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

[Rob Skeoch]

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.

-Rob Skeoch

 

[mshchem]

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.

-Rob Skeoch

I have the Voigtlander, bought it used from Japan. Very nice lens.

 

[GregY]

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.

 

[loccdor]

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.

 

[GregY]

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.

L, we're talking M cameras.....so your choice is 75 & 90 & Leica has made many fine ones of @

 

[GregY]

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.

 

[loccdor]

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.

 

[Ben 4]

Rob is a long-time pro, one- time sports shooter I believe.

 

[mshchem]

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.