Leica 90mm lens options

[RezaLoghme]

Can anyone give me a good reason why I should but a second 90mm lens, El Cheapo from the bland days of Minoltastan? I want one! But does it make any difference? I have a EVF2 for my digital M bodies so not much concerned about focus issues.

 

[loccdor]

It seems the lens you have is better and already pretty small. I don't think it's worth getting the other.

 

[RezaLoghme]

Elmar-C 90/4 is very small. Smaller than https://classic.leica-camera.com/de/Leica-Elmarit-M-90mm-f-2.8-11807/11807SH-3648149​

Sorry for bold font.

 

[RezaLoghme]

So i found the support in this forum a bit disappointing.
But I bought one.

 

[RezaLoghme]

Last November, during a quiet phase of transition, I went to Wetzlar and came back with a Leica M Monochrom (the M240 version). It wasn’t a planned purchase so much as a reaction. I just knew I needed something deliberate, simple, and stripped of distraction.

Along with it, I picked up an old Elmar-C 90mm f/4 — my first M lens. Nothing fancy, just the plain little lens that happened to be there. People online say it’s soft, or that it has rangefinder coupling quirks. Maybe it does. But it’s honest glass, and that felt right at the time.

It was a grey afternoon — fitting for a camera that only sees in black and white. I had dinner at the Leitz Park hotel afterward, didn’t take any pictures. It felt more like a quiet ceremony than a purchase.

Since then, I’ve used the Monochrom sparingly. Some days I think I’m still learning to deserve it.

Anyone else ever buy a camera not because they needed it, but because it marked a turning point — something you just had to do to move forward?

 

[250swb]

Anyone else ever buy a camera not because they needed it, but because it marked a turning point — something you just had to do to move forward?

Not really, I think a turning point is choosing left or right at a crossroads, and we know what temptations there are at the crossroads (look up 'Crossroads Blues', Robert Johnson). Moving forward is going straight on with a destination in mind, so I wouldn't buy a camera (anymore) if I didn't have a use for it. And years ago I thought I needed a Leica Monochrom but sold both my MM and M246 because they reminded me why I like film for B&W better than digital.

 

[RezaLoghme]

As per today, I own 3(!) 90mm lenses for my M bodies

- a 1960s one
- one from early 1970s
- and one from the 1990s

just as they are cheap and cheerful, I am thinking about adding one of those:

https://lens-db.com/leitz-wetzlar-elmar-90mm-f4-i-type-4-1954/

What do you think about these "bairgain bin" lenses?

 

[skahde]

I own one and love it. Sharp and nice rendering. Colors are as expected from a single coated lens fron the era.

 

[PrairiePhotographer]

I have a 90mm Summicron version 1. When I’m using it well, it takes amazing photos, both on my M3 and digitally on my Fujifilm X-T2. I wish it was a bit lighter. There are many times I wish I had it handy but I don’t because of its weight. But overall, I think it is magic

 

[Bill Burk]

As per today, I own 3(!) 90mm lenses for my M bodies

- a 1960s one
- one from early 1970s
- and one from the 1990s

just as they are cheap and cheerful, I am thinking about adding one of those:

https://lens-db.com/leitz-wetzlar-elmar-90mm-f4-i-type-4-1954/

What do you think about these "bairgain bin" lenses?

That’s the funniest looking lens but sure looks practical

I think everyone should have a 90, at least so they can see the framelines

 

[mshchem]

Yep, 1st generation Summicron made by E. Leitz Canada, absolutely beautiful in silver finish, collapsible lens hood, built in tripod mount and could be had for a few hundred.

 

[RezaLoghme]

I believe that every photographer should own one Elmar-C 90/4:

1. It works for potrait as well as landscape
3. Is one of the smallest if not the smallest 90mm (exlcuding the collapsible one which does not work properly on digital M b odies)
4. Is cheaps as chips - cheaper than an artisan made half case or silk rope strap
5. Can be easily replaced as so many are around

 

[RezaLoghme]

This thread is now the spiritual home of Leica M 90mm lenses.

 

[craigclu]

I've had a few 90's go through my hands over many years. I've kept the Tele-Elmarit M ƒ2.8 as it's so compact and quite sharp. It also behaves well on my Fuji X gear which is not universal in my experience with heritage glass.