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This is the only LEICA telephoto lens that I have. Whether
you like to admit it or not, it is not very friendly to use a telephoto lens with
a LEICA rangefinder camera because of the rangefinder system it deploys. That was
the primarily factor behind development of the variable finder magnification options
0.72X, 0.85X and 0.58X that first introduced with the LEICA M6 TTL in 1998. With
0.85X models, with its parallax-compensating framelines for 35-, 50-, 75-, 90-, and
135mm lenses offers larger viewing image which indirectly interpreting a slightly
enhanced focusing accuracy when using tele-lenses. Well, you must also know it has
compromises, as in one way, the 0.85x finder gives you a bigger viewing image, but
the M6 TTL or other relevant models such as the LEICA MP revised models
deletes the 28mm frameline that found in the standard 0.72X model.
The LEICA M6 Classic model has a 0.72x finder magnification. It applies to the LEICA
M6 LHSA 25th Anniversary Edition as well. So as I said earlier, it may not be the
world most convenient way to use a telephoto with a typical rangefinder camera with
standard finder but 90mm wasn't that bad as compare to 135mm as the focusing aid
with the brightline frame is still reasonably large enough for adjustment of focus.
Well, tele-lenses for LEICA rangefinder system had been around for the last half
a century and people have been using them in 'true LEICA spirit' without much complains,
so that is no point for me to elaborated further. But one cannot deny the fact SLR
has its distinctive advantage at these longer focal lengths. |
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Look gorgeous with this setup isn't it ?
This is the only LEICA telephoto lens that I have with my own Leica collection. Whether
you like to admit it or not, it is still not very friendly to use a telephoto lens
with a LEICA rangefinder camera.
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Other than the 50mm standard lens, the perspective of
short to medium telephoto lenses in the range of 60-90mm is closest to that of the
human eye. These lenses cause very little distortions when shooting close-ups of
people's faces and also secure a comfortable working distance between the camera
and the subject. For these reasons, they are often dubbed as "portrait lenses".
Telephoto lenses are also very appealing to photographers because they not only draw
subjects near and show them in sharp detail right before your eyes, but give you
a refreshing view of the subject's other perspectives with a tightly framed coverage
of the image area. In addition, the effect of compressed perspective typical of telephoto
lenses is at its minimum with the longer end of the focal length selection. In a
comparing SLR system, telephoto lenses with their image magnification and large maximum
aperture often can make focusing quicker and more precise but that advantage is not
offered in rangefinder camera system.
Leica optical group has its own specific focal lengths that were seldom being replicated
on any SLR system. Some of the very early examples that were offered back in the
late 1920~1930 era were the ELMAR 3.5/7cm; 4.5/7.5cm; 1.9/7.5cm, HEKTOR 7.3cm,
Summarex 1.5/8.5cm
and 90mm lens group etc. The 9cm/90mm lens group has the most in varieties and types,
e.g. ELMAR (4/90mm) ,
ELMARIT (2.8/90mm), soft
focus Thambar 90/2.2;
Velostigmat (4.5/90mm), and
a fast speed LSM by Leitz Canada, Summicron 90m f/2.0 (SOOZI/SEOOF). From traceable
references, largest aperture offered at the 90mm focal length is confined to f/2.0
with f/4.5 at the other end of the maximum aperture scale. The SUMMILUX-M 1:1.4/75mm,
introduced in the 1980 was considered that has the fastest lens speed within the
short tele-lens group, the alternate SUMMICRON-M 1:2/90mm, with its slightly extended
focal length to 90mm as well as compromised (approx. one f-stop) maximum aperture
was introduced two years later in 1982/3.
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The original SUMMICRON 90mm f2.0 was first introduced
in 1957. The original version has min. aperture f/22 (f/16 for later versions), uses
filter attachment size E48 (E55) and weighs quite heavy. It served its service for
more than two decades. The followed up model (introduced in 1982/3) , same as the
one shown here and has being chosen by LEICA as one of the 3 companion lenses issued
as special edition optic for the LEICA M6 LHSA 25th Anniversary Model equally has
a comparing long product cycle but was discontinued in 1998*. The early 2nd
model was first introduced in black, the silver chrome version was released later
in 1992.
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APO-Summicron-M 1:2/90mm ASPH, the current model as at 09.2008 replaced the non-ASPH
(2nd series) version in 1998. In 2001, a limited edition of 500 units in 2nd design
which bear Titanium-plated finishing were introduced to serve M6/Ti models. A version
which uses raw Titanium metal and finishes in gray-Ti of 50 units Limited Edition
were introduced along with the Leica M7 Titanium 1954-2004 50 Jahre Leica-M System Special Edition in 2004. |
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The SUMMICRON 90mm f2.0 LHSA 25th Anniversary edition
carries with the usual encoded matched -S/N as well as the special engraving on the
occasion at the front lens data ring. It exhibits an extremely high quality construction
and has a hefty weight as a rangefinder lens. The relatively fast 1:2 maximum aperture
it offers does not directly benefit the rangefinder focusing system but it provides
considerably benefits in terms of low available light shooting which is an advantage
journalism , candid and/or street photography.
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We all acknowledge quality in a Leica. In a long German
tradition to define sheer quality and dependability, most critical parts of a Leica
are made of non-compromising metal or alloy. Adoption of these good values usually
interpreting as weight gain.
The weight factor in a typical LEICA rangefinder camera setup is okay and very comfortable
to use and handle. But when the camera is added on with a fast speed tele-lens such
as 1:1.4 or a 90mm f/2.0 for long session photography and/or traveling it can be
quite stressful considering you don't just carry around in a long trip with just
a lens.
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The Summicron-M 2/90mm has all the essential elements
to regard it as a superb telephoto companion for your Leica where it neutralizes
slow shutter speed shooting with its fast maximum lens speed as well as delivering
top class optical deliveries in handheld available light photography. But it may
has a compromise in the area of portability i.e. with over 2 Ibs of caryying weight
- in particularly for long session usage. But if you only have a short duration assignment,
you will then be having one of the very best in the Leica optical system to fullfill
all your needs. Well, if all of your entire photographic journal was centered around
a Leica probably you won't be able to feel the difference. If you have a friend with
a... say a mechanical Nikon FM2/T (515g)
with a Nikkor 85mm f/2.0s
(310g) and try use it for a couple of days, probably you may feel the elevated level
of comfort in this specific area. * Comparing
LEICA M6 chrome body 560g (1.23 Ibs) and 460g (approx. 1 Ib) for the Summicron-M
2/90.
Note:- The S/N for this 1993
LHSA edition could had been started from: 1938000~1938150 for the the entire 150+1
units. Ref: Stephan Gandy
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