Hello there, Im thinking to get an 90mm, but im not sure what the different between an Summicron-m(non APO)90mm F2 comparision to an Elmarit-m 90mm F2.8. Where can i get more information about them two.

Thanks

-- Minh Nguyen (mh.nguyen@start.com.au), February 22, 2001

Answers

Minh,

You can visit this site for some of the information you require: http://www.imx.nl/photosite/leica/mseries/testm/M2-90.html

I don't own either of the two lenses you mention, however from all accounts the Elmarit-M 90mm F2.8 is superior optically to the Summicron-M(non APO)90mm F2 in terms of sharpness. I recently bought the APO-Summicron-M f2:0/90 ASPH and it is a superb lens but I would of been quite happy with the Elmarit I'm sure.

-- matt veld (mahv@xtra.co.nz), February 22, 2001.

Get the 90/2 only if if want f/2 for flattering portraiture. If you want f/2 tack sharp and constrasty, the 90/2 APO would be a better choice. If you can live without f/2, the current Elmarit (E46) is a lot less expensive, lighter and smaller, and the performance is such that in practical use you won't ever tell the difference.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), February 22, 2001.

We've talked about this here before, and the 90mm Elmarit is nearly a perfect lens for the M cameras. It is super sharp even at f2.8. I just wish there was a way to make the focus "lighter", then it would be flawless.

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), February 22, 2001.

I agree with Andrew. The elmarit M is a wonderful lens. I got one recently and am very impressed. I added focusing ring/tab assembly that I had made up which is a bit bulky - the guy who makes these things for me does things his way, not how I ask him to, but the results are always stunning - and the focus is now super smooth, fast, precise and controllable. Personally I prefer a stiffer focus, even for wideangles. I'll post an image of the gizmo on my site when I get round to it. Probably never, on reflection.

Rob.

-- Robert Appleby (laintal@tin.it), February 22, 2001.

Robert, not to pile on to your resources, but could you enlighted us about how exactly you got a focusing tab fabricated for the 90 Elmarit? And did you get the focusing ring loosened?

This has been the subject of quite a few comments in this and previous threads, and I'm sure the community would be interested to hear if possible :-)

-- Mani Sitaraman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), February 22, 2001.

Thanks you so much for the information. I think i will go for the 90 Elmarit.

Many thanks,

Minh

-- Minh Nguyen (mh.nguyen@start.com.au), February 23, 2001.

Mani, it's just an ergal collar with a plastic insert and screw to mount to the focusing ring of the lens. To that is fitted a large tab which is for the focusing control. The whole thing is rather bulkier than I would have wished, but in practice it works very nicely and I'm very pleased with it.

I was very delighted with the 90 and intended to part-exchange my 50 for it, but the shop would give me what I wanted so I now have 4 lenses. Exactly what I didn't want. Too many choices. Well, I'm sure it'll sort itself out over the next few months and then one will go. The 35 and 24 are untouchable!

Rob.

-- Robert Appleby (laintal@tin.it), February 24, 2001.

Of course, that should have been "would not give me", sorry.

Rob.

-- Robert Appleby (laintal@tin.it), February 24, 2001.