Love the 75 lux

[Rick]

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Made a couple of lens purchases since I got the M8.

 

I returned the 75 Summicron because it just didn't feel right for me. Specifically, I had trouble getting it to focus. I think that was partially me not the lens. And maybe it was because the focus throw is so short. But, it optically was a fantastic lens. Very clear and great perspective.

 

Since then I found a minty 75 lux from the 1996 ish era that was made in Canada. This lens is really nice. Wide open it can produce the most dreamy backgrounds that isolate the subject plain. I find it much easier to focus than the cron. It is not as sharp wide open and not as contrasty. Even though it is larger, I think I like it better. And, I found that 1.4 is significant compared to the 2.0 75 cron I purchased first.

 

As a side note, while I was in the camera store I listened to the M8.2's shutter. I commented to the salesman that it sounds better but, my M8 has 1/8000 of a sec. He quickly replied, "Yeh, and how often do we need that?"

 

I can now answer that question... how about as soon as I stepped out of the store with my 1.4 /75 lux and took my first picture in day light. Yep, ISO 160/1.4/1/8000.

 

I know a lot of you have been through all of this stuff I post and have owned and sold these Leica lenses so, this will be repetition for you. But, I'm still excited about the M8 and the discovery of all these wonderful lenses and the pictures I can make... well, its still fantastic so far.

[Double Negative]

The 75 Lux is an excellent lens by any measure - congrats!

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[trs]

Auni, I thought you did not want 75 since you got the 50 lux I actually tested your two steps trick to make 50 a 75 (well for close objects anyway).

[Rick]

trs... I do feel the 75 and the 50 are very close from a magnification standpoint. But, they are so different in other ways.

 

First off, I'm somewhat new to the ideas of prime lenses and range finder cameras. I'll be the first to say that I reserve the right to change my mind as I work my way through these lenses and as I work with this camera. I get now why so many of you have what initially seemed like a ridicules number of lenses.

 

I started out with the M8 (new to me) and what I thought would be two or three lenses. I got the 28 cron and it so far is the walk around lens that stays on the camera. I could see how people would like a 35 or a 24 for this purpose.

 

Then I got the wonderful 50 lux. This is just a perfect optical piece of glass. I like it but, so far it hasn't inspired me. But, I'm working with it and I think it has a place in my system. I can sure see why the Nocti would be a little less analytical or even an asph 50 would be nice. Initially, I was so impressed with the 50 lux... so clear and so contrasty. But, I'm starting to see the advantage to softer lenses.

 

The 75 asph 2.0 Summicron was a lot like the very sharp 50 Summilax. I felt those two lenses were too similar on the M8 for me. So, I returned it. I didn't see myself with more than three lenses. I had mentally decided that I would have the discipline to use 3 lenses. The 75 cron had to go.

 

I found a 90 Summicron 2.0 in great shape for $750 and thought it would make a nice portrait lens or a small tele for concerts and such. It is a nice lens and does fine technically for portrait... but it just wasn't inspiring me.

 

So there you have it. My three lens kit. 28/50/90. Technically, well balanced. A good range of focal lengths.

 

But, I missed the pictures that I was able to take with the 75 cron while I had it. So, I broke the 3 lens rule and found a minty 75 lux. After all, this is the sister lens to the 50 Noctilux with the same 60mm objective size I think... designed and loved by Mendler himself.

 

I love this lens. 75mm and 1.4 can create such nice photos. No wonder Dr. Mendler stated that this was his favorite lens. The asph. nature of the lens creates such pretty and pleasing out of focus bokeh, especially with lights in the background. And, I feel the addiction and pull of the fast glass.

 

So, when I started this journey, I thought I didn't want a 75. I guess I changed me mind. And, don't even ask about the other lens I bought. I am still fighting with buyers remorse on that one ... big.

[dseelig]

Me I ahve ahd the 75 lux twice now. I had it when I had my m6 and sold it as digital took hold, as ut was my least used lens. When I got an m8 I bought one again as I got a great deal on it it has now become my second most used lens after my mate.Great versaitile lens.

[Rick]

dseelig... Why do you think you use it more with the M8? If, you had a FF M9, what would you use then?

[JWW]

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I agree that the 75mm summilux is a "keeper" lens for the M8. Everyone seems to love the portrait shots from it wide open. You may want to also try out a Noctilux. A little shorter focal length and wide open makes the same type of smooth image.

 

Jan

[trs]

I am with you Auni. 28/75 was very good combo for me. But, bought 50lux because of its repuration, not because I needed it.

 

Enjoy your new system. I still don't miss my dSLR, it's been over two years since I got my M8.

 

-tanka

[Rick]

Thanks for the reply trs.

 

I wondered what the difference is between the my Canadian and the German version was. Mine is a serial number 386... Probably a late Canadian copy? It has the newer focus ring and a pull out hood. And, why is the German version more sought after?

[gravastar]

...............................................I can sure see why the Nocti would be a little less analytical or even an asph 50 would be nice. Initially, I was so impressed with the 50 lux... so clear and so contrasty. But, I'm starting to see the advantage to softer lenses.........................

In that case you might like to try a 85mm f1.5 Summarex or even a 50mm f1.5 Summarit if you are able to borrow ones that are in good optical condition. You do need lens hoods with both since they are inclined to suffer from flare if bright light shines on the front of the lens. They have a beautiful rendering of out of focus areas at full aperture and a sharp (but not ASPH sharp) image surrounded with a softer halo for in focus items.

 

I'm not suggesting you change your choice of lenses, only to try them .

 

There's a long thread on the Summarex here: 85mm Summarex - The GetDPI Workshop Forums and a night time shot here: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/forum-member-meetings/72879-snap-meeting-london-new-year-s-3.html

 

Bob.

[trs]

Thanks for the reply trs.

 

I wondered what the difference is between the my Canadian and the German version was. Mine is a serial number 386... Probably a late Canadian copy? It has the newer focus ring and a pull out hood. And, why is the German version more sought after?

 

I am sure somebody in this forum knows the difference. I have no clue of the differences between the two.

 

-trs

[TimF]

Optically I believe they're identical. Assuming that to be the case, maybe it's just the usual German must be better than Canadian nonsense.

[rosuna]

The Summilux 75mm is a great lens, but the Apo-Summicron is a better design overall. With the Summicron, thanks to the floating lens group, you can preserve more sharpness and contrast at close distances, just like a macro lens, having a very thin DoF and nice bokeh.

 

The Summilux was a great lens, and a very well balanced design though. Here is an example from the Lux, minimum distance, f/1.4, M8:

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[Rick]

Thanks for the reply rosuna. I had the Summilux and I agree with you, I found that optically it was sharper. It should be with the floating element/asph design.

 

But, better is a different animal. I found the Summilux to be better because I like the non-asph bokeh - much more pleasing. I also found the extra stop is better for speed and bokeh. And, it is much easier to focus. It seems to be very sharp at 2.0 and stopped down it comes close to looking as sharp as the Summilux I had. In a pinch, it can double as a door stop.

 

What I really was asking was, what is the difference between the Canadian and German versions?

[carstenw]

Are there German versions? I thought they were all made in Canada. In any case, both are very good, and I have never seen conclusive proof that any lens made in one country was consistently better than those made in another. However, there is some kind of snobbery going on, and the German lenses are more sought after. Somehow "more original", or "more proper", I don't know. The Noctilux f/1 lenses were all made in Canada, so even those collectors have to take it on the nose once in a while.

[Rick]

Tony Rose told me that there is some difference in the 3rd generation of lens in the glass. I did not buy the lens from him. He did not know if my lens was a 3rd generation and he did not know if the 3rd generation lenses were made in Canada towards the end.

 

There is some history in the Canadian plants and when they were bought out and I think they continued make lenses for a while. I've got a Leica book coming so maybe I can find out about it. just kind of interesting, that's all.

 

The snobbery is easily understood. The Germans are very proud of there mechanical instruments and automobiles... and rightly so. I just wonder if it has any justification. Isn't it true though, that Dr. Mendler who designed the lenses in Canada would have worked at the same plant that made his designs? I would think that would be worth some consideration.

 

I look forward to reading about Leica.

[grober]

Yup, I loved my 75 'Lux too -- for its optical performance. But I HATED IT because of its large size and heavy weight. I sold it the same month the 75 'Cron was announced and don't regret it one bit.

 

IMHO, the 75 'Cron is much more balanced and easier to use when mounted on any M.

 

If you absolutely don't need that extra f-stop, why hassle all that extra weight?

 

-g

[carstenw]

Dr. Mandler did work at the factory in Midland, Ontario, yes. He was sent there by Leica, because they were afraid that if the Russians invaded Europe, Leica would be lost. Canada was a safe second base. I believe that the 80 Lux, the sister lens of the 75 Lux, was his last design.

 

The snobbery is not really by the Germans, as much as by the collectors.

[carstenw]

If you absolutely don't need that extra f-stop, why hassle all that extra weight?

 

For the look, and for portraits.

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Hallo,

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