This is my first time using this lens.
It completes my current triad of lenses: 28/2.8, 50/1.4, and 90/2.
Not a very original set-up, but I finally conceded that I’m a 50 shooter and everything else revolves around it.
—Peter.
↑Leica M9 and Leica 90mm Summicron APO @ f/2.
Prosophos 
Great light. I never clicked with my 90mm Cron pre-asph on my M9 so traded it in. Focus shift and difficulties achieving critical focus made it a tricky one. The APO looks special though. Good work
Thanks Dan. The APO still tricky to focus though, but I find the modern versions of Leica lenses behave consistently in all other respects.
Lovely lighting, cropping tight giving a strong impact of your kid in deep thought.. must be up to something. It is not easy to use 90mm. I was thinking may be a 75mm suit better, what do you think?
Thanks Michael. The crop was to achieve an 8 x 10 size… essentially some of the left side was chopped off.
I’ve used all three recent 75mm lenses on the M system – 75mm Summarit (https://prosophos.com/category/leica-75mm-summarit-f2-5/), Summicron (https://prosophos.com/category/leica-75mm-apo-summicron-asph-f2/), and Summilux (https://prosophos.com/category/leica-75mm-summilux-canada-f1-4/), and by far, the best portrait lens was the 75/1.4. The best 75mm lens overall (for portrait, landscape, action) was the 75mm Summarit.
In the end, I decided to try the 90/2 as I’ve never had the pleasure of using it. The 75/1.4 is of course no longer available new anyway, and is currently overpriced (at least for me) on the used market.
What happen to your 35mm summilux? You inspired me to buy it. Also, I thought you were keeping the Noctilux? I’ve owned the 90mm summicron for about 4 months and absolutely love it. Even though I also prefer shooting at 50mm (I miss my 50mm summilux), I find myself using the 90mm a lot and I have an assumption you will use it more than what you expect. I would suggest buying the 1.4x magnifier.
By the way, the picture is beautiful!
Hey Gage, if I kept every single Leica lens I’ve used, I’d be broke. I have had the pleasure of using just about every M lens, but in the end I’m a shooter, not a collector. My “rental” costs of owning and selling have given me a breadth of experience however, and I’ve tried to convey this knowledge through my posts.
As for the 1.4 magnifier, I used one briefly on the 75/1.4, but found that over time I preferred working without it… the critical contrast focus confirmation you see when the focus patch precisely aligns with the image was somewhat dulled in low light when the magnifier was on… at least that was my experience. In other words, with the magnifier you gained in focus patch size, but lost a little in the most important visual cue (mostly contrast) for critical focus.
Thanks for your input. I understand your opinion on the magnifier. I actually had purchased it to use with my Noctilux and then sent it back because I didn’t like it. When I purchased the 90mm I chose to try it one more time and now I have it glued to my camera. You may want to reconsider in the further.
Take care,
gage
I look forward to your work with the 90 and 28. This is a good example of the color this lens can create. Really like it. I bought a used latest version 90 Elmarit but haven’t used it much. I sold a version 2 35mm Summicron to fund my 50 Summilux as I too am a 50 shooter. But like you I’d like to add the 28 for those occasions I want to get more of the scene in my photo.
Thanks Duane. As you saw from my recent trip to Barbados, the 50 is all you really need anyway. The 28/90 are nice to have however.
Wonderfully pensive, and beautifully lit.
Do you find it difficult to focus?
M.
I know you are asking Peter this question but thought I would answer also. When I first purchased this lens I didn’t have the magnifier and found that I was often times missing my focus point. With the magnifier it has made my attempts at getting the shot much more successful.
Hi Mark,
It’s a little tricky, but then again, I’m just getting acquainted with the lens. I’m sure it will always be tricky, but no more so than the 50/0.95 you’re currently using :).
Fantastic Peter. Not only the photo itself (light and contemplation….beautiful) but also the fact you have moved to this focal length and a genuine dedicated portrait lens. I am really looking forward to what pops up from time to time with this lens.
I personally find when you can capture a person in these tighter perspectives it takes us somewhere very unique…..inside the person. It is very different in an emotive sense.
I LOVE this type of photography even though it is not something which I do often…but when it is done I have different type of appreciation for it.
Also keen to see what you think of this lens as it is on the hit list, but just not yet. I want to continue growing into my RF experience first…I’ll know when the time is right.
Here are few examples from my perspective of this style of creating an image. All of them composed in the camera (no cropping).
Canon 135mmL 2f
Same lens (a reflection of my iMac screen of my daughter)
Not a family member!
Thanks for another great post.
Andrew
Thanks for the commentary and the examples Andrew. The ability to get “tight” on a head shot is often flattering to the person being photographed. For me, the 90mm will have to suffice.
As an aside, our friend Hugues uses the same (135mm) focal length you do for much of his portraiture.
Perfect.
Thank you Cory for the comment, and also for your first visit to the site.
I have actually admired your site for quite a while. It is refreshing to see photographs with soft, subtle tones instead of the garish overprocessed posterized colors that seem to be the
norm on most posts. Your light and colors are ethereal and dreamlike. ARTISTIC. Qualities which are hard to find these days. I always look forward to seeing your new work.
Cory, what can I say… the cheque is in the mail? 😉
Seriously, you’ve made my day.
Congratulations on your photo and on your wise set of lenses, Peter.
To be honest long lenses are not for me (I can’t handle them well) but I’m plenty sure your 90/2 will deliver wonderfull pictures!
My dear Luiz,
Well, I’ll be equally honest: long lenses *and* wide lenses are not for me… just the 50. But I’m trying to expand my horizons!
Mon Très Cher Peter,
Firstly, I would talk about your “test”!
If only all the tests were of this caliber … Aaargghhh, I forgot! It is true that it is Peter who works … And his son is a beautiful model …
A very beautiful picture!
Regarding the choice of 90 mm Apo Cron!? I can only agree with you. It perfectly complements the imperial trilogies!
I just want to warn you that when you’re shooting with the 90 mm and MM your future, look you, having a tear to the eye … This combo will give you thrills!
The resolution of the MM is such that you’ll believe you shoot with an S and the 120 macro! LOL …
About me, you know I have the 75 Cron Apo, which I find to be the perfect complement to the Noctilux.
I made a small portrait of the man who works as a tailor at the store where I work … A 3200 isos @ 2.8 with MM, it goes fingers in the nose!
I love this little 75 its development close to 70 cm …
Finally, I congratulate you for this choice … And wish you the best future with this beautiful object!
Your friend.
Hugues.
Thank you, cher Hugues.
It *IS* just a test shot, but I’m glad you like it, mon ami.
Please share your image of the tailor, if you would be so kind, as I know it will be a real treat.
Peter.
Yes please share…very curious now!
What I said when I looked at your test shot above: “Ohhhh!” What a beautiful shot. What a beautiful boy.
Such beautiful light – really nice Peter!
Recently, I’ve been playing around with the Voigt 15mm and I have to say that it is not very intuitive for me…but I’m gonna stick with it and see if it can ever feel comfortable. However, at the other end of the spectrum is the 90 APO which I absolutely love. It is a bit heavy, compared to the 50 but like Andrew, I love these close-ups.
Recently took a pic of my daughter with the 90, albeit, not really up-close, but I love the rendering. Hope you don’t mind me sharing my pic on your blog.
http://kevinngphotography.zenfolio.com/p435494627#h5702b038
Very nice Kevin with the reflection from the table.
Yes, Kevin, I agree with Andrew – a beautiful image with great use of reflection.
By the way, I don’t mind you posting links here… after all, this is meant to be a place for photography!
I really should probably stop this, but I don’t think I’ve yet offered anything on a solo image of your son, so maybe one more:
Soft, the liquid eye –
A gold green sea
Of daydreaming boy…
Greg please keep injecting your poetry into the images. I really enjoy it.
This lens can do wonder. I have been using just 50 summilux asph for 1.5year and still using. For me, it is the best 50mm. Now I am exploring to add either 28 or 35. 90 APO is one lens I know I have to try.
Looking forward to your 90mm shots.
Thanks Dennis. Well, I’m on the beginning of a path with it. We’ll see. Hopefully, I’ll make some images worth viewing.