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90mm f28 LeicaElmaritM lens

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Michael and Justin,

Thanks for the inforamtion. I have reviewed both of the suggested sites and found them to be extremely helpful. Now, I must decide between a used tele at 650USD and a new 2.8 at 1200USD. Any thoughts.

Regards,

Jim
 
Dear Jim,

For seventeen years I have bought all my new Leica equipment and a lot of second-hand from Foto-Hobby http://www.foto-hobby.de. They are very helpful and the used equipment has always been better than described.

Their prices are: 11807 90/2,8 Elmarit-M black Tax Free US$ 1.032,- 11808 90/2,8 Elmarit-M chrome Tax Free US$ 1.032,-

The best contacts are Mr Uhl both senior and junior.

Best of luck.

Justin
 
Dear Jim,

In my earlier e-mail I did not answer your question as to new or used. I now only buy used if unavailable new. I bought a low-mileage 1:4/35-70 Vario-Elmar-R used two years old mint in box etc. After the cost of centering the lens etc. at Solms the lens cost more than a new one. There is not a big difference (US$350.00) between new and used in this case. I would go for the new one and savour the delight of opening the box and sniffing the air of Solms.

Best wishes.

Justin
 
Thanks for the inforamtion. I have reviewed both of the suggested sites and found them to be extremely helpful. Now, I must decide between a used tele at 650USD and a new 2.8 at 1200USD. Any thoughts. Regards, Jim =================================================================

The truth is that if you bought any one of the 90 mm lenses in M mount you would probably be happy. There are small differences, but the reality is if you have your film processed and printed by most of the commercial services of today you would be very hard pressed to see any difference attributable to the lenses. The variations in photofinishing quality from day to day are probably more significant than the differences between M lenses produced since 1965. The real problem is the same with any purchase of used equipment. That is the condition it is in when you purchase it. Has the lubricant dessicated and formed a film on the internal glass surfaces ? Has the lens been kept in an atmosphere of tobacco smoke ? Was the previous owner(s) careful and conscientious in care and cleaning ? These are all probably more significant than small changes in lens design. But I am also sure this will open a reply of conflicting opinions....
 
I agree with Phreak that buying used anything is a gamble. Al you can do is check for dings, scratches, fungus, t&ering (damaged screw-heads), etc. but decentering is not at all easy to detect. If possible, test with a film before buying!
 
I am new to this forum. I have a M6TTL and a 35MM ASPH Summicron. I am looking to get another lens. I mostly take pictures of children or couples and weddings. I want the best quality but I'm torn between the 90mm/2.8 and the 90ASPH/f2. The whole point of a Leica is to max image quality...what does the forum mean when they say one is sharper than the other? Is that with enlargements or over all image quality? Net Net which one would you buy?
 
Dear Doug,

What is your intended use? Slides or prints and if so what magnification?

In my experience one can distinguish subtle differences in a lab or on critical testing with slow speed high resolution film and camera on a tripod. In the real world using any 100 ISO slide or print film you would not pick the difference.

Start with the 1:2,8/90 Elmarit-M and if you find the need for more speed then move up to the bulkier, heavier and more expensive 1:2/90 Summicron-M ASPH.

Best wishes,

Justin
 
[I mostly take pictures of people...especially children, families and weddings. I often enlarge to 11x14 or 16x20. I don't do any building or commercial work with the leica... I've found that I can get a spectacular enlargement if I use the correct f-stop (generally 2 stops from max)160 film. In most cases I can't tell the difference from Medium Format. Yet another reason why I'm expanding my leica gear. I also do a lot of outdoor children portraits so speed could be important but 2 to 2.8 is only 1/2 a stop so it brings me to question. The key for me is the quality and contract. Any input would be appreciated... thanks drh]
 
I have the 90mm 2.8 Elmarit and it is a fantastic lens. I think you are getting down to lab level diffenences in image quality between this lens and the Summicron. Unless you feel you need the for the extra speed, I'd go for the Elmarit.

One thing I would say is that this lens is so sharp it can produce quite unflattering portraits. I have experienced this myself with head and shoulders shots of older people. I have read that some of the older Leica lenses can produce a slightly more gentle image.
 
I'll second that thought concerning the fact that some of the Leica lenses are almost "too sharp" for portraits. Indeed, the R100 Apo is so sharp that my wife ( a former model ) refuses to have her picture taken with "that lens" and runs away from the camera unless I assure her that "that lens" is not being used!

Elliot
 
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