Crazy to sell 90 'cron for 90 Summarit?

[Guest noah_addis]

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I want to preface my question by making it clear this is not a solicitation for the sale of my lens.

 

Having said that, I'm seriously considering selling my 90 Summicron AA and picking up a 90 Summarit (and save the extra cash towards a wider lens for my M8.)

 

I do documentary work and shoot 90 percent with 28mm and 35mm lenses, maybe 9 percent with a 50mm and the rest with a 75 'cron or 90 'cron.

 

I'm a working pro so I'd like to keep two longer lenses as backup mostly, if one needs to go to the shop I'd like to have a different one around. I also like the 90 framelines better on the M8, but I do like the 75 focal length, so I'd like to have a 90. But it's a low-percentage lens for me, rarely used and the 90AA is a bit of overkill. It's also big and heavy, since it's a black paint lens. I was thinking I could deal with the slower lens and I tend to like lenses with a less clinically-sharp look.

 

I have subscribed to reid's site, and found his views helpful, but I'm still wondering if anyone out there has used both extensively and can offer any advice. Is it silly to trade such a nice lens for a cheaper option? Will I notice a decrease in quality with film (Tri-x) or the M8?.

 

I guess I know my options: a first rate summicron that's big and heavy (and looks cool in BP) or a smaller lens that I will probably carry more and will allow me to put aside some cash for other gear I could use more. Guess I'm leaning towards making the trade, but am I crazy?

[sean_reid]

No, you're not crazy. Do what works for you. They're both good lenses. You might also consider a used copy of the 90/2.8 Elmarit - one of my favorite 90s.

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

[JBA]

I also have the 90 AA Summicron BP. It's my favorite lens of all time and the most useful for the way I shoot (film). That said, you almost need a dolly to haul this monster around.

 

I've handled the 90 Summarit, and it's a tactile joy. As far as size, weight, balance and ease of focusing, it is a flawless design IMO.

 

For you, shooting digital and using a 90 only seldom, I think the trade makes perfect sense.

For me, shooting film and using the 90 for an overwhelming majority of shots, the trade would not make sense.

[leitz_not_leica]

You can't use a lens you're unwilling to carry, trade down.

[biglouis]

Noah

 

All the answers are good. You could sell the 75cron. Personally, I found it too close to my 50mm to make much difference on the M8 whereas the SAA90 is a whole different ball game.

 

LouisB

[Guest noah_addis]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Just wanted some reassurance I guess. I'll have to borrow a 90 summarit and test it out, but I'll probably go for it.

 

Don't want to sell the 75. I actually like the 75 more, especially on digital, and don't often carry it at the same time as a 50. And my 50 is a 'lux pre-asph, so it has a different look from my 75 'cron.

 

So the 90 is really a backup, which is why I thought it would be good to consider this trade. Don't get me wrong, the 90 SAA is an incredible lens, if it weren't I wouldn't have any doubts about selling it. I can see why it would be the favorite lens of people who shoot with longer lenses.

 

Since 28mm is my all time favorite, I'm thinking I'll put any extra cash aside towards a 21 for the M8. (But I'll wait for photokina to see if there is anything new in the fast/wide area.)

 

Anyway, thanks again!

[peter_n]

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I sold my new 90 Summicron AA and bought a used pre-ASPH version (E55 filter). I'm very happy. You might want to consider it.