carstenw Posted October 24, 2007 Share #1 Posted October 24, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) Reading recent comments on the Noctilux and its problems focusing and stopping down, as well as the rumours of a newer version coming out at some point, I am beginning to wonder if I would be better off switching my Noctilux order to an Apo-75 or Apo-90. I understand the 75 and viewfinder differences, as well as the fact that the 75 gets close enough to outdo the 90 in enlargement, and the differences in size and weight. However, since I am selling my 90 macro: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/classifieds/showproduct.php/product/410/cat/4 (I find it too slow, although it is otherwise awesome), I am wondering if I would prefer the 75 or 90 Cron. Could those in the know discuss the actual feel and look of the lenses? At the moment, having the 75 Lux, I am leaning towards the 90. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted October 24, 2007 Posted October 24, 2007 Hi carstenw, Take a look here Apo-90 Cron Asph. vs. Apo-75 Cron Asph.. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Guest guy_mancuso Posted October 24, 2007 Share #2 Posted October 24, 2007 I have the 75 lux and the 90 apo a great 1,2 punch. Really can't miss here Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul_S Posted October 24, 2007 Share #3 Posted October 24, 2007 Could those in the know discuss the actual feel and look of the lenses? At the moment, having the 75 Lux, I am leaning towards the 90. I have both 75's and like the Lux most. Not sure how much I will use the 75Cron (my 30% discount, however all gear in Solms hospital now, have not used it much), however the smaller size, easy handling and not covering the viewfinder winder, very sharp from wide open all makes it very attractive but not for portraits IMHO. Can't go wrong with it! I also have the Apo90cron (black) and a pre-asph 90cron E55 (chrome, heavier than the 75Lux!). I use the Apo90 very often (landscape), image signature close to Apo75, but larger, heavier than 75cron. The 90 (in general) makes a good pair with the 75(lux). From what I read from your posts and your search for smooth bokeh, I suggest that you go for the 75cron if you like 75mm very much. Both 75's are very different in their signature. For 90mm, the current apo90 is beyond critism but you might love a 2nd hand pre-asph even more as I do. I noted that the pre-asph90cron is much less sensitive for flare. I should post some pics about that later. I have seen your Macro-Elmar offering. Tempting. I try NOT to look at it.<G> Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonoslack Posted October 24, 2007 Share #4 Posted October 24, 2007 HI Carsten I don't have the 90 Apo, although I did have the 90 macro, so I can't give you a proper comparison. Still, the 75 'cron is probably my most used lens - I love it, the close focus makes flowers and detail shots easy, the bokeh seems to me to be very clean and not agitated, it's reasonably small. I have too many lenses, but my most used kit is: WATE MATE 75 'cron. Of course, things may change, and it certainly is a bit brutal for portrait, but I think that it's an excellent lens which covers a lot of bases and works really well. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eoin Posted October 24, 2007 Share #5 Posted October 24, 2007 If I were to do it all over again, I'd pass on the Nocti and opt for something else. What else is the question, I'd hardly be buying the 75 Cron just for sharpness between f:/2 - f:/4 while I had the 75 Summilux, and the 90 AA seems expensive given 2nd hand prices. Best option for you is to order a 50 Summilux Asph in Chrome and swap that along with your 75 Lux for my Nocti and 75 Cron, then we'd both be happy:D Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
skimmel Posted October 24, 2007 Share #6 Posted October 24, 2007 I've been thinking about the same question with a twist - I have a 90 cron Asph and was thinking of getting a 75mm. (Not sure if this would be in place of or in addition to the 75). Anyway, my question is: Is the 75 Lux even still available? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosuna Posted October 24, 2007 Share #7 Posted October 24, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) The Noctilux with a 30% discount letter is a very good opportunity. The list price is a bit crazy. I would keep the Noct choice. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guy_mancuso Posted October 24, 2007 Share #8 Posted October 24, 2007 I've been thinking about the same question with a twist - I have a 90 cron Asph and was thinking of getting a 75mm. (Not sure if this would be in place of or in addition to the 75). Anyway, my question is: Is the 75 Lux even still available? Used if you can find them Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosuna Posted October 24, 2007 Share #9 Posted October 24, 2007 Anyway, my question is: Is the 75 Lux even still available? You have a new copy in Madrid, Fotocasión, Ribera de Curtidores Street: FOTOCASIÓN, material fotográfico nuevo y de ocasión They received it a few months ago. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul_S Posted October 24, 2007 Share #10 Posted October 24, 2007 Anyway, my question is: Is the 75 Lux even still available? Regularly offered on eBay, they go for approx. 1600 euros. Not sure were you live but can be found both in Europe and US. And in the Buy&Sell section here as well. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marknorton Posted October 24, 2007 Share #11 Posted October 24, 2007 Like Jono, I have too many lenses - both 75s and all three 90s - and my favourites are the 75/1.4 and the 90/2. The 75/1.4 is everything I would like (and so far have not seen) the Noctilux to be - easy to focus, shallow DoF, lovely bokeh, controllable transition from slight softness wide open to bite stopped down. The 90/2 AA has a vibrancy to its images which surprised me and which I really like where the Elmarit and Elmar are more "old school". I also much prefer the 90/2's simple focussing action to the dual focussing action of the 75/2, you can really feel those floating elements in the 75/2 which makes it slightly heavy to use, at least on my example. So, it's the 75/1.4 and 90/2 for me... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eoin Posted October 24, 2007 Share #12 Posted October 24, 2007 ....you can really feel those floating elements in the 75/2 which makes it slightly heavy to use, at least on my example.... Mark, it has to be your example of the lens, if I was to compare the 75 cron to all my other lenses, it's silky smooth effortless focus stands out. The 90 pre asph seems to have more focus throw but still very easy to use. I'd also recommend the 90 pre asph (last version) as perhaps one of the best value lenses out there, it must have a very similar fingerprint to the 75 lux, being less clinical in the sharpness from f:/2 - f:/4 and there after must be on par with current Asph's. Almost 2 lenses in 1 for €500. I'm maxed out on lenses in the 75-90 range, 75 cron is such an easy lens to use and very predictable in it's punchy clinical detail it records, the 90 offers more options with the aperture to create mood, lovely soft tones towards wide open. And the 85 summarex is the one I like most, it has so many brushes in it's aperture range from weird to wonderful with it's quirky operation it just has to be the most oddball lens I've used. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guy_mancuso Posted October 24, 2007 Share #13 Posted October 24, 2007 Like Jono, I have too many lenses - both 75s and all three 90s - and my favourites are the 75/1.4 and the 90/2. The 75/1.4 is everything I would like (and so far have not seen) the Noctilux to be - easy to focus, shallow DoF, lovely bokeh, controllable transition from slight softness wide open to bite stopped down. The 90/2 AA has a vibrancy to its images which surprised me and which I really like where the Elmarit and Elmar are more "old school". I also much prefer the 90/2's simple focussing action to the dual focussing action of the 75/2, you can really feel those floating elements in the 75/2 which makes it slightly heavy to use, at least on my example. So, it's the 75/1.4 and 90/2 for me... Man did you steal my cheat sheet or what. Exactly the same feelings. I am absolutely in love with my 75 lux followed closely by my 28 cron and i have a few more that are just brillant to compliment the line up. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carstenw Posted October 25, 2007 Author Share #14 Posted October 25, 2007 Paul, I just lowered the macro kit price to €1900, or just lens+adapter for €1800 I am hoping to finance my 30% lens with it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carstenw Posted October 25, 2007 Author Share #15 Posted October 25, 2007 Rúben, I know what the Noctilux is like, having played with one for a while, but it isn't *that* different than the 75 Lux, so combined with the current Noctilux troubles reported here, as well as the new Noct rumour, I think a 75 or 90 Apo Cron makes more sense. Secondhand, I can find the Noctilux for about €2200 anyway. The other thing is that I would then have two great possible kits: 28/2, 50/1.4A, 90/2A, and a lighter, softer kit: 35/1.4A, 75/1.4, depending on how much I want to carry and how sharp I want the results to be. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul_S Posted October 25, 2007 Share #16 Posted October 25, 2007 Paul, I just lowered the macro kit price to €1900, or just lens+adapter for €1800 I am hoping to finance my 30% lens with it. Thanks Carsten, I got the message. I understand your position. However, I am still trying to put a halt on my lens buying addiction ;-) It's so much fun though! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom0511 Posted October 25, 2007 Share #17 Posted October 25, 2007 Carsten, here is another vote: Have you ever checked out the 90/2.8? I own it and find it a great lens.Bokeh seems smoother than that of the 90macro, its not too big&heavy, and 1 stop faster than the Macro. You can get it for a good price, and for me its one of those lenses which are very sharp but still dont have that clinical supersharp look. However you dont safe as much money as you do when getting the Nocti. I own the Nocti but use my 50/1.4asph and Zeiss Sonnar much more often. Then there are those few occasions where you use the Nocti and just get a spoecial look into your image. I got it because I got a unbelievable low price for the Nocti, but I wouldnt pay 2000+ Euro for it. Cheers, Tom Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carstenw Posted October 25, 2007 Author Share #18 Posted October 25, 2007 I have thought about the Elmarit, but I do want the extra stop, since one of my interests is machinery, and I would like a lens with which I can get reasonably close, yet still shoot in dark areas. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom0511 Posted October 25, 2007 Share #19 Posted October 25, 2007 One more thing: If you have the 75/1.4 I would think the 90 macro is the greater alternative. With this combo you have one fast lens (the 75), and one lens which is really light, and does Macro. What can a 90/2.0 do what the 75/1.4 could not do? Even though the 90/2.0 should be a great lens, it never atrracted me. The 90Macro has the big advantage that I carry it and have it with me, just because its that light. Cheers, Tom Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carstenw Posted October 25, 2007 Author Share #20 Posted October 25, 2007 The 75/1.4 is soft until f/2.8 or even f/4. For machinery, I really want something razor sharp. f/4 is too slow. I have used it for this, and just end up with shaky or dark pictures. A shame, but you cannot use a tripod everywhere. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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