I've been through hell with this (optically spectacular) lens, missing out on some fantastic shots for two reasons:

1. Can't manage to get "consitently" accurate focusing at f/2, f/2.8 and f/4, especially at closer distances.

2. Can't manage to focus fast enough with the M6 0.72 and Summicron, compared with my old Nikon F5/FM3a and AF/MF 85mm f/1.4 lens. Missed many shots.

Many of you have been creating posts asking if the 1.25X Magnifier is of any real advantage with most replies being positive, expecially to those shooting with the 75/90 combination at fast apertures..or even the Noct at f/1. Somehow through advertising and seeking other alternatives to the 90/1.25X combination (like a F100/85/1.4), I have still managed to keep the lens. Must be my destiny or something, because I recently took a couple of shots with this lens on my trip to Sydney with great success.

Below are a couple of my shots (scans not great), and I hope that these may inspire and not discourage others from trying the Summicron with the 1.25X magnifier, which I believe to be essential to achieving accurately focused shots with a Leica M telephoto. It would be such a shame to look past this option as Leica's telephoto lenses, combined with the rangefinder design can enable you to get some fantastic shots with first class resolution.

This image was shot at f/2, focused on the subject's eyes with total accuracy, once very difficult without the 1.25X magnifier.

This image was shot at f/5.6 or f/8, film was Fuji Sensia II 100 at E.I 100.

BUT, I still haven't overcome problem number 2. So I call on others to post their own successful shots taken with Leica M telephotos.....to help encourage the possibly/potentially discouraged! Obviously my shots aren't inspiring, but I am sure others' out there have inspiring shots to share.

-- Kristian (leicashot@hotmail.com), April 26, 2002

Answers

The first image is totally endearing. I keep coming back to it. Yes Kristan, selling the 90 would be a big mistake. Shoot at least a thousand frames before making that decision. I love that first image.

-- Glenn Travis (leicaddict@hotmail.com), April 26, 2002.

Glen, after reading a few things you have said on posts (about me and my Sumi), I've decided to keep the lens..for now.....I'm just not getting enough chances to use it as much as I'd like right now. Got..tt.t.tt.ttooo get ....ooout!

-- Kristian (leicashot@hotmail.com), April 26, 2002.

1.25x or not, if the subject is standing stone still or very far away the 0.72 Leica can nail the focus with a 90/2 or even 75/1.4. If the subject is nearby and moving, an AF-SLR with a large-area sensor array (Canon EOS 3 and 1V)or a manual-focus SLR is still a lot more consistent.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), April 26, 2002.

Current version 90 Elmarit, f4 @ 1/50 + SF-20.

-- Ken Geter (kgeter@yahoo.com), April 26, 2002.

Mr. Travis is correct, you just need to practice in order to increase your success in capturing moving subjects.

Here's a partially-Leica example (Carl Zeiss Jena f/2 8.5cm Sonnar (c.1946-48) for Contax RF mounted on an M2 via adapter, 1/250 sec. @ f/2, APX 100):

-- Chris Chen (Wash., DC) (furcafe@NOSPAMcris.com), April 27, 2002.

Nice photos Kristian, esp. the one of your darling. Also, the advice is worth checking out while using my 75 lux. Got any more chapters of the 35 lux adventures yet? I got some new tasty slides, but no scanner : (. My next toy looks like though! : ) Keep'em coming Kristian...

-- James (snodoggydogg@hotmail.com), April 27, 2002.

I hate that. Everyone elses scans are better than mine. **sook**. Well James I'll only be doing another 35/Lux Advanture once I get a range of shots detailing a topic worth looking at. I also need a better scanner if you haven't noticed.

-- Kristian (leicashot@hotmail.com), April 27, 2002.