[Leica] new 75mm M lens

[henningw at archiphoto.com (Henning Wulff)]

Whatever you may think of it, Mark, the new CV lens does have a lot 
in common with the 75/1.4. No, it is not as fast, and that has a 
considerable amount to do with the price, as well as the quality of 
the mechanics etc, But the look of the CV lens is that of an older 
lens; more like that of a 50's lens. The Summilux is a more modern 
creation and has more contrast and flare resistance that that 
implies, but the CV lens can certainly hold it's own against any 50's 
or 60's lens, and has overall better performance than almost any of 
those.

If I didn't have the 75 Summilux, I couldn't think of a better 
portrait lens right now than the 75 CV. It has a central sharpness 
(contrast, resolution, whatever) that the old 90 Summicron does not 
have wide open, and it once again is excellent value. It is not 
competing against the 75 Summicron, and it is well off that standard 
in pure technical performance, but it certainly is a significant 
offering. Leica is not selling these sort of lenses anymore, but 
there are lots of people looking for them. I think it's a good 
direction for Cosina to take.

In those areas where Cosina compete directly with Leica, like the 
28/2, they can only win on price. That lens is definitely a step down 
from Leica's, and has no other redeeming features. So making a 75 
that fills the void left by the 75 Summilux (to a significant extent) 
is a smart choice. The Summilux is a legend, and in many ways a much 
more useful lens than the f/1 Noctilux, but it will not be made 
again. It's value will only increase as it's worth is realized. 
Therefore Cosina's offering brings some of those qualities within a 
much wider market's range without diluting the Summilux's standing.



At 1:22 AM -0400 8/23/10, Mark Rabiner wrote:
>I'm just very fond of the Leica company for some odd reason I don't know
>why. It's just a quirk of mine. I think when one uses the word "best" it
>when they are looking for the best. The "best lens" M mount new not used
>lens for 800 bucks might be the Cosina 35mm 1.2 whatever.
>But a Summilux 1.4 from Leica is hand made from real nice glass which cost
>some real money and cost 5 grand and represents the latest Leica cutting
>edge design.
>If best was what I was after I'd same my lunch money and get the Summilux.
>If "interesting, not so expensive by 6.3 times and just a tad faster I'd buy
>the Cosina monster. But I'd not call it "the best lens" that's ridiculous
>when there is an option from Leica which is gorgeous optical perfection with
>nothing spared.
>Leica gives you the option of really getting "the best". That's what
>interests me about it. There are such great photo companies out there.
>Highly competitive. Canon. Nikon. Cosina. Amazing stuff. Amazing but not
>"the best".
>I hope I'm not boring Nathan.
>
>--------------------
>Mark William Rabiner
>Photography
>mark at rabinergroup.com
>
-- 

    *            Henning J. Wulff
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