Greetings all,

I would like to know how the collective wisdom of the Leica Forum feels about the 90mm f/2.8 Elmarit (built-in lens cap), the 50mm f/2 Summicron-M (built-in lens cap), and the 35mm f/2 Summicron-M(non-Asph.w/square plastic clip-on lens cap)? I have all three of these lenses and find the images I get are superb. Being relatively new to Leica, but not photography, I have to agree, there is a visible difference, eventhough, I admit, to never owningd any of the Canon or Nikon "luxury" series lenses, which I understand perform quite admirably. I'm sure the older Leica lenses have a loyal following and the newer Asphirical versions are technically outstanding, I'm curious where the versions I have fit in the "Leica Mystique". I always remind myself HCB did some of his finest work with lenses that might be considered technically crude with poorly coated front elements by today's standards.

Just interested for my own edification. Quite honestly, my photographic technique isn't the match for my current kit, yet.

Cheers,

Jim

-- J.L.Kuhn (james.kuhn-1@kmail.ksc.nasa.gov), April 18, 2002

Answers

The three lenses you have are among the best Leica has ever made. The 90 and 50 are current-production lenses, the 35 is one generation behind the current 35ASPH and preferred by many people for its compactness and light weight. You've got a great set of lenses. I have the same 90 and 50, used to own the 35/2ASPH but now have the 35/1.4ASPH. I also have the previous-generation 50 and 90/2.8 and the 35/2 (v.3) which came before yours. Despite what you may read, hands-on results from the current and prior generation of Leica lenses show almost no difference in most cases, exceptions being the 35/1.4 non-ASPH and 90/2 non-APO (the latter only at f/2-2.8). In fact, from f/5.6 the 1st generation of M lenses is hard to tell from the newest, and most of it has more to do with coating deterioration than optical design.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), April 18, 2002.

Well done Jim. You have three of the very best lenses, but no M lenses are dogs either. The 90 Elmarit, and the 50 Summicron versions are superb, and typically are best at around f4 to f11, but anything goes, even the 'bad' ends of the scale are better than some manufacturers good resolution. I don't know about the 35 Summicron, I have the Asph version, but most people agree its again superb.I wouldn't get worked up about the outright resolution though. Leica lenses are great when looking at 'bokeh', and even with a shakey slow exposure and out of focus they do something that is a little bit different and special.

-- Steve Barnett (barnet@globalnet.co.uk), April 18, 2002.

I have basically the same set up, a 35mm 4th generation pre-asph, the latest 50mm summicron w/built in hood, and Elmarit 90mm w/ built in hood plus an SF20 Flash. I think for me this is the ideal set up for those who want to delve into Leica world. I was hook instantly when my first print came from a pro lab. But then it will probably take a number of years before I fully develop and appreciate technically and aesthetically the product of this wonderful camera.

Regards,

Ed

-- egaddi (edgaddi@msn.com), April 18, 2002.

I own all three. Suffice it to say they are so good you want to cry. No need at all to feel insecure ;-)

The 35mm has outstanding bokeh or out of focus rendition, better than the current 35/2 Asph, IMHO. The 50 Summicron is a classic-I think there is no lens in the lineup, save the 75 'lux, that replicates its very classy look-certainly not the new Asphs, which are quite different in their look. The 90 is the most modern of these lenses in its look, and very obviously a high performance lens at first glance.

-- Mani Sitaraman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), April 18, 2002.

Jim,

If you can't get wonderful images with any of these three, you should consider taking up painting.

Best,

Jerry

-- Jerome R. Pfile, Jr. (JerryPfile@msn.com), April 18, 2002.

I have the current version 35 & 50 crons and 90E and find this to be an ideal setup. However, I dislike the collapsible hoods, so use a 50E hood on the 50 and a 46->49 step up ring + a cheapo screw-in metal hood on the 90. I put rubber o-rings on the ends of the 50 and 90 to hold the collapsible hoods in their retracted position.

BTW, this outfit + SF20 flash fits nicely in a Domke F6 bag.

-- Ken Geter (kgeter@yahoo.com), April 18, 2002.