Waiting for the 90 APO Summicron FLE

[Guest Marc G.]

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Marc G., APO is not a standardized term. It just means that the lens has been formulated to reduce chromatic aberrations to some degree. The degree of correction varies from lens to lens even within manufacturer... the Leica 50 Summilux ASPH must have substantial APO correction (even though not so labeled) because its performance in terms of CA at f/1.4 is not far off the 50 Summicron ASPH APO at f/2. I think APO is currently used as marketing term, so one really needs to shoot the lens, wide open, to learn what degree of correction is really delivered. The 90 AA, in my experience, is extremely well corrected!

 

APO is not standardized, true. But for Leica lenses it seems like it is. From what I know the 50 Summilux has no APO designation simply because it is not APO corrected over the whole image area, while lenses with the APO designation do have apochromatic correction across the whole image field.

 

I can share your opinion on the 90 Summicron APO ASPH though. It is extremely well corrected and I do get the same colors from both my 50 Summilux ASPH and the 90 APO. The 90 APO is simply still one of the best lenses around.

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[CheshireCat]

Thank you guys very much for your feedbacks.

I am finally convinced to get a 90 APO Any recommended place in the bay area where I can actually test the lens before purchasing ?

 

P.S. Meanwhile, I made this comparison:

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m-lenses/317424-elmarit-m-90-11807-vs-zeiss.html

 

Hope you find it interesting.

[gpwhite]

Thank you guys very much for your feedbacks.

I am finally convinced to get a 90 APO Any recommended place in the bay area where I can actually test the lens before purchasing ?

 

P.S. Meanwhile, I made this comparison:

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m-lenses/317424-elmarit-m-90-11807-vs-zeiss.html

 

Hope you find it interesting.

 

Keeble & Shuchat might have it down where you are, but I have two other suggestions for how I would approach it. Usually, I spend the $ to rent testers from LensRentals.com. They are an outstanding supplier, and their equipment is all serviced to be in perfect order (their main business is to pro photogs and cine). But if you are already 95% committed, I would take the "test" one step further. You can order a brand new, factory fresh 90 AA from either Eli Kurland (Leica Soho) or Adorama and return the lens if you are not pleased. You just suffer the shipping cost. This approach lets you decide on your actual lens, instead of a rental "benchmark."

 

I can recommend both Kurland and Adorama without reservation. I have known Eli for ever, so I generally buy from him, but Adorama is also very good (less bureaucratic than B & H).

[leica1215]

Kind of wondering, when you purchase a brand new lens from a store, for whatever reason you return it for refund, what the store do with these returned lens? marked "mint"? or resell as brand new?

 

obviously, if they marked Mind condition or close to new , they have to take hit from the price.

 

Thanks

[gpwhite]

Kind of wondering, when you purchase a brand new lens from a store, for whatever reason you return it for refund, what the store do with these returned lens? marked "mint"? or resell as brand new?

 

obviously, if they marked Mind condition or close to new , they have to take hit from the price.

 

Thanks

 

My guess is that some stores re-sell as new (after they inspect it and verify that the warranty was not registered), while others have "open-box" discounts. I have returned two used lenses, but never a new one... so I am not sure what really happens.

 

Also, remember that most stores with serious on-line presence have large retail establishments too. So, when the salesman walks up to the counter with the box and opens it....

[briweed]

Thank you guys very much for your feedbacks.

I am finally convinced to get a 90 APO Any recommended place in the bay area where I can actually test the lens before purchasing ?

 

P.S. Meanwhile, I made this comparison:

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m-lenses/317424-elmarit-m-90-11807-vs-zeiss.html

 

Hope you find it interesting.

 

I highly recommend Camera West in Walnut Creek. Ask for Dan, he is the store manager and will go above and beyond to show you the lens and let you experience it. He spent over 2 hours with my daughter showing her many Leica lenses and allowed her to form her own conclusion. I cannot say enough good things about Dan or Camera West. I was just in there yesterday and he has a 90mm APO on display that you can mount to your camera.

 

B

[otho]

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I also love my 90 AA on M & A7R.

Not to create a new topic, some interesting information. As leica-wiki and other sources says, 90 AA production era started in 1998. It's true, meaning the "mass" production, but in fact, the first samples of 90 AA are from 1995 (Canada).

Source:  http://www.auction2000.se/auk/w.Object?inC=WLPA&inA=20141215_1156&inO=162

 

[Jeff S]

I also love my 90 AA on M & A7R.

Not to create a new topic, some interesting information. As leica-wiki and other sources says, 90 AA production era started in 1998. It's true, meaning the "mass" production, but in fact, the first samples of 90 AA are from 1995 (Canada).

Source:  http://www.auction2000.se/auk/w.Object?inC=WLPA&inA=20141215_1156&inO=162

 

Well, since the thread is two years old, any related discussion is new.  

 

And, yes, E. Puts notes that a small initial batch was made in Canada.

 

Jeff

[MT0227]

Kind of wondering, when you purchase a brand new lens from a store, for whatever reason you return it for refund, what the store do with these returned lens? marked "mint"? or resell as brand new?

 

obviously, if they marked Mind condition or close to new , they have to take hit from the price.

 

Thanks

 

B&H will move them to their used department; the good (like new) ones will be listed as either 9+ or 10.   I picked up a 21mm SEM and 50mm AA at an additional 12-15% off. Both were rated 9+, their mounting rings showed no sign of being attached to a camera.  The 50AA was missing the spec sheet and the top foam insert in box.  The 21mm SEM looked like it was returned the same day, the only way I could tell it was used was from the small sticker on the lens case that said 21mm left by the previous owner.  You definitely can get some true "Like New" gear from B&H if you are patient. 

[Leicaiste]

Well, since the thread is two years old, any related discussion is new.  

 

And, yes, E. Puts notes that a small initial batch was made in Canada.

 

Jeff

 

 

And the boxes of the first Germans where marked Canada. 

 

 

[albireo_double]

It front focuses by about 50cm at 4m

 

I found similar issues with a 90 APO on the M240. No such problem with the 75 or with the Makro Elmar 90.