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Leica M-mount 75mm lenses.... which one do you own and love

Rob Skeoch

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Hey Guys, I could use some 'group knowledge' before I spend all my money on a 75mm lens for my camera.
Any feedback you have on these lenses is greatly appreciated, especially if you really like the lens, or really don't like it.
Let's assume I'll be shooting towards the wide-open end of the aperture ring.

Leica makes two 75mm lenses, both are more than I'm interested in spending for a lens I might not use all that much.
Maybe I would be interested in one of the older Leica models if you have any knowledge to share.

Voigtlander makes the Nokton f1.5.
7Artisans has the new f1.25 II.
Thypoch has the f1.4 Simera.

What are your thoughts.

As a reference to how I would use it... I would expect to use it for portraits. This article about me on the Ilford website would give you an idea of the type of work I would use it for... https://www.ilfordphoto.com/rodeo-cowboys/ .

-Rob Skeoch
 
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I have the Voigtlander, bought it used from Japan. Very nice lens.
 
Rob, I have no first hand knowledge of the lenses you mention, but i owned the 1st series 75mm Summilux, back in the early 90s when they went for around $1k used. It was a stellar lens. I think you can find one in the $3500 USD range.
 
I think you should try the focal length on a cheap 35mm SLR first, perhaps a generic 70-200mm zoom, and see if you like it. Unless you already know. I personally prefer having a 50 and a 100 and skipping the in-between where possible.
 
loccdor said:
I think you should try the focal length on a cheap 35mm SLR first, perhaps a generic 70-200mm zoom, and see if you like it. Unless you already know. I personally prefer having a 50 and a 100 and skipping the in-between where possible.
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L, we're talking M cameras.....so your choice is 75 & 90 & Leica has made many fine ones of @
 
GregY said:
L, we're talking M cameras.....so your choice is 75 & 90 & Leica has made many fine ones of @.... Also Rob is a professional photographer with decades of experience....so the cheap SLR....generic zoom era is long past.
Click to expand...
 
Wouldn't know, he didn't mention his experience level - but he did say he wasn't sure he'd use a 75mm lens all that much, which was what my post was mostly about.
 
Rob is a long-time pro, one- time sports shooter I believe.
 
I am decidedly an enthusiast not a pro. I've got a 90mm Summicron, not any sort of Apo but it's a 6 bit, beautiful lens, I think it's maybe a fraction smaller than this 75. The Voigtlander is a beautiful lens, top quality construction. I paid just shy of $700 USD delivered tariff paid, few months ago, with the beautiful dedicated hood. I also have a 1st generation Elcan 90mm Summicron, chrome, built-in hood and tripod mount, absolutely stunning example of a silver brass lens, if you want to impress consider this.
My recommendation of all three would be the 75mm for cost and performance.
 
I have the Voigtlander Heliar Classic 75mm F 1.8, and am happy with it.
Can't recall the price from Kameratori in Finland several years ago, but it was maybe in the 400-500 euros range.
Sometimes I don't find it that easy to verify the focus but that's more to do with my eyesight than the lens or camera.
Two from the first test roll for this lens.


 
Thanks guys, useful perspectives.
As a reference to how I would use it... I would expect to use it for portraits. This article about me on the Ilford website would give you an idea of the type of work I would use it for... https://www.ilfordphoto.com/rodeo-cowboys/ .
 

Rob, If i were using a tripod & background set-up, I'd by far prefer to use a medium format camera. Re: the 75mm, i wouldn't be taking portraits wide open (1.4).... and since we're talking rangefinders, I'd prefer to use the 90mm.
 
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I have the first version 7Artisans 75mm F1.25, use primarily on the Leica M9, M240, and Nikon Z5.

7Artisans 75mm F1.25 in M-Mount

7Artisans 75mm F1.25 in M-Mount album hosted in ImgBB
ibb.co

This lens was under $400.



My own test on the M Monochrom.
 
I’ve used the Voigtlander Ultron 75/1.9 in the past. Lovely lens, not much bigger than a 50, nice rendering, price is right. I believe these may be discontinued now, but there are plenty available on the market.
 
I'm not a 75 guy myself Rob but if you are looking to do portraits then the new Light Lens Lab 75 looks pretty good. It looks to be similar to the 50 SPII which is a replica of the famous Cooke Speed Panchro cinema lens. Just throwing it out there.
 
loccdor said:
I think you should try the focal length on a cheap 35mm SLR first, perhaps a generic 70-200mm zoom, and see if you like it. Unless you already know. I personally prefer having a 50 and a 100 and skipping the in-between where possible.
Click to expand...

So the OP should buy a cheap SLR body AND a 70-200 zoom?
 
OP is this for film? Digital? Or both? The fast 75 lenses wide open benefit from focus peaking of digital bodies.
 
FWIW I once owned a 75mm Summarit for my M Leicas. I sold it, not only because it developed "Schneideritis" but also because I felt that it sat between 50 and 90 in a bad way.

But how long is a piece of Sting....
 
mshchem said:
OP is this for film? Digital? Or both? The fast 75 lenses wide open benefit from focus peaking of digital bodies.
Click to expand...

I'm only interested in shooting film. I have a M6TTL with an .85 viewfinder.
 
Years ago, I stumbled into a V'lander Color Heliar ƒ2.5 (used w/M adapter) at a good price. It has been decent as a portrait lens. It has had little use, though. Each time I think of upgrading, I remember how seldom I'm using what I have and very acceptable results I get. It actually has a nice rendering for portraits. This fellow does a nice review with samples.

GEAR - Voigtländer Color Heliar 75/2.5 – Review by KJ Vogelius

gear.vogelius.se
 
I've got the 7Artisans 75 1.2. Although I have not used it a lot yet, it seems very good and well built.
 
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