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90mm APO - New version coming?


Clandrel

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Guest stanjan0

"Floating elements", on my last cruise to the Orient while changing lens on the SS Amsterdam the ship took a rouge wave and as I looked at my lens splashing into the Pacific, I at that point wished it had "FLOATING ELEMENTS" :( I have tried everywhere to replace it (90MM f/2 latest model) to no avail. :confused:

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"a rouge wave" - is that anything like "a red sea"? ;)

 

I've heard nothing about a "new" 90 with FLE - but if I did, and wanted a 90 f/2, I'd run out FAST to buy the current or previous versions before they disappeared. I've encountered stiff or jumpy focus-ring movement with multiple copies of the FLE 50 and 75 ASPH lenses over the years (>50%), and I just don't think FLEs work well mechanically in the limited space of M lenses. The extra weight of the 90 would lend itself to even worse binding.

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I'm about to pull the trigger on a 90mm APO ASPH, but heard rumors of a new version with floating elements and smaller size.

 

Anyone know more about this, other than rumors?

 

Thanks!

 

/c

 

Whatever they'll do or not, imho smaller size WITH floating elements is a difficult match on a 90 f2...

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In a way, the question is a bit academic because Leica don't seem to be making them at the moment. Has anyone ordered one recently (within the last six months) and received the lens?

 

I have one on order (with deposit) since early October. I know I have been 'top" of list for a couple of months but no sign. What has Leica traditionally done when it upgrades a lens with existing orders - do they just roll over?

 

Keith

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I have to shoot makeup photos for a salon, and the only lens I have longer than 50mm is the 90 summicron. It has got me worrying.... what would be a good M lens for beauty?

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asked another way, is the current 90 summicron with its close-focus abilities good for head shots?

 

Depends how closely cropped you like your head shots but the 90 Summicron is IMO a very fine lens for this type of work. The 75 Summicron will get you a tighter crop (and, is in many respects a more versatile lens) but you have to get used to the 75 corner frame lines.

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"Floating elements", on my last cruise to the Orient while changing lens on the SS Amsterdam the ship took a rouge wave and as I looked at my lens splashing into the Pacific...

Too bad for such a great lens. BTW is the Amterdam a sister ship of this Rotterdam?

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asked another way, is the current 90 summicron with its close-focus abilities good for head shots?

 

I use both, the 75 and 90 APO Cron, and find that the 75 is a better portrait lens for me personally. Mine has no issues with the focus ring at all although you read about it a lot, which tells me there is a lot of truth to the matter.

 

It took a while to get consistent results in focusing as I just needed practice and wear glasses. By now the 75 is a lot easier for me to handle than the 90 and its 0.7m min distance actually gets you very close to the subject for head-filling type shots. It is also incredibly sharp and when you nail the focus you'll experience a moment of "unmitigated joy". Highly recommend it. :D

 

Cheers, Chris

 

P.S. @Clandrel: I have always been told "we can't possibly comment" by Leica ... found it very hard to deduct anything from that. It's just good PR. They have everyone sworn to secrecy and it keeps guys like us on our toes. :eek:

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asked another way, is the current 90 summicron with its close-focus abilities good for head shots?
No it's a bit weak close up. I eventually sold the 90 ASPH when I got the E55 pre-ASPH. I don't think the 75/2 is a great portrait lens either unless you like pictures that would look good in a dermatology lecture.

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That darn APO 75mm Summicron ASPH. If you use it right, it insists on making sharp images that you can develop as you want. You just can't make portraits with flattering skin tones with it.

Isabelle (Izzy) Faith photo - Geoff Hopkinson photos at pbase.com

Make Up Artist at work photo - Geoff Hopkinson photos at pbase.com

Bec's close up photo - Geoff Hopkinson photos at pbase.com

Rebe in Melbourne photo - Geoff Hopkinson photos at pbase.com

 

 

 

No it's a bit weak close up. I eventually sold the 90 ASPH when I got the E55 pre-ASPH. I don't think the 75/2 is a great portrait lens either unless you like pictures that would look good in a dermatology lecture.

 

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