Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/08/17
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]>I think you must have a fairly rare example. I don't keep up with >stuff like that very much, but I'm sure not too many were made. Is >this a black paint lens? As for the 90 being a macro lens; don't bet >on it. It's not too bad stopped down, but nothing too exciting >either. No, I'm pretty sure it's not black paint. The finish is very tough and it doesn't have that paint glossiness. Optically I'm not sure I'd agree that the fat Summicrons are "not too exciting." I have no doubt that the newer ones (particularly the ASPH) are better but the results don't look out of place when I look at them side-by-side with my latest generation lenses. Not bad for 1964! At f2 it does lose a bit of contrast, which isn't a problem in B/W but is noticeable (if you are looking for it) in color. But even at f2, I have also never seen flare with this lens and, as has been noted, the lens has lovely bokeh that even a non-bokeist like me can see. This is the real reason I suggest it would make a decent macro lens assuming non-flat field subjects. The biggest drawback is the size and weight. It's clunky. The rariety is interesting. I asked once before and got some suggestions, but does anyone have any idea how many black pre-set models were made? Simon Stevens