The 75mm Focal Length

[stephengv]

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Contemplating of getting a 75mm Lens, most likely the Summarit.
 

How useful is this Focal Length ? Is it versatile?

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[logan2z]

46 minutes ago, stephengv said:

Contemplating of getting a 75mm Lens, most likely the Summarit.
 

How useful is this Focal Length ? Is it versatile?

It depends on the type of shooting you do.  I shoot mostly street photos and urban landscapes and use wider focal lengths for that.  But when I need the additional reach the 75/2.4 Summarit is the lens I reach for.   It's a great lens that I wish I had more opportunities to use.   

[astrostl]

I use mine for portraits. Could see it for deep landscapes. Overall pretty niche, which is why I went with the Kipon 75/2.4.

[lawman]

1 hour ago, stephengv said:

Contemplating of getting a 75mm Lens, most likely the Summarit.
 

How useful is this Focal Length ? Is it versatile?

I find the 75mm can be much less intimidating for portraiture than the 90mm focal length, while still preserving a nice out of focus bouquet and moderate compression. I had the Summarit 2.5 but didn't like the rubber grip or the detachable lens shade, so I traded it in for the Summicron which I think is a lovely lens. The focal length can be a little finicky to use, especially with the weird viewfinder lines - I have to keep reminding myself to stay within the broken line frame!! Good luck!

[Likaleica]

The Summarit is, in my opinion, excellent and as sharp as the apo-summicron.  It's light-weight and the 2.4 version has significant improvements over the 2.5, especially the lenshood which comes with the lens.  Love this lens.

[adan]

For a long time (1980-2003), the 75mm focal length held the record for tightest framing with an M lens. This applies to the Summilux, Summicron and Summarit f/2.4. They focus as close as a 50mm - with 50% more magnification. The 75 is my go-to lens for studio still lifes.

The 75s are now edged out by the 90mm Macro-Elmar - by a tiny amount (1/7th life size vs. 1/6.7th life-size) - but do combine tight framing with faster apertures, which adds to their versatility.

I find a 75mm can switch-hit between being a reasonable "normal" lens and a portrait or short-tele lens. Once I found out how much I enjoyed using a 50mm on the M8, "cropped" to about a 70mm field of view, I switched entirely to 75s and quit using 50s once I got the full-frame M9, and haven't looked back.

In a recent interview, famed photo-artist Ralph Gibson declared that "the 75mm is the new 50mm" - so I am not entirely alone in that opinion.

But at the same time, with the lower-magnification 0.72x Leica viewfinders, the 75mm is also "the new 90," with slightly easier focusing (and/or equal focusing with a larger aperture), and quite often more resolution. There is good reason that Leica has now produced five different 75s in the M mount over the years, as well as one for the SL, and a near-equivalent 100mm f/2 for the S line.

I find that the 75 pairs brilliantly with a 28mm as a compact kit - one thing that the Lenny Kravitz Drifter collection gets exactly right (despite the fake snakeskin). Regardless of which exact 75 and 28 are chosen.

https://us.leica-camera.com/Photography/Leica-M/Leica-M-Special-Editions/Drifter

Here are some samples with the 75mm focal length in its various moods (Leica M9 and M10). Full disclosure, I have used many 75s, but the portrait of the little girl is definitely with the 75mm Summarit f/2.4.

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Edited January 3, 2021 by adan

[astrostl]

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58 minutes ago, adan said:

In a recent interview, famed photo-artist Ralph Gibson declared that "the 75mm is the new 50mm" - so I am not entirely alone in that opinion.

I wouldn't discount the normalization of 75mm via APS-C sensors, too. Folks are told over and over, and in sensor-independent ways to buy a "nifty fifty" to go with their new camera. Couldn't tell ya how many APS-C folks I know of using 50mm lenses w/o knowing that it's an effective FL of 75mm.

Somewhat similarly, I attribute the rise of 24mm primes to the 24-70 zoom and everyone getting used to 24mm as their widest setting.

[Ray Vonn]

1 hour ago, adan said:

For a long time (1980-2003), the 75mm focal length held the record for tightest framing with an M lens. This applies to the Summilux, Summicron and Summarit f/2.4. They focus as close as a 50mm - with 50% more magnification. The 75 is my go-to lens for studio still lifes.

The 75s are now edged out by the 90mm Macro-Elmar - by a tiny amount (1/7th life size vs. 1/6.7th life-size) - but do combine tight framing with faster apertures, which adds to their versatility.

I find a 75mm can switch-hit between being a reasonable "normal" lens and a portrait or short-tele lens. Once I found out how much I enjoyed using a 50mm on the M8, "cropped" to about a 70mm field of view, I switched entirely to 75s and quit using 50s once I got the full-frame M9, and haven't looked back.

In a recent interview, famed photo-artist Ralph Gibson declared that "the 75mm is the new 50mm" - so I am not entirely alone in that opinion.

But at the same time, with the lower-magnification 0.72x Leica viewfinders, the 75mm is also "the new 90," with slightly easier focusing (and/or equal focusing with a larger aperture), and quite often more resolution. There is good reason that Leica has now produced five different 75s in the M mount over the years, as well as one for the SL, and a near-equivalent 100mm f/2 for the S line.

I find that the 75 pairs brilliantly with a 28mm as a compact kit - one thing that the Lenny Kravitz Drifter collection gets exactly right (despite the fake snakeskin). Regardless of which exact 75 and 28 are chosen.

https://us.leica-camera.com/Photography/Leica-M/Leica-M-Special-Editions/Drifter

Here are some samples with the 75mm focal length in its various moods (Leica M9 and M10). Full disclosure, I have used many 75s, but the portrait of the little girl is definitely with the 75mm Summarit f/2.4.

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!

Appreciated - I was going to ask whether people view and use it as an alternative 50mm.

[Jeff S]

I like the 75mm focal length (and enjoyed the approximate FOV equivalent when I used a 50mm lens on the M8.2), but never liked the 75mm frame lines on an M.  My 75 M Summicron was sold years ago as a result, and 28/35/50 lenses fill my M kit. 
 

But the SL75 was the first SL prime that I bought for my SL2.  I find it useful for many types of subject matter and environments.  And it’s a stellar performer.

Jeff

[stephengv]

5 hours ago, Likaleica said:

The Summarit is, in my opinion, excellent and as sharp as the apo-summicron.  It's light-weight and the 2.4 version has significant improvements over the 2.5, especially the lenshood which comes with the lens.  Love this lens.

Why do you say it is as sharp as the APO-Summicron?

 

[stephengv]

4 hours ago, adan said:

For a long time (1980-2003), the 75mm focal length held the record for tightest framing with an M lens. This applies to the Summilux, Summicron and Summarit f/2.4. They focus as close as a 50mm - with 50% more magnification. The 75 is my go-to lens for studio still lifes.

The 75s are now edged out by the 90mm Macro-Elmar - by a tiny amount (1/7th life size vs. 1/6.7th life-size) - but do combine tight framing with faster apertures, which adds to their versatility.

I find a 75mm can switch-hit between being a reasonable "normal" lens and a portrait or short-tele lens. Once I found out how much I enjoyed using a 50mm on the M8, "cropped" to about a 70mm field of view, I switched entirely to 75s and quit using 50s once I got the full-frame M9, and haven't looked back.

In a recent interview, famed photo-artist Ralph Gibson declared that "the 75mm is the new 50mm" - so I am not entirely alone in that opinion.

But at the same time, with the lower-magnification 0.72x Leica viewfinders, the 75mm is also "the new 90," with slightly easier focusing (and/or equal focusing with a larger aperture), and quite often more resolution. There is good reason that Leica has now produced five different 75s in the M mount over the years, as well as one for the SL, and a near-equivalent 100mm f/2 for the S line.

I find that the 75 pairs brilliantly with a 28mm as a compact kit - one thing that the Lenny Kravitz Drifter collection gets exactly right (despite the fake snakeskin). Regardless of which exact 75 and 28 are chosen.

https://us.leica-camera.com/Photography/Leica-M/Leica-M-Special-Editions/Drifter

Here are some samples with the 75mm focal length in its various moods (Leica M9 and M10). Full disclosure, I have used many 75s, but the portrait of the little girl is definitely with the 75mm Summarit f/2.4.

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!

Thank you for the comprehensive comment. I love the picture of the little girl. Great capture! Do you have more samples of the 75mm Summarit?

[stephengv]

3 hours ago, Jeff S said:

I like the 75mm focal length (and enjoyed the approximate FOV equivalent when I used a 50mm lens on the M8.2), but never liked the 75mm frame lines on an M.  My 75 M Summicron was sold years ago as a result, and 28/35/50 lenses fill my M kit. 
 

But the SL75 was the first SL prime that I bought for my SL2.  I find it useful for many types of subject matter and environments.  And it’s a stellar performer.

Jeff

I also have a 28/35/50 kit. Can the 75mm complement this?

[pedaes]

1 hour ago, stephengv said:

I also have a 28/35/50 kit. Can the 75mm complement this?

Of course, although conventional wisdom would say 90 if you have a 50. It's for you to decide what best fits your photography. 

[wda]

I find that 28 +50 and 35+75 make very effective pairings when selecting a two-lens kit for travel, depending upon destinations and projects in mind.

[pippy]

I agree with everything Adan said earlier.

The 75 Summarit is a superb performer in a small, light package. It's as sharp as a tack and I've never had problems with either focussing wide-open nor faming. FWIW I also have the 90 Summarit but the 75 is used 10x more often.

Philip.

[Keith (M)]

A quick search on my Flickr uploads for photos taken with my 75mm Summarit f2.5 on various M's (digital and film).  Lightweight and easy to use - but for quite a long time left sitting on the shelf.  I really should make more use of it!

[Sjz]

I too am looking for a 75 lens 75 (or 90) and cannot make my mind up.  I would like a narrow depth of field for portraits but that does not have to be so thin the eyelashes are out of focus and the pupil in focus.  Ideally it will work on the SL2 as well as the M10M.  (If it was just for the SL2 then it would be between the Leica 75 or 90 APOs and the Sigma Art 85 DG DN.

Sadly the wallet screams too loudly when I look at the 90 ‘Lux and the 75 Noctilux.

I am wondering what the real world differences are between the Summarits and the Summicrons at this focal length.

I can’t help notice there appears to be little enthusiasm for the 75 ‘lux.

The M lens I own, are 28 ‘lux and 50 APO.

[Dr No]

23 minutes ago, Sjz said:

I too am looking for a 75 lens 75 (or 90) and cannot make my mind up.  I would like a narrow depth of field for portraits but that does not have to be so thin the eyelashes are out of focus and the pupil in focus.  Ideally it will work on the SL2 as well as the M10M.  (If it was just for the SL2 then it would be between the Leica 75 or 90 APOs and the Sigma Art 85 DG DN.

Sadly the wallet screams too loudly when I look at the 90 ‘Lux and the 75 Noctilux.

I am wondering what the real world differences are between the Summarits and the Summicrons at this focal length.

I can’t help notice there appears to be little enthusiasm for the 75 ‘lux.

The M lens I own, are 28 ‘lux and 50 APO.

Not at all. The 75mm Summilux is a superb and inimitable lens, one of my all time favourites. A very different price category to the Summarit in question though and I'm sure headed even higher to Noctilux price territory eventually.

Edited January 3, 2021 by Dr No

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[lct]

24 minutes ago, Sjz said:

I would like a narrow depth of field for portraits but that does not have to be so thin the eyelashes are out of focus and the pupil in focus.

I would forget both 90/1.5 and 75/1.25 then if you intend to use them at full aperture. The 75/1.4 has a thin DoF too but it is softer at full aperture and has more DoF in the backgrounds so it is an excellent lens for portraits. 75/2 and 75/2.5 (no experience with 75/2.4) have more DoF but also more acutance hence are less forgiving for little skin imperfections.

[ru2far2c]

Just picked up a 75mm APO. Still getting to know the lens and focal length. Didn't think I would like the focal length yet to my surprise I'm enjoying it very much. On either my M240, 246 or my SL.