Summicron M 90/2 with R2 ?

spetsnaz · 12-13-2004

Has anyone ever tried this combo ? I would like to get a fast Tele for portrait shot with nice out of focus background but don't sure how hard to focus this "bright" 90mm with R2's finder.

Regards,
PoP

Huck Finn · 12-13-2004

Spetsnaz, I haven't tried it, but I don't think that it would focus easily at f/2 on an R2 or Cosina would have made one instead of the 90/3.5. However, you should be able to use that lens & focus apertures wider than f/2.8 okay.

Erwin Puts suggests a minimum effective baselength of about 28mm for a 90/2.8, which is beyond the EBL of the R2 (25.1 mm). On the other hand, a Bessa R3a should be able to handle the 90/2.8 easily. However, the 90/2 would be beyond the reach of even the R3A. According again to Puts, the 90/2 requires an EBL of about 40mm; the EBL of the R3A is only 37mm.

Some alternatives in a portrait lens would be the Rollei 80/2.8 Planar - slightly lower cost than Leica 90/2.8, but it will focus okay on the R2 because of the shorter focal length - or the Voigtlander 75/2.5 Color-Heliar - shorter still, but compact & even faster.

Kris · 12-13-2004

PoP, Huck has the point about EBL for focusing accuracy. I've got lots of shots with missed focus with 75/2.5 on R2. I believe Ralph (rover) has the same difficulties as well. I will think twice before mounting Summicron 90 on R2.

VC 75/2.5 can do a good job blurring background in portrait shots.

Sample no. 1
Sample no. 2

rover · 12-13-2004

The only difficulties I have had with the 75/2.5 is when I am using it wide open and up close. For general shooting with the R2 it has been fine. I used it quite a bit in my Neglect album.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/phot...ry.php/cat/663

I did this shooting after commenting about my issues with the CV 75. Right now I will say that it is a super lens (just not if you are shooting wide open and close with an R or R2

).

And let me say this about my issues. The lens works fine at all apertures and distances. My comment should be that it requires more care to focus close and open than slower or wider lenses wtih the R and R2.

Huck Finn · 12-13-2004

Point well taken, Rover. I haven't tried shooting up close with my 75/2.5, but its close focusing distance is i meter, so as you move in with it wide open, you are pushing its limits.

I think that your advice can be generalized to any RF telephoto: "Focus with care." I know some people who won't even use a rangefinder for telephotos because of the difficulty focusing them - and these difficulties are even greater with a Bessa's short baseline than they would be with a Leica-length baseline.

denishr · 12-13-2004

You don't need a very fast lens to get nice OOF. I have an Elmar-C (90/4), which I got relatively cheap (rather worn on the outside), and I'm pleased with the OOF rendering. In short, such a lens would probably be cheaper and easier to focus on the R2.

Sample below...

That Guy · 12-13-2004

I have the Apo-Lanthar for my Bessa R. It takes a great deal of care to focus anything less than 3 meters away. But it would make a fine portrait lens; it produces fine detail and excellent sharpness. I've been very impressed with this lens.

Tim · 12-13-2004

Well....I don't have a 90 'cron; but I do have the CV 90 / 3.5. And on my R2 it's pretty touch and go to focus accurately when it's wide open and close in. But it is a superb lens and I've taken some great shots with it, with great bokeh.
I used to have the CV 75 / 2.5, never really had trouble focussing that, but then I can't remember whether I ever used it up close and wide open.
I _can_ definately tell you that a R2 can't accurately focus a 135 /4.5.....
:-)

Do you really need the f2 lens? the CV one is a fine lens and a damn site cheaper. My only complaint with it would be the wear of the black paint.....(my 75 was chrome, I think their finish is waaay better than the black)

sorry I can't be more help

tim

spetsnaz · 12-14-2004

Thank you so much for all you guys ! I've got a change for this lens in nice conditon ( it's cost about $380.00 ) but if it's difficult to make accuracy focus then I have to pass it. From your suggestions, I may try to get CV 75/2.5 instead. And thanks to Kris and Denishr for very nice sample pics. :-)

Best regards,
PoP