[Leica] In the Matter of the 75 Summicroncron But Lacking a Fugue on Leica Prices

[summicron at bellsouth.net (Frank F. Farmer)]

Buzz,

You are correct about the focusing distance of the 'lux.  I was 
mistaken about that.  However, my two perceived differences between the 
'lux and the 'cron were sufficient to make me take a look, even if one 
turned out to be a mistake.  The first was the idea that it focused 
closer (allowing the 90mm type framing if desired) than the 'lux.  Of 
course, that wasn't the case but it was still good enough to get me to 
take a look.  The second was that the 'cron is significantly smaller 
than the 'lux.  This one happens to be true.  I wasn't willing to haul 
the latter piece of glass around because it, in my opinion, threw off 
the balance of the camera that I'm used to.  The diminished value of 
the 75mm focal length that I previously held had nothing to do with the 
perspective, which I like.  It had more to do with the size and weight 
of the 'lux.  Then again, at these prices, one should be very certain 
they like and appreciate the tool they are purchasing.

You also make a good point to note that one should not purchase a lens 
based on feel and finish of the demo.  Of course, Central Camera 
doesn't really have much demo Leica equipment.  This one was removed 
from the top shelf and unboxed for my inspection, only to be replaced 
when I was finished.  I was just pleased to find that it did not have 
the loose aperture ring problem that I've heard a couple of reports 
about with this and the new 50 'lux asph.

All this said, at close to $2,700.00, I don't know that I'm going to be 
taking the plunge into the 75 'cron pool just yet, if ever.  :-(.  It 
is, as you say, and eccentric focal length.

Thanks for the advice though.

Frank

On Jun 6, 2005, at 3:43 PM, Buzz Hausner wrote:

> I can't speak for all of them, but my 75mm Summilux focuses down to
> about .75 meters.  Of course, focusing this lens at that close distance
> is quite a challenge, but a challenge one easily meets with experience.
> You are correct in observing that the 75mm Summilux obtrudes into the
> frame lines, but that is something to which one grows accustomed..."its
> a Leica thing, get used to it!"
>
> That said, one must realize that 75mm is an eccentric focal length for 
> a
> 35mm camera.  You should only consider a 75mm lens if it is a focal
> length that compliments your style of photography.  I use my 75 
> Summilux
> more than any other lens because it has a framing, perspective, depth 
> of
> field, and field separation which express my vision.  Most of all, I
> just plain like the image quality that the lens produces when the parts
> are summed.
>
> You should not purchase a 75mm Summicron or Summilux based upon the 
> feel
> and finish of a demonstration lens.  Indeed, at these prices, you
> shouldn't purchase any Leica lens based upon how it feels in the show
> room.  I would wager that if one "[N]ever really [put] much value in 
> the
> 75mm focal length," a smaller, lighter, aspherical expression of the
> lens isn't going to much change one's general impression of the focal
> length.  My advice is first to determine if you NEED a 75mm lens and, 
> if
> the answer is, "Yes," then to consider which of the two best suits your
> vision, needs, wallet, and orthopoedic resiliency.