ECohen Posted June 3, 2016 Share #1 Posted June 3, 2016 Advertisement (gone after registration) Lets agree, that there is real joy in owning/using many brands of lenses for the unique characteristics of each. Here's my question for you experts. I want a 90mm ish lens for portraits and the very occasional landscape......mostly portraits/people (color and b&w) wide f-stops for pretty backgrounds. I'm looking for an asset to my arsenal with a specific purpose....it doesn't have to be an everything lens. Which should I choose? ........for use on my digital... M240. Zeiss 85mmf/4 Tele-Tessar T* ZM or Leica Tele Elmarit 90mm f/2.8 thin from Canada ....or is there a better choice? Can anyone tell me the specific characteristics of each, so I can make an informed choice? Not having the luxury of testing them...... your all I got. I also don't think I need to spend 4k for a new Leica Summicron and I don't necessarily think those are the characteristics I'm looking for?.....although I'm sure it would be just fine. My everything 90 lens choice would be the Leicas current Macro but it's a little pricey at $3300, so till the perfect used one comes along.....I could get a lot of use out of a portrait lens with some charming unique characteristics. I do wish I had unlimited funds and time to collect and experiment with the nuances of all the different brands, styles of coatings......So many great lenses out there.... cheap and expensive....so little time to learn and try them all.... I do love photography! Thanks to all, for the advice, it really is appreciated. I know this question seems redundant but it's the specific characteristics i'm interested in....examples are especially welcome. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted June 3, 2016 Posted June 3, 2016 Hi ECohen, Take a look here Yet another 90mm lens question. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
lct Posted June 3, 2016 Share #2 Posted June 3, 2016 See http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/261115-why-buy-other-than-leica-lens-for-a-leica-m-system/page-2?do=findComment&comment=3056260 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted June 4, 2016 Share #3 Posted June 4, 2016 No experience with the Zeiss, but 2,8 is a right aperture for portraits (f2 is someway critical) and the Thin Tele Elmarit (-M or not -M.. I have this last one) is very pleasant to handle and carry around; if (expecially for landscape, that you quote too) you would like more sharpness and contrast, the modern Summarit has similar size and cost (not new, of course... but it's very probable that a 2nd hand Summarit is less "used" than a Tele Elmarit...) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
farnz Posted June 4, 2016 Share #4 Posted June 4, 2016 In my opinion the 80/1.4 Summilux-R will offer you exceptional character for portraits wide open and is often called 'two lenses in one' because it is wonderfully sharp when stopped down so it would tick your box for occasional landscapes too. I've included an example of portrait character to show you what I mean. Since you'd be using it on your M240 you'll need to use the EVF so that might affect your decision. Pete. 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! M240 with 80/1.4 Summilux-R Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! M240 with 80/1.4 Summilux-R ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/261216-yet-another-90mm-lens-question/?do=findComment&comment=3056439'>More sharing options...
TomB_tx Posted June 4, 2016 Share #5 Posted June 4, 2016 I have had a Tele Elmarit for decades, but now prefer the 90 Elmar-C that was made for the CL. It focuses fine on my M9 and film Ms and seems higher contrast than my T-E. Erwin Puts notes that it seems to be optimized for the near focus range, and says the optical formula resembles the macro Elmar. The Elmar C is also a low-risk bargain. I paid less than $250 for mine with hood, caps, and pouch case. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Kilmister Posted June 4, 2016 Share #6 Posted June 4, 2016 I use a Summarit 90mm f/2.5 (6 bit coded) which I bought second-hand for about GBP 900. It is easy to focus and produces excellent results. https://www.flickr.com/photos/133538622@N08/18894638489/in/dateposted/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/133538622@N08/20656146935/in/dateposted/ Just two examples. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael.mu Posted June 4, 2016 Share #7 Posted June 4, 2016 Advertisement (gone after registration) I also use a 90mm f2.5 Summarit and am very happy with it. It's a versatile lens and I've used it for travel, landscapes, portraits. I think examples are always helpful so I'm including links to several examples of the 90mm Summarit with the M240: https://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelmu/15620450344/in/album-72157641012054554/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelmu/14696697521/in/album-72157641012054554/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelmu/26269640051/in/album-72157641012054554/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelmu/26286448981/in/album-72157641012054554/ And if you want to browse more photos with the 90mm Summarit here's a link to my album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelmu/albums/72157641012054554 Good luck with your decision. Mike Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
microview Posted June 4, 2016 Share #8 Posted June 4, 2016 And if you want to browse more photos with the 90mm Summarit here's a link to my album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelmu/albums/72157641012054554 Good luck with your decision. Mike The dog "Watching" is a truly lovely image in that album. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clactonian Posted June 4, 2016 Share #9 Posted June 4, 2016 I've been through a similar exercise myself over the last couple of weeks or so, albeit with different lenses. For me it was the Summarit or the Elmarit M. In the end I settled on the latter which on the used market was a similar price and I quite liked the idea of the slide out hood. Although I've only had it a couple of days I'm very impressed so far. Beautiful rendering, sharp and not too bulky. A big day out on Monday so hoping to really put it through its paces. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
henning Posted June 5, 2016 Share #10 Posted June 5, 2016 I just commented on something similar: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/260776-leica-90mm-f25-or-90mm-f28-m/?p=3056709 What I didn't mention there was that I also have the two 75's, and the 75 Summilux also serves as an excellent portrait/general purpose lens as long as you don't mind the weight. The newest lenses from Leica (and most other manufacturers) tend to be a little too crisp and clinical at the wider apertures for my taste in portraiture, which doesn't work as well with wide open shallow depth of field, imho, so the pre-APO Summicron 90, thin T-E 90 and 75 Summilux all have, to varying degrees, a fairly soft rendition at wider apertures and sharper, higher contrast rendering at smaller apertures. I find this most useful. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IWC Doppel Posted June 5, 2016 Share #11 Posted June 5, 2016 90 elmarit M would be my choice Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sblitz Posted June 5, 2016 Share #12 Posted June 5, 2016 +1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sblutter Posted June 11, 2016 Share #13 Posted June 11, 2016 I did a side by side comparison of the Tele-Elmarit and the 90C. The Tele was a bit sharper but that could have been a body - not a lens issue. Otherwise they're very close Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
aj55 Posted June 11, 2016 Share #14 Posted June 11, 2016 +1 for the 90 C. Just bought one in perfect condition for €225 and had it coded by Wil v. Manen - because I am lazy and tend to forget to switch back to <auto>. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ECohen Posted June 11, 2016 Author Share #15 Posted June 11, 2016 +1 for the 90 C. Just bought one in perfect condition for €225 and had it coded by Wil v. Manen - because I am lazy and tend to forget to switch back to <auto>. I appreciate all the reviews and suggestions ...I can see that there are many great choices out there to suite my 90mm needs. I guess this question is a bit rhetorical but .....where do you all find these great capable lenses at such great prices? 90 C perfect condition for €225 /$321 US As I said I'm new to used Leica lenses there is a lot I don't know. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted June 11, 2016 Share #16 Posted June 11, 2016 Here for instance: http://tinyurl.com/zyxcbxp Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ECohen Posted June 11, 2016 Author Share #17 Posted June 11, 2016 Here for instance: http://tinyurl.com/zyxcbxp I know your right...but with ebay I feel Like I'm closing my eyes and guessing as what will show up ...unless you know exactly what your shopping for you don't know how a lens will perform...well I don't Which model ...is Canadian OK.....these serial #'s fine, but those had a plastic part that deteriorated..... I like the warmth of Leica's coatings....which ones had that......were some years really contrasty...its old does it still focus correctly For economics sake I like to buy things once rather than guess ...also I have never in 40years ever sold any of my equipment for anywhere near what a "going" rate is......I always lose a lot. So Im all about buying it right once...and keeping it I know paralyzed by too many choices on the used Leica market....and honestly I dont know enough/anything....So thats why I'm here ..........I miss local dealers where you knew who you could trust.....I do sincerely trust you all Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted June 12, 2016 Share #18 Posted June 12, 2016 There are professional dealers on e**y. Among those in the link above i can recommend Photo Village in New York (USA), SH photo in Nurnberg (Germany), PhotoAlps in Zell am See (Austria) and Foto Dotti in Modena (Italy). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ECohen Posted June 12, 2016 Author Share #19 Posted June 12, 2016 "There are professional dealers on e**y. Among those in the link above i can recommend Photo Village in New York (USA), SH photo in Nurnberg (Germany), PhotoAlps in Zell am See (Austria) and Foto Dotti in Modena (Italy)." Should I care if a lens is Canadian made? Are they held to the same factory standards as German Made? I'm only interested it the quality of my photos not the resale or status. And thank you for your helpful post. I just want to get away from the new lenses and get back to making photos ....Used Leica is very overwhelming and new Leica seems like a lot of money for a great 90. Your help is most appreciated! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted June 12, 2016 Share #20 Posted June 12, 2016 Both Elmar-C 90/4 and M-Rokkor 90/4 v1 were made in Germany i believe. M-Rokkor 90/4 v2 was made in Japan though. I'm not aware of a 90/4 made in Canada but i may be wrong. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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