The Leica APO-Summicron-M 90mm f/2 ASPH is a high-end telephoto lens designed for the Leica M rangefinder system. Known for its exceptional optical performance, this lens offers a combination of compact design, fast aperture, and state-of-the-art optics. If you’re considering purchasing a used version of this lens, here’s what you should know about its features and the factors to keep in mind when buying it secondhand:
Key Features:
- Aperture:
- f/2 Maximum Aperture: The lens has a bright maximum aperture of f/2, which allows for shooting in low-light conditions and creating a beautifully shallow depth of field with creamy bokeh, especially for portrait photography.
- The 90mm focal length offers excellent subject isolation, making it ideal for portraits, where the background can be rendered out of focus.
- APO (Apochromatic) Design:
- The APO designation stands for apochromatic correction, meaning that the lens has been designed to correct chromatic aberrations (color fringing), a common issue in high-contrast scenes.
- This feature ensures that images are sharp, with accurate color rendering, even at the edges and wide open at f/2.
- ASPH (Aspherical Lens Element):
- The lens includes an aspherical element, which minimizes optical aberrations such as spherical distortion and improves edge-to-edge sharpness, even at wide apertures.
- This helps the lens deliver consistently sharp and high-contrast images across all apertures.
- 90mm Focal Length:
- The 90mm focal length is perfect for portrait photography, providing flattering compression and excellent subject-background separation.
- It is also ideal for landscape photography when looking to capture distant subjects or isolate elements within a scene.
- Compact and Lightweight:
- Despite being a 90mm lens, it is relatively compact for its focal length and fast aperture. The lens is constructed with Leica’s signature all-metal build, making it robust and reliable for everyday use.
- The lens weighs about 500g (1.1 lbs), which is light considering the optical complexity and premium construction.
- Manual Focus:
- As with all Leica M lenses, the APO-Summicron-M 90mm f/2 is a manual focus lens, designed to be used with Leica’s rangefinder focusing system.
- It features a smooth focus ring with a long throw, allowing for precise adjustments, which is particularly useful for portrait and telephoto work where focusing accuracy is critical.
Optical Performance:
- Sharpness: This lens is known for its exceptional sharpness, even wide open at f/2, with incredible detail across the frame.
- Bokeh: The 90mm focal length and f/2 aperture produce beautiful bokeh, with smooth, out-of-focus backgrounds that make it an excellent choice for portraits.
- Contrast and Color: Thanks to the APO design, it delivers high contrast and accurate color reproduction, even in challenging lighting situations.
Buying Used – What to Look For:
- Optical Condition:
- Check for scratches: Examine the front and rear elements carefully to ensure there are no scratches or cleaning marks. Even minor scratches can affect image quality, especially at wider apertures.
- Inspect for fungus or haze: Look through the lens to see if there is any internal haze, fungus, or dust that might affect optical clarity.
- Mechanical Condition:
- Focus Ring: Ensure the focus ring moves smoothly without any stiffness or uneven resistance.
- Aperture Ring: Check that the aperture ring clicks smoothly into each stop and isn’t too loose or stiff. The aperture blades should be clean and free of oil.
- Mount Condition: Inspect the lens mount for wear. Excessive wear may indicate heavy use, though Leica lenses are durable and designed for long life.
- Cosmetic Condition:
- While cosmetic imperfections like minor scuffs or brassing (wearing of the black paint) won’t affect image quality, they do impact the resale value. If you’re looking for a collector’s piece, you’ll want one in excellent condition. For regular use, minor cosmetic wear might not be a deal-breaker.
- Original Accessories:
- Lens Hood: The original lens hood should be included, as it’s important for preventing flare and protecting the front element.
- Caps: Ensure both front and rear caps are included.
- Case: Leica lenses often come with a leather case, so check if this is still included if you’re purchasing from a collector.
- Pricing:
- Used Leica APO-Summicron-M 90mm f/2 ASPH lenses can range in price depending on condition, with prices generally between $3,000 and $4,500.
- Keep an eye on authorized Leica dealers or reputable second-hand sellers for guarantees and peace of mind.
Conclusion:
The Leica APO-Summicron-M 90mm f/2 ASPH is a stellar lens renowned for its sharpness, bokeh, and compact form factor. Whether you’re buying new or used, it’s an excellent choice for portrait, landscape, or telephoto work. When purchasing used, it’s crucial to thoroughly check for any optical, mechanical, or cosmetic issues to ensure the lens functions properly and delivers Leica’s renowned optical quality. If in good condition, a used version of this lens can be a great value considering Leica’s reputation for longevity and performance.
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