Advice on 90mm 'Cron needed

[hlockwood]

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I came across a used 90mm Summicron M in Ex condition on the Calumet web site, for $595. The lens will probably not be the ASP version. Still, this price seems almost too good to be true, but then, Calumet is a very reliable dealer. So, I went ahead and ordered it. Calumet has a 14 day return policy.

 

Any advice on what I should be looking for in testing this lens? TIA

 

Harry

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[luigi bertolotti]

Price is very good really: do you know the s/n or at least the first 4 digit ?

Have You already a 90mm for Leica M ?

 

To make a simple test with no "lab materials" I would suggest :

- Shortest focusing distance: something like the page of an art book, lot of details lot of colours, camera on tripod, page well perpendicular to lens axis, correct illumination

- Medium distance : some particular of an elaborated building or machinery

- Infinity : paysage with many details

- Flare : medium distance portrait, light in front of the camera.

 

ALL from f2 on (ND filters are useful for shooting wide open, anyway use some low sensibilty film) , of course with the "new" and "old" 90 if you have one.

[hlockwood]

Thanks for the comments, Luigi.

 

No, I don't know the S/N yet; I expect to get the lens in a couple of days, then I can report. What is it that I will learn from the S/N? I expect it will be pre-ASPH and pre-APO, otherwise it will be an incredible bargain. But I don't expect Calumet to be giving anything away. OTOH, maybe they forgot to put a "1" in front of "5" as in $1595 rather than $595? Nah, I don't think so.

 

And this is my only 90mm. I had the 90mm lens on my mind when I bought my new M7/0.85 just last week. It should make a good portrait lens and street shooter.

 

Your suggested tests are good ones.

 

Harry