Lord Fluff Posted September 16, 2011 Share #1 Posted September 16, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) We've all heard of the incredible rendering of this lens, and since I own one, I can vouch for this. However the size, weight, and focus throw made me curious about the 75 Cron. So this week I was lucky enough to test one out - and yes, it's lighter, smaller and quick to focus. I took a few snaps, then the same snaps (at f2) with the Lux and headed back to the computer to compare and contrast the results. I expected night and day differences, and yet...... ....when I paired up the f2 shots from the two lenses, it was nigh on impossible to tell them apart. So much for any kind of 'vintage' look to the Lux - it matched the Cron shot for shot in terms of sharpness, and in some cases even seemed to edge ahead. I had no agenda here - in fact if the Cron had blown away the Lux I'd have been looking at owning both, or perhaps even just the Cron. But based on this very informal test, size aside, the Cron doesn't give me anything I don't already have with the Lux...... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 16, 2011 Posted September 16, 2011 Hi Lord Fluff, Take a look here 75 Lux....an amazing lens. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
JWW Posted September 16, 2011 Share #2 Posted September 16, 2011 Yes, the 75mm Summilux is one of my keeper lens with its wide open look and creamy bokeh. I haven't tried the 75 cron but for my older Leica lenses such as the 35 cron version 4, stopped down they start equaling the newer models. The 75 lux is tricky to focus wide open, even more so than the Noctlux. I had mine calibrated by DAG to be spot on focus. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivar B Posted September 17, 2011 Share #3 Posted September 17, 2011 I am a little surprised and it may be due to what shots you made. I have also tested these lenses side by side and although the Lux sharpens a lit at f2 I found that the Summicron was clearly superior. If you for example shoot tree leaves against a blue background you should fairly clearly see the Apo correction of the Summicron. That being said, the Lux is a wonderful lens. I have had 2 of the Summicron 75 bought brand new and both lenses had to go back to Leica for focus adjustment, which imrpoved results a lot. This is also something to be aware of. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Fluff Posted September 17, 2011 Author Share #4 Posted September 17, 2011 Well, I was surprised too, hence my post. I did focus-bracket with the Cron since I had no way to know if that might be an issue - but it seemed to be focussing correctly with my M9, as does my Lux. While the test was not very scientific (hence there's little point posting images, since the more scientifically-minded will point out the lack of correct methodology) it clearly showed that my Lux was not really any less sharp than the Cron I tried, certainly in the range of shots I was able to create in the vicinity of the camera shop, in limited time. I'm sure someone can dig up MTF graphs to prove I'm 'wrong', but this was an unbiased comparison, with very unexpected results. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pico Posted September 17, 2011 Share #5 Posted September 17, 2011 The 75mm Summilux is quite a challenge for me to focus. I'm out of practice with it (and making a new focusing device to keep my *left thumb out of the window.) But when I nail focus wide open it's just tremendous, and at f/5.6 it is stunning. (*My left thumb is basically a prosthetic.) Speaking of focal lengths, it has been my experience that with the exception of Macro lenses, every modern lens of every good brand that is near twice nominal-normal in focal length is the sharpest of the lot. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom0511 Posted September 17, 2011 Share #6 Posted September 17, 2011 I am surprized too. I had the 75 Lux and ater getting the 75 Summarit I finally sold the 75 Lux. I found the 75 Summarit easier to focus, better belanced weight wise and more contrasty at wide apartures. I would expect the 75 Summicron to be even better in this regard. I would think the reason for a 75 Lux might be more gentle rendering specially for portraits...and... its f1.4. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
egrossman Posted September 17, 2011 Share #7 Posted September 17, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) I absolutely LOVE my 75mm Summilux and would never ever sell it. I bought a mint factory coded copy about 2 months ago. It can be hard to focus but I have found that using a 1.4x magnifier has helped me tremendously. YMMV. Both of theses samples were shot wide open on the 75mm Summilux. I just love the way it draws. Sample 1 Sample 2 Erik Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerard Posted September 19, 2011 Share #8 Posted September 19, 2011 I love my 75 Lux. After having it reshimmed by Malcolm Taylor, nailing focus is easy, and I find it a joy to use. I even apreciate the size and weight; it creates quite a steady set up when shooting in low light. I enjoy taking candid portraits, and for this purpose the 75L is just sublime in the way it handles light, and renders skin and out of focus areas. If your bag is shooting flowers, however, I can understand that the 75C would be a better choice. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Randle P. McMurphy Posted September 19, 2011 Share #9 Posted September 19, 2011 Both of theses samples were shot wide open on the 75mm Summilux. I just love the way it draws. Amazing Pictures Erik - THX for the Samples. I´ve a old Sonnar 150 C for my Hasselblad - just Single Coated - and it´s verry strange to explain but I never found another lens wich gives me that "Look" when I try to shot my view of portraits (maybe that old 105mm Nikkor comes close). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted September 19, 2011 Share #10 Posted September 19, 2011 Eric, nice examples of the wide-open appeal of this lens, also the somewhat more greenish appearance of the glass on digital compared to the newer APO lenses. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
egrossman Posted September 19, 2011 Share #11 Posted September 19, 2011 Thanks Randle and Rick for the kind comments. Everyone seems to complain about how heavy the 75mm Summilux is but coming from a Canon 5D with the 70-200mm L 2.8IS as my standard portrait lens I disagree. Yes, I'm sure your right Rick that the APO is more color corrected but I wouldn't trade my Mandler-era lens in a million years... I can always change the hue in photoshop if I need to. Erik Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted September 20, 2011 Share #12 Posted September 20, 2011 I wouldn't trade my Mandler-era lens in a million years... Erik Me either. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Fluff Posted September 20, 2011 Author Share #13 Posted September 20, 2011 although the Lux sharpens a lit at f2 I found that the Summicron was clearly superior. That was certainly what I expected to see too. Perhaps I have a remarkable Lux, or it was a substandard Cron, or both - but any difference was imperceptible in my casual tests. If I get time I'll link to some of the shots - provided people are prepared to accept them for what they are of course. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerard Posted September 23, 2011 Share #14 Posted September 23, 2011 What is all this talk of sharpness anyway? 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/161929-75-luxan-amazing-lens/?do=findComment&comment=1800501'>More sharing options...
IkarusJohn Posted September 24, 2011 Share #15 Posted September 24, 2011 What is all this talk of sharpness anyway? Lovely. Really lovely. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Fluff Posted September 24, 2011 Author Share #16 Posted September 24, 2011 The image on the right would look lovely in B&W too IMHO Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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