Sean's 90mm review

[sean_reid]

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BTW not sure if Sean reviewed the 90 macro have not read the article but don't think for a second it is not good for general shooting , it's slow but it does perform nicely too.

 

Hi Guy,

 

I tested the 90 macro as well. The set was:

 

Leitz Canada 90/2.0 Summicron

Leica 90/2.0 Summicron ASPH

Leica 90/2.8 Elmarit

Leica 90/4.0 Macro Elmar

CV 90/3.5 APO Lanthar

Zeiss 85/2.0

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

[sean_reid]

One thing not mentioned about the Voigtlander 90 is that it loses paint from the body very easily, especially from the milled ridges on the barrel. The same happens with the 28mm Ultron which appears to have the same finish.

 

Doesn't bother me, but it might concern some.

 

Hi Steve,

 

I haven't experienced that with any of my CV lenses. Maybe certain batches...

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

[stunsworth]

The finish on the 28 and 90 I have seems different to the others in being paint rather than being anodised. I think that's the source of the 'problem', as I say it doesn't bother me personally.

[Cindy Flood]

Originally posted by norm_snyder;330595]

Sean--

 

Fascinating and thorough review. Do you happen to know, or does anyone else, whether the later, 55mm thread Pre-ASPH 90 Summicron is the same formula as the earlier lens with the multi-piece collapsing lens hood and tripod socket?

 

I would like to know this, too. I have a very nice copy of this Canadian lens.

[artur5]

I would like to know this, too. I have a very nice copy of this Canadian lens.

 

No, it is not, the 1980 design is very different with 5 element and new glass types, instead of the old lens with 6 elements.

[adan]

1. The compact pre-ASPH 90mm (w/55mm filter threads) is, as Arturo says, a very different optical design from the long early lens. Among other things the early 90 is a symmetrical double-gauss design, whereas the compact version is a telephoto design (which is why it could be more compact). However, oddly, they still produce very similar imagery and "drawing" for the most part. The compact is a bit more contrasty, but still closer to the big 'ol gun in contrast, resolution, and bokeh than to the current 90s.

 

2. Good review - but will need an appendix in Nov. once the 90 Summarit is available. I would STRONGLY recommend, Sean, that you try and include the 90 Tele-Elmarit "thin" also at that time (since it is only 1 generation old, was in production for 18 years, and is a codable lens) and also the pre-ASPH compact 90 f/2. Along with a 'control' lens from the current review group to maintain continuity even if your image subjects have changed.

 

I can loan you a 90 TE - WITH coding - when the time comes.

[etienne_werner]

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Hi Steve,

 

I haven't experienced that with any of my CV lenses. Maybe certain batches...

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

 

Hi Sean,

 

I've had the same problem with my CV75mm. Mostly my fault as I keep that lens in a front pouch together with two other lenses. As these sitting quite tightly together, the lenses rub against each other. The paint (?) is coming off the 75mm. The 2 other lenses are fine (90mm f2 Canadian pre-asph and the CV50mm nokton).

 

I am considering making a wooden board in which I will drill 7 holes to fit and permanently fix the rear lens caps in. This way the lenses would have a more protected environment to sit in the photo bag. By zigzagging the placement of the lenses, I should be able to fit all the lenses (7) in one smallish bag.

 

Regards,

 

Etienne

[jaapv]

I would like to know this, too. I have a very nice copy of this Canadian lens.

 

There is version I, II and III. I suppose you mean the six-element Midland lens, version II. A good lens and a hefty piece of glass. The five-element version III redesign from 1980 is a bit more svelte, relatively, is lighter and has a slightly better performance, but nothing dramatic. The third version has an extraordinary smooth bokeh.

[egibaud]

I have the Elmarit 90mm and I must say it is an amazing lens! size, weight and results!

[Cindy Flood]

I have the Canadian version III and it does have very smooth bokeh. It is a keeper. I have trouble deciding whether to put it or my 75 lux in my bag (unless I know I am going to need the stop.)...it is that good.

[sean_reid]

1. The compact pre-ASPH 90mm (w/55mm filter threads) is, as Arturo says, a very different optical design from the long early lens. Among other things the early 90 is a symmetrical double-gauss design, whereas the compact version is a telephoto design (which is why it could be more compact). However, oddly, they still produce very similar imagery and "drawing" for the most part. The compact is a bit more contrasty, but still closer to the big 'ol gun in contrast, resolution, and bokeh than to the current 90s.

 

2. Good review - but will need an appendix in Nov. once the 90 Summarit is available. I would STRONGLY recommend, Sean, that you try and include the 90 Tele-Elmarit "thin" also at that time (since it is only 1 generation old, was in production for 18 years, and is a codable lens) and also the pre-ASPH compact 90 f/2. Along with a 'control' lens from the current review group to maintain continuity even if your image subjects have changed.

 

I can loan you a 90 TE - WITH coding - when the time comes.

 

Thanks Andy. I'll touch base with you when the 90 Summarit becomes available.

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

[lars_bergquist]

I would like to know this, too. I have a very nice copy of this Canadian lens.

 

Norm and Cindy,

 

There are more 90 mm Summicron versions than most know of:

 

v. I: Separate hood. Classic double Gaussian six element long focus design, very long, lots of brass, monstruously heavy. Quite soft wide open.

 

v. II: Built-in collapsible hood. Same general size and weight. Same general optical layout, but re-computed. Much better performance, especially wide open.

 

v. III: Smaller, lighter, handier five element tele design. Somewhat similar to V. II at f:2, better stopped down. A nice lens.

 

v. IV: the current Apo-ASPH. lens.

 

The old man from the Age of the Spheres

[Jack_Flesher]

From f2.8 and up, the Ver III is very nearly as good as the AA, smoother at all apertures and has great rendering at f2, AND it's a bit smaller and lighter than the AA. All in all, it may be THE bargain in 90mm M lenses...

[mym6is12]

Based on the review, I've just bought a used 90 Elmarit-M - instead of a new Macro Elmar-M.

 

Both lenses seems to perform very respectably and either lens would have done me just fine.

It finally came down to the test shots showing sharpness of chips on the paint flakes.

The Elmar just looked a bit softer with less contrast at these extreme enlargements.

 

This did not seem obvious to me from Leica's published MTF data sheets:

what lp/mm data would be needed to show this degree of pixel peeping sharpness ? 80lp/mm ?

 

I was also happy to pay £400 less for the used lens :-)

[woodyspedden]

Thanks Andy. I'll touch base with you when the 90 Summarit becomes available.

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

 

Sean

 

Just for the sake of completeness I would loan you a 90 macro elmar if you wanted to include it in your review. It is of course very different from my 90 cron but all in all a very small and capable lens. Very overlooked as well. I believe it has gotten somewhat of an unwarranted opinion because of the difficulty of using the macro adapter. Used alone it is simple and well done.

 

Woody Spedden

[carstenw]

Woody, Sean's review already includes the 90 Macro.

[wlaidlaw]

Here is a crop (not a resize) from one taken yesterday with the 90/2.8 Elmarit-M. It really is a pin sharp little lens.

 

Wilson

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[sean_reid]

Woody, Sean's review already includes the 90 Macro.

 

Indeed, but thanks for the offer Woody. I guess you haven't read it yet?

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

[sean_reid]

Based on the review, I've just bought a used 90 Elmarit-M - instead of a new Macro Elmar-M.

 

Both lenses seems to perform very respectably and either lens would have done me just fine.

It finally came down to the test shots showing sharpness of chips on the paint flakes.

The Elmar just looked a bit softer with less contrast at these extreme enlargements.

 

This did not seem obvious to me from Leica's published MTF data sheets:

what lp/mm data would be needed to show this degree of pixel peeping sharpness ? 80lp/mm ?

 

I was also happy to pay £400 less for the used lens :-)

 

I can't imagine that many photographers would be disappointed with that lens.

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[c6gowin]

I finally got the time to read and re-read Sean's 90mm review. In typical fashion it is an excellent real world comparison of lenses. I read the review with particular interest because my 90 Cron ASPH was one of the lens tested. I was very pleased that Sean's review confirmed what I already thought about the lens. I love it and actually use it much more than I thought I would when I first got it.

 

I got spoiled on the Leica Akademie Germany trip because I was able to use a second M8 body. I found that a WATE on one body and a 90 on the other body was a great combination for street shooting. Upon reviewing my Germany photos, I discovered that a lot of my favorites were taken with the 90. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised becuase I used the 90 a lot. On the first night in Wetzlar, Guy suggested a "one lens" night photo contest and I chose the 90 - not the most instintive choice, but it was a fun challange for myself.

 

Anway, back to Sean's review - had Sean done the review before I bought the 90 Cron ASPH, I would seriously consider the Elmarit over the Cron. On the Germany trip, David Farkus was using the Elmarit and it looked like a smaller version of the Cron with similar results. I admit I do like the heft and solid feel of the Cron - sorta like a Noctilux or 75 Lux - but the smaller size of the Elmarit would be welcome without sacrificing much other than a stop.

 

Photos from the Germany trip below - all with the 90 Cron ASPH

1. Wetzlar "one lens" night shoot - Late night at the bus stop.

2. Waitress at Heidleberg

3. Centuries in Fusson

4. Woman and child in Fusson

5. Street in Munich

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