Exercise for APO 90/2 (Long message and need advise at the end)

[Schittra]

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Before 90mm

I like portrait. My best lenses ever before I can afford Leica were Planar 50/1.4 and Planar 85/1.4 with my Contax RX. When I entered Leica, 50/1.4 ASPH is always with my M. I have 21/35/50 focal length now for your reference.

Elmarit 90
I want to have closer look and got 90/2.8. I loved the focal length - keep me close enough for full-face portrait or capture my children moment by not getting too close. I had slight problem with focusing (due to eyesight). It's getting better significantly. My wife also likes it, because it's not too sharp. What I don't like 90/2.8 is the details. Need to stop down to f/4 and still did't some details I found in Summilux 50 or Summicron 50. I traded it for Summicron 75.

Summicron 75 APO
I like the color tone, dimension, sharpness, and the detail. Everything I missed from 90/28, I have in Summicron 75. The lens is heavy but my body adjusts it after a few hour. I was walking around the house and garden - very enjoyable. I am surprised I don't have a feel of Summicron 35 or Summicron 50 that I used to have before. The photo give me the tone/feel of Summilux 50 ASPH more. Maybe I think too much. Some people mentioned about non-smooth bokeh due to 9 blades - I am ok. My problem with 'Cron 75 is, the frameline of 75mm is close to 50mm. Sometimes I need to look at the lens if I use Summilux 50 or Summicron 75 (I didn't get used to it yet). The close frameline between 50 and 75 made poor photographer like me mis-composition that I want. The shop has some prestine 90/2 APO today. I traded in my Summicron 75mm for Summicron 90mm APO. 

Summicron 90 APO
That's the focal length I am very comfortable with. May you please help for some exercise / practice with this lens during "restricted traveling". Some photo or some tips will be great while I wonder around the house. Thank you very much.

[lct]

If you had focus problems at f/2.8 it could be even worse an f/2. My best advise is to use an EVF then.

[a.noctilux]

Some inspirations (maybe not APO) , in this thread (link) Summicron 90mm images

You may try one day Summilux-M 75mm (...for lovely portrait and more )

[Schittra]

17 minutes ago, a.noctilux said:

Some inspirations (maybe not APO) , in this thread (link) Summicron 90mm images

You may try one day Summilux-M 75mm (...for lovely portrait and more )

That’s great. I will look at it. I am quite happy with 75 cron. Just the frame line causes me problem. Thanks a lot!

[Schittra]

28 minutes ago, lct said:

If you had focus problems at f/2.8 it could be even worse an f/2. My best advise is to use an EVF then.

Thanks. I had no focus problem with f/2.8 at all. Just the frameline.

[frame-it]

which M? M9? M240? M10 ? hows the buffer ? sometimes better to fire off shots in bursts

[Schittra]

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45 minutes ago, frame-it said:

which M? M9? M240? M10 ? hows the buffer ? sometimes better to fire off shots in bursts

M10. That’s very good idea.

[frame-it]

at f2-f4, just zone focus..then fire and forget remember to say "FOX-3" loudly so your kid smiles suddenly

Edited March 20, 2020 by frame-it

[jaeger]

if you can handle Planar 85/1.4 and I don't see any problem handing this lens.  now, all you need is hot models.

[Schittra]

26 minutes ago, jaeger said:

if you can handle Planar 85/1.4 and I don't see any problem handing this lens.  now, all you need is hot models.

I am happy to hear people say Planar 85/1.4. I once used Sony A7, I bought Planar 85/1.4.  It’s different from Planar I know.

[Gelatino]

let's share my experience.

Put the M on tripod , the lens wide open

Focus on a non moving object with RF and check with EVF and focus peaking, near shortest focussing distance, and say 2,5M.

If the check with EVF matches the RF focusing all is good. 

If the check with EVF doesn't match the RF one then you have one or more problems.

Personnally I went through 2 RF calibrations  (one in Wetzlar, one in Leica store), bought +1 diopter, and finaly "all is ggod".

All this can be done with all your lenses .

Initially I used to focus with EVF (020) when the APO 90 was mounted as I was told that focussing with the 90mm was "approximative".Now I  tend not to put on the EVF anymore.

IMHO those who find focussing a 90mm with RF is "approximative" should have their RF calibrated.

 

[Schittra]

1 hour ago, frame-it said:

at f2-f4, just zone focus..then fire and forget remember to say "FOX-3" loudly so your kid smiles suddenly

Lovely idea. Thank you 

[lct]

Zone focus on kids at f/2-f/4 with a 90mm lens? I would love to be able to do that.

Edited March 20, 2020 by lct

[frame-it]

6 hours ago, lct said:

Zone focus on kids at f/2-f/4 with a 90mm lens? I would love to be able to do that.

i do that on the street with people whizzing around

[onasj]

If you try a 1.25x viewfinder magnifier you may find it much easier to use the 90/2 APO.  I also find the 90/24 Summarit to be outstanding, and it is MUCH smaller and easier to focus mechanically.  Plus the 90 Summarit was just discontinued, which means your Leica dealer *might* be willing to give you a discount.

[Schittra]

12 hours ago, frame-it said:

i do that on the street with people whizzing around

And what distance from the subject approximately?

[frame-it]

27 minutes ago, Schittra said:

And what distance from the subject approximately?

between 10ft and 30 ft