david11

<p>Richard, that is quite a sentence!</p>

<p>I have owned the Leica 21 Super Angulon R lens, the 21 Elmarit ASPH, and the CV 21. The ASPH may be the best of the lot, but not by much. I now use the CV lens and like it. It doesn't seem to flare any more than the others; it is small, light, and relatively inexpensive. </p>

<p>Please don't take this the wrong way, but only you know what you like. I use 21 quite often, as well as 28, 50, 75, 90, and 135. I don't have a 35; I have owned several, but it was always a 'tweener lens for me, and I never used it. Many/most could not imagine rangefinder photography without a 35. Of course, the best answer is to suggest that you buy every focal length available, this way you will learn which lenses are important for the work you do. Steven, no one can tell you what is best for you, although many will try.</p>

<p>Nikon has discontinued the SC-17 cord. Does anyone know if the Nikon SC-28 cord will work with the M6TTL and SF20 in TTL mode? Thank you for your reply. </p>

I used both the 90 Summicron and Elmarit R lenses when I used the R system. Both are very good lenses, but I found myself usually reaching for the Summicron, so much so that I eventually sold the Elmarit. An SLR lens focuses at maximum aperture, so the Summicron is brighter and easier to focus. Both give great results; you would not go wrong with either choice, but I think you will like the Summicron better.

The Noctilux, whether 1.2 or 1.0, is NOT an ASPH lens. Never was, never will be.

"It does not achieve complete sharpness at 1.4 and 2.0. 2.8 and smaller, it is outstanding."

 

Not sure what "complete sharpness" is. Virtually all lenses benefit by stopping down, the 75 Summicron is no exception. Yes, the 75 Summicron does employ all of the new lens technologies: Apo Correction, ASPH lens, floating lens for close focus correction, special glass types, etc. But it is 2.0.

 

I use a 75 Summilux, and am pleased with its performance. It is sharp at 1.4. Some users have a problem focusing in the near range wide open with the Summilux. When I use it I don't ask myself if my images would be improved had I used the new Summicron. I need 1.4; do you?

"The 75/1.4 seems pretty superfluous given the 75 Summicron, the 90/2 APO Summicron, and the Noct and 50 Cron ASPH."

 

I guess if you want faster than F2 in a longer M lens, used is the only option. FWIW, there isn't any "50 cron ASPH".

Buy the 28 Summicron and 50 ASPH if you need the speed. They are great lenses, but I bought them because I needed the extra stop. I disagree with Rob F. about "significant light falloff across the field" with the 28 Summicron; I don't find this to be the case at all in any situation.

 

All lenses vignette; the 28 Summicron is no exception to this, but it does not have a vignetting problem. If I had a lens with the problem as explained by Rob (especially 3 stops down), I would return it as the faulty lens it is for immediately for replacement.

The recommendation for you to try the 3 viewfinders is the best advice. The .72 is probably the best single camera to use for all 3 lenses (many people do not like to use the 1.25 attachment), but you might want to consider purchasing both .58 and .85 cameras. The .58 is great with 35, while the .85 could be used for 75 and 21 (with viewfinder). The .85 is quite usable with the 35 lens, but it is not optimal.

I have had this book since its publication; much of Sieff's work is shown. Many do not know that Jeanloup Sieff was a master darkroom technician, who printed his own images. Sieff used different focal length lenses, but is known as the master of the 21.

I used Hasselblad for years. My most used lenses were the 60 Distagon and the 120 Makro-Planar; very useful focal lengths. Somehow, the 35 is one of my least used Leica lenses; I prefer the 28 and 50 in 135.

I rarely use my 28 lens with my .85 M6, but when I do, it is with the CV auxilliary 28 finder. The 35 frame is plenty tight on this camera. I prefer to use my .58 camera with the 28 and 35 lenses.

I have never used the 80 R lens, but do use the 75 Summilux M lens often. Unlike yourself, I enjoy it at 1.4 for portraits. My caveat is that I rarely use it at 1.4 at minimum focusing distance, unless I want very narrow depth of field. In the near range, wide open, the 75 is sharp at point of focus, but the DOF is narrow and OOF areas are soft. Not knowing what you dislike about the combination of your 80, F1.4, and portraiture; I cannot specifically address your concerns. If you are questioning the differences between the 2 Summilux, I doubt you will discern much variation.

Surprised Bill Clinton wasn't there checking out the talent.

I have no experience with the Voigtlander Ultron, but do use the Leica 28 Summicron. A pro shooter friend shot my Summicron for comparison against his Ultron, and believes the Summicron slightly superior until F4. I do not have a vignetting problem of any sort, nor do I notice a problem with flare compared to any of the lenses I have used in my 30+ years of photography. I am amazed with the excellence of the Summicron images at F2. Rob F, I would suggest that you might have some scanner issues. I realize that all lenses vignette somewhat wide open, but I cannot see a problem with my 28 Summicron when analyzing negatives or slides, even with a broad expanse of sky or bright area.

 

I am beginning to believe that modern lenses from Leica, Zeiss, and Cosina/Voigtlander are all good. I think that you should try them if you can, purchasing the one that fits your needs and budget. If I had originally purchased the Ultron, I seriously doubt that I would have felt the need to buy the Summicron; but now that I have the Summicron, I don't feel the need to purchase anything else.

I have used the same Sekonic meter for approximately 20 years, so it is a brand I can recommend. The Sekonic L-308S is available new for less than $200. I agree most of us are particular in regards to the type of photo equipment we prefer. You should get more information from your boyfriend; I would rather be consulted as to my desire rather than receive a "surprise" that will be exchanged later for something I truly wanted. I should think you would prefer to give a gift that is lovingly used for many years. Ask; he has probably been dropping hints, just be a little more inquisitive.

"Pales?" A bit of an exagerration, don't you think? And "sophisticated" sounds suspiciously like advertising jargon to me.

 

I don't think that I have demeaned the pre-asph Summilux in any way; if you like the rendition of the older lenses, use them; I do. I started using the Leica M system some years ago after seeing prints made with pre-war Leica lenses. One of my favorite lenses is a 1st Version 90 Elmarit from 1961; but I also use the Apo-90 Summicron ASPH. The new lens designs ARE more sophisticated: computer design, apo correction, aspherical surfaces, moving elements. This is NOT advertising jargon at all.

I do not think the pre-asph 'lux is sharper than the 'cron anywhere across the frame. The pre-asph 'lux has proven itself to be a great lens through the years, but as an older lens pales in comparison to newer, more sophisticated designs. Some users like this softer look for people pictures; I prefer the Summicron for portraits. The 'cron is sharp and the OOF rendition is very nice. I probably will buy the 50 Summilux ASPH, because I like the sharpness and correction of the 'cron, but want it in an F1.4 lens.

I acquired my first OM-1 in '74. I have had many other OM cameras and lenses since then. I moved into other formats and systems, but kept much of my OM equipment until I gave it to my film school student son when he went off to college last decade. I use mostly Leica M these days; I like rangefinder cameras for what I shoot. I still have an OM-1 body and 50 1.8 lens which I will probably keep forever. Mr. Maitani created a camera system that took the photo world by storm in the early-mid '70s; it is capable of wonderful images 30+ years later.

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I disagree with Kevin that the fast portrait lenses are too bulky to focus on an M body. I use the 75 Summilux, 90 Elmarit Version 1, and 90 Summicron Apo ASPH. All are great lenses, just different. Great shot with the CV 21, Kevin.<div></div>

I use .85 and .58 bodies. .85 for 50 and longer. I do have the 1.25 magnifier; its a little twiddly, but OK. I use it on a .85 when I use my 135 Tele-Elmar; not very often, but it helps. If you like the 50 focal length or think that you might want longer lenses, I suggest that you check out the .85 camera body.

The rectangular hood is effective. I never remove the hood except to change filters, and I have never had a problem with the rubber lens cap.

Mark, please let us know how you like your new lens. I have the 28 Summicron, and if the new 28 Elmarit ASPH is close to the Summicron in image quality, you have quite a lens.