85~105 range lens suggestions?

Spicy · 07-05-2012

Looking for a longer lens to complement my collapsible 50/3.5 and CV 21/4. I'd like for it to be sort-of-compact and not super heavy, preferably LTM and I'll use my adapter to put it on my M4-P, but M mount is also ok,

Fast is nice, but not if it makes things super heavy or expensive. If possible, I'd prefer a semi-modern look - I'm not too keen on the "old leica glow" (I think from uncoated elements). Any post-war optics are probably fine, and I don't need/want something super-clinically sharp like the modern voigtlanders. Also I'm not sure if 75 is different enough from 50 to warrant buying and carrying, so I think the range I'm looking for is 85, 90, 105 (135 is too long), but the CV 75/2.5 does seem like it'd be just about perfect if only it were a tiny bit longer.

Cheap is good (under 180 or so if possible). I've been looking around at canon LTMs (85 1.9 or 2.0 serenar), and nikon's reputation-cementing 85/2 and 105/2.5 in LTM, but all of them seem tough to find on KEH.

Anything I'm overlooking that you guys might suggest I add to my seach? The old Elmar 90/4s seem plentiful, but I think they're all pre-war and uncoated... They also often seem to be fungus'd.

Thanks all.

jim_jm · 07-05-2012

The Canon 100mm 3.5 LTM may be what you're looking for. Small and very light, it's a sharp lens, but not as contrasty as some modern lenses. You should be able to find a decent example for under $200, they pop up on KEH from time to time. It's great on my IIIf, I just use the Canon 100mm external VF. If you check the Canon forum here on RFF, there are several threads about this lens with example images.

raid · 07-05-2012

The Canon 100/3.5 is super small and sharp and costs little.
If size and weight were not factors you like to avoid, then many people here would suggest the Nikon 85/2. I love the Nikon 105/2.5.

If you want a lens that is faster than 3.5, is light and small, then the options are few. The basic Steinheil 85/2.8 is not bad all, and it is dirt cheap. Search among the CV lenses for a suitable short tele.

Drago · 07-05-2012

Leica Elmar C 90/4 - not too modern, not too classical, small,light,cheap

bigeye · 07-05-2012

I use the 90/2.8 Elmarit with a SVGOO. Fits the use well.

/

ferider · 07-05-2012

The Elmarit 90/2.8 in LTM costs a fortune. The Elmar-C is M mount.

Not many options at US 150, I would look for a Canon 100/3.5, one of the slower Komura lenses (80/2.8 or 3.5, 105/2.8, etc.), a Steinheil lens, a clean coated LTM Elmar, or similar. While it might tempt you, avoid the Jupiter 9: more likely than not it will have focus issues.

Or pay a little more and get the CV 90/3.5 Apo Lanthar. As good as it gets.

Roland.

mabelsound · 07-05-2012

Canon 100/2
Canon 100/3.5
Leica 75/2.4

buzzardkid · 07-05-2012

Daan had a Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 90/3.5 in the classifieds. It's an LTM lens, real sharp but smooth too. Might still be there, not sure on that.

Just saying

Nomad Z · 07-05-2012

Yes, the CV Apo-Lanthar is an excellent lens. Compact, sharp, good colour.

Spicy · 07-05-2012

Thanks for the input, guys. i'm not tied to LTM lenses only, but they seem to be the best balance of size/quality vs cost, since most of the M lenses are pretty pricey... Not sure if there are other 3rd party makers other than CV.

Jockos · 07-06-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigeye

I use the 90/2.8 Elmarit with a SVGOO. Fits the use well.

/

I use this one to. Very nice for portraits; needs to be stopped down to get corner sharpness, but it's always good enough in the center.
Light weight (for a Leica), a bit long (finder blockage ensues), very sturdy.
Seems to be hard to find without haze tough.

jonmanjiro · 07-06-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by ferider

Or pay a little more and get the CV 90/3.5 Apo Lanthar. As good as it gets.

This. Damn good lens.

maddoc · 07-06-2012

Best value for the money is for sure the Elmar 90/4.0 (LTM). Costs about US$100, is tiny and absolute perfect.

philipus · 07-06-2012

Nice pix Gabor, esp. the last one. I'm today shooting the Elmar 90/4 on my II and love it. Can't believe how well it performs even now in its 8th decade. Will have to post photos too.

The little drawback is the f4 but for daylight shooting it's great.

Quote:

Originally Posted by maddoc

Best value for the money is for sure the Elmar 90/4.0 (LTM). Costs about US$100, is tiny and absolute perfect.

bigeye · 07-06-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jockos

I use this one to. Very nice for portraits; needs to be stopped down to get corner sharpness, but it's always good enough in the center.
Light weight (for a Leica), a bit long (finder blockage ensues), very sturdy.
Seems to be hard to find without haze tough.

There is an M-mount version on ebay for $197 at KEH with a little haze. Youxin will clean for $50... (A 'fortune', I know.)

If you can do an M-mount, though, I'd save my pennies for the second gen Tele-Elmarit (~$500). Very compact.

-Charlie

philipus · 07-06-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by ferider

Or pay a little more and get the CV 90/3.5 Apo Lanthar.

Ffordes has two of these for GBP229 each.

http://www.ffordes.com/category/Lens..._Screw_Fitting

EDIT: Peter Loy has a Voigtlander 75mm f2.5 Color-Heliar for £175 but I'm not familiar with that lens.

maddoc · 07-06-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by philipus

Nice pix Gabor, esp. the last one. I'm today shooting the Elmar 90/4 on my II and love it. Can't believe how well it performs even now in its 8th decade. Will have to post photos too.

The little drawback is the f4 but for daylight shooting it's great.

Philipus, thank you! Yes, f/4.0 can be limiting but the tiny size makes it ideal for travel. If memory serves me right, the famous portrait of Che Guevarra was taken with an Elmar 90/4.0.