Summilux vs Summicron 75mm

ymc226 · May 24, 2009

Other than the 1 stop advantage, any differences in the picture characteristics either wide open or at smaller apertures?

How does the AA in the Summicron change the picture quality?

Do most find the Summilux too unwieldy and how much does it obstruct the viewfinder of a 0.72 viewfinder? As much as a 35 Summilux?

Pinholemaster · May 24, 2009

I have a 75mm f/1.4 Summilux. Big and weighty compared to other Leica lenses. I use it on an .85 M6, so don't find it blocks too much. The lens is amazing in low light at f/1.4, but for most of when I use it, I could easily use a Summicron and not miss the extra f/stop.

I use my 35 mm Summilux on a .58 M6, so it's not a big problem either. Sorry, haven't tried either lenses on a .76 body.

Made this image with my 75 mm: Dead Link Removed

budrichard · May 25, 2009

"How does the AA in the Summicron change the picture quality?"

The Summicron AA is a much newer design and has aspherical elements as well as a movable rear element for closeup work. It is much more contrasty and the resolution wide open is better than the 'Lux. I have the 75mm AA Cron and it is one of the sharpest lenses along with my 35mm ASPH Lux that I have. With the advent of the 0.95 ASPH Noctilux, I expect that a new 75mm ASPH Lux is not far away. Of course the price will take your breath away! -Dick

John Koehrer · May 25, 2009

It's huge in comparison to the 35. Isn't the front diameter of the 75 almost twice the size of the 35?

Chazzy · May 25, 2009

Lawrence Chai said:
Other than the 1 stop advantage, any differences in the picture characteristics either wide open or at smaller apertures?

How does the AA in the Summicron change the picture quality?

Would you please translate "AA" for me please? I'm going to take a wild guess that it has something to do with an aspherical lens element. Acronyms and abbreviations are only useful if you can be sure that everyone will know what they mean.

dougjgreen · May 25, 2009

Generally, the images shot with Summicrons have less motion blur than those with Summilux lenses. This is because the 'Crons leave you with a lots of extra money in your pockets that proper shooting technique will allow you to use as ballast, While the Summilux user will be so much lighter in the wallet that they cannot properly stabilize the camera at low shutter speeds. This issue is even further exacerbated by the Noctilux lenses.

Tim Gray · May 25, 2009

From what I hear, the 75mm Summicron is a lot sharper than the Summilux. It's closely related to the 50mm ASPH Summilux. It has a floating element to help correct near minimum focusing distance, and is an APO design (I think) if that matters. So its going to be sharper and better corrected all around. Those that have it seem to really like it.

It is however a stop slower.

kennethcooke · May 25, 2009

Someone on the LUG was saying that he liked his 75mm Summarit best of all and he was comparing it to a Summilux and a Summicron

Summilux vs Summicron 75mm

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