Re: [Leica] Apo 90/2.0 R

[Thomas Donovan <75674.3465@compuserve.com>]

Andre Jean Quintal,

>>I hope  you don't feel I'm throwing  rocks in your pond<<

Just the opposite, as I consider your response, the epitome
of what the LUG is all about; at it's best, almost a "Socratic"
discussion of Leica "nuggets" ;-)! 

>>The135 & 180 focals could be more interesting to examine<<
                              >>your system potential<<

I've got just what I want in this range; a.) 280 f4. b.) 70-180 APO.
c.) 180 f2.8 apo. Outstanding images from these optics! As an
aside, I do use the zoom a lot at the 135 ( approx.) focal length.

>>I would suggest you reconsider getting rid of the the 80-R<<
>>f1.4........it must be quite a useful portrait & low light lens........<<
>>f1.4 capability in that focal length is a major system benefit.<<

You've struck a real "chord"! I've gotten some portraits with this
lens that exhibit a unique "character". Ultimate sharpness is
not everything ( did I say that ;-) & I will probably keep this lens.

>>I'd try to sell you on a 19mm Elmarit-R rather than a 50mm<<

>>is to consider the 28mm focal length with a new eye.............<<
                      >>28mm PC-Super Angulon.<< 

When I had my M system, I had difficulty visualzing & getting
good shots with my 21mm Elmarit. Relative to the PC-Super
Angulon, I don't do much architectural work; therefore, at this
point in time, there's no need. It seems like 24mm is about 
where I can go with the wide angle lenses!
  
>>There is that crisp Macro-Elmarit 60mm..........I find the<<
   >>casual portraits I like most to happen to be in that <<
                               >>general focal length<<

    >> Baby zooms bring a lot of flexibility &fast action<<

     >>I prefer smaller lenses for a variety of reasons<<


Whoa! Integrating all of this has produced the following
thoughts. All discussions assume keeping my R-80f1.4!

 
Casual portraits are my favorite use of Leica glass. Weight
IS critical for handheld work; thus, tradeoffs ( for me ) seem
to be:  a.) Keep what I've got & only purchase the new R-50
f1.4.  Use the 24 f2.8, 35 f2, 50 f1.4 & 90f 2.8;  optimal weight
& multiple cameras..I hate changing lenses ;-)! b.) Purchase
the new R-90 f2 apo & trade in the R 90 f2.8. Use the 24 f2.8,
35f2, & 90 f2. ; optimal weight with the exception of the 90f2
apo & no 50mm focal length. Hmmm, how critical is the 50?  
c.) Purchase the new R-35-70 f2.8 ASPH & trade in the R35 f2 
& the 90 f2.8.  Use the 24mm, 35-70 f2.8 ASPH, & the 80f1.4;
hmmm, heavier gear & still multiple cameras. Help ;-)!

I think it would be of interest to hear from folks who've used
either the new R35-70 f2.8 ASPH or the 90 f2 apo. Are they
"tolerable" for handheld work?

               >>It seems to me you are going too fast<<

I was & have slowed down!  What helps is a natural critical
path; the availability of theR- 90 f2 apo &the R-35-70ASPH.

All in all, I'm clearly "underway" trying to sort  issues out; it's
been fun ( &> )) !

Tom D.