2.5 tele lens and other Leitz and Leica 90mm lenses next question ? Not just the first image - well worth reading and admiring the whole article + all the images. Stunning work! I do not need a 90mm lens, I do not need a 90mm lens, I do not need a 90mm lens... To be repeated until GAS subsides. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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