rating: 5.00

LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M 75mm f/2 ASPH

LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M 75mm f/2 ASPH
LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M 75mm f/2 ASPH(1)
The new LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M 75mm f/2 ASPH. extends the range of telephoto lenses in the Leica M system with a fast high-performance model that is simultaneously extremely compact.


Since its launch, the LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M 75mm f/2 ASPH. has set new performance standards in the Leica rangefinder system. The speed of this powerful lens gives it a particularly wide range of uses from portrait to reportage photography and it counts as one of the best lenses in the M system. Used with the digital LEICA M8, the application potential of this telephoto lens is enhanced even further. The focal length extension factor of the digital rangefinder camera turns the compact lens into a powerful telephoto lens with a focal length of 100 mm, making it an ideal partner of ambitious LEICA M8 photographers.

The compact LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M 75mm f/2 ASPH. harnesses all the technical possibilities of today's high-performance optics to achieve a combination of high speed and remarkable imaging quality. It features aspherical surfaces, special glass types with partial anomalous dispersion and floating elements. It is the ideal lens on either an analog or digital Leica rangefinder camera delivering intimate views of scenes, nature, landscapes and people, irrespective of whether they are at infinity or at the close-focus range of the lens. With resolving power well above that of the best colour photo films, it is also a first-rate documentary tool.

Together with the LEICA SUMMICRON-M 28mm f/2 ASPH. wide-angle lens, the LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M 75 f/2 ASPH. offers the best and most elegant high-performance combination available today in 35 mm rangefinder photography.

75mm - The universal portrait focal length
With its more natural perspective compared to a 90mm focal length, where depth is reproduced with less compression, it is ideally
suited for many applications including reportage and portraits - particularly in smaller rooms. Its small dimensions result in not
only outstanding handling but also a Leica M viewfinder image that is almost completely free of shadowing, thus allowing totally
undisturbed viewing of the subject. Whether you are using full stop to deliberately "isolate" critical parts of the subject or working
in high-contrast available light - both very common in applications with these focal lengths - or stopping down for sharp roduction of more extensive areas of the subject, the LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M 75mm f/2 ASPH. is convincing in any situation: At full stop, it offers excellent contrast reproduction, even for very fine structures. This performance can only be slightly improved by stopping down. Another outstanding feature is the extremely low distortion of only 1%. The vignetting that is normal for fast lenses at their maximum opening - up to approx. 1 stop in the corners of the image here - is further reduced by stopping down: At f/2.8, it is negligible, except for the extreme corners and at f/5.6 it is negligible even in the corners.
The use of state of the art coating technology and additional measures for dulling the inner parts of the mount also ensure a high
degree of freedom from reflection. The optical system comprises seven lens elements in five groups. As on the recently introduced
Summilux 50mm ASPH., they are a new version of the double Gauß lens type, with the first three lens elements corresponding
to the typical Gauß design. The elements behind the aperture are very similar to those on the Summilux 50mm ASPH. - apart
from the use of a single lens instead of one of the two cemented lens element groups.

To achieve the excellent imaging performance, glass with anomalous partial dispersion is used (no. 2/3). Lens element no. 2 is
made of a fluorite-type glass, while the glass used for lens element 3 can trace its origins back to the former Leitz glass laboratory.
Lens element no. 4 has a pressed aspherical surface. To minimize monochromatic aberrations, as well as having an aspherical
shape the glass used is also highly refractive (no. 5/6).

Optimum image quality at close and long range
To maintain the outstanding imaging performance even at the minimum range of 0.7m - the Summilux-M 75mm only achieves 1m
- as on the Summilux-M 50mm ASPH., a so-called floating element is used. This final lens element (no. 6/7) changes its position
relative to the rest of the optical system during focusing. While the fundamental technology is common in SLR lenses, to achieve
this in a compact M lens with its very limited space, the Leica designers had to develop a brand new, extremely precise adjusting
mechanism. Its use allows the benefits of this design to be utilized to the full, while at the same time guaranteeing the familiar
silky smooth and absolutely accurate focusing of the M lenses.

Quality down the finest detail
A feature that has now become a standard for Leica lenses has also been included on the new LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M 75mm f/2 ASPH.: The built-in lens hood, which protects against stray light and dirt, can be locked in its extended position to prevent it accidentally being pushed back in.

Summary
By utilizing every means available in lens technology today - an aspherical surface, glass with anomalous partial dispersion and a
high refractive index, a floating element including a brand new, high-precision adjusting mechanism, state of the art coating techniques and sophisticated measures to reduce internal reflection - we have created a lens that not only extends the Summicron-Mrange but also sets new standards in this focal length class. In the group of four fast M telephoto lenses with focal lengths of 75
and 90mm, the new LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M 75mm f/2 ASPH. represents an ideal combination of several properties: It combines optimum imaging quality with high speed and compact dimensions. In conjunction with its moderated telephoto perspective, this makes it ideal for almost any application, and along with a wide-angle lens it forms a complete and versatile but still very compact equipment set.

LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M 75mm f/2 ASPH Specs

 Angle of view (diagonal, horizontal, vertical)
 32°, 18°, 27°
 
Optical design
 Number of elements / groups: 7/5
Focal length: 74.98 mm
Entrance pupil: 30.1 mm (related to the first lens surface in light direction)
 
Distance setting
 Focusing range: 0.7 m to Infinity
Scale: combined meter/feet-increments
Smallest object field: 169 x 254 mm
Highest reproduction ratio: 1:7
 
Diaphragm
 Setting / Type: Preset, with click-stops, half values available
Smallest aperture: f/16
 
Bayonet
 Leica M quick-change bayonet
 
Filter (type)
 Internal thread for screw-on filters size E49, non-rotating
 
Lens hood
 Built-in, telescopic, lockable
 
Dimensions and weight
 Length: 66.8 mm
Largest diameter: 58 mm
Weight: approx. 430 g
 

    

LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M 75mm f/2 ASPH user reviews

    "Astonishingly sharp, almost too sharp for portrait work. This lens will mercilessly exaggerate every wrinkle, pore, pockmark, and wayward strand of hair on your subject, and at wider apertures your focal plane had better be dead on because even small errors will be obvious. Great if you want all that detail, but you'll need a soft focus filter to flatter your subject. Really shines in outdoor work where distances are greater and light levels let you stop down for DoF. I give the lens 4 stars for value - the stiff price merits 2 stars off, but give 1 back because resale value will hold up over time. Lens build is great, solid but not heavy, mounted balance OK. Focus ring was a bit stiff on mine, which is fine for me since I don't want my focal plane wandering. Aperture ring had a little bit of play but nothing for concern.
"
--- Dave_in_HK rated: 5
    "This is a lens without peer, a lens that sets the standard for all other medium telephotos. I know of no other lens in this range that can compete with the APO at f2.0, and f2.8. When you factor in the lack of vibration from a M series body, this lens gives wide open performance that no other high speed telephoto can match. I have owned all of the similar product lenses, and only the 90 Elmarit gives similar performance at f5.6 or f8.0, but if you need true APO performance at wide apertures, there is only one choice. Stunning results on Kodachrome.
"
--- David rated: 5
    "Ever since this lens's introduction over a year ago, it has proven to be a popular new addition to the Leica M rangefinder camera system. A friend who works at one of the premier USA Leica dealerships has told me that it's been difficult for him to keep up with the strong demand for this fine medium telephoto lens. Indeed, the reports I have read about this new 75mm lens have been absolutely sensational, starting with a glowing review from no less an authority than Erwin Puts himself (www.imx.nl)!

The 75mm f2 APO-Summmicron-M ASPH lens is surprisingly compact, if not that light, and may be a useful counterpart to those Leica M users who prefer working with a 35mm f2 Summicron and need something lighter than the 75mm f1.4 lens - still in production and a fine lens in its own right too (But it is rumored to be discontinued if it isn't already.) - for a moderate telephoto lens. The 75mm lens - invented by Leica for introduction with its Leica M4-P rangefinder camera - offers a telephoto perspective that is only slightly more than the normal perspective of a 50mm lens, making it an attractive alternative as a portrait lens to slightly longer lenses such as the 90mm f2 Apo-Summicron-M lens and the yet to be released Carl Zeiss ZM 85mm f2 Sonnar lens.

Those Leica users who use primarily a 35mm lens may find this a valued second lens to add to their kit. Optically, this lens owes much to the design of the new 50mm f1.4 Summilux-M ASPH, featuring not only anomalous partial dispersion glass and an aspherical element, but also containing a floating element to ensure excellent optical performance wide open at close focusing distances. It is the second lens in the current Leica M lens system, after the 135mm f3.4 APO Telyt-M, to have a 49mm filter diameter. This fine, but expensive, little lens has won many fans and will likely win many more (One of its most prominent users was the French documentary photographer assigned to the filming of last year's surprise cinematic hit, "March of the Penguins" in distant Antarctica, where the lens performed admirably in closeup nature photography of these penguins.). "
--- John Kwok rated: 5
    "If you travel with a Leica, then this should be in your bag. It is a great lens to get in tight with people and feels better balanced, while being lighter than the 75/1.4. Soft background at 2.0 with great bokeh, sharpness and saturation. Sharpness is excellent +++++++. The colors saturation that you get with this Leica APO is really special. When compared to anything else (other than the 75/1.4) , there really is no comparison. I will use the 75/1.4 for locally and take this one when I travel because of its lighter weight and better balanced on my M6. However, this is not to degrade in any way the 75mm/1.4 lens which is so appealing in its fingerprint. Overall, both lenses are to die for, with different characteristics with the 75 having that extra f stop and a little better bokeh (softer and cadence of out of focus area)in my judgement. In my opinion there is nothing in the 35mm universe that touches either lens if you are looking for the shot of a lifetime. When you put these results up against other lenses at the same place and time, then you will understand my position. You cannot go wrong with either the 75mm or the 90 APO. Both will retain their value, because of their inherent quality.
"
--- Edward rated: 5
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