🔴 STILL #1 FOR PORTRAITS? Leica SUMMILUX 75mm f1.4

Testing the legendary Leica 75mm Summilux f1.4 on the Leica M11, SL2-S, M10-R in Poland
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[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

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[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

My fav Lens and Bec said she would love to shoot with you with Lens, 😁 see you soon

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Ah thanks Peter! OK amazing, tell Bec we'll do that in London!

[@blende5.693]

Very nice video, and I agree, the best or a perfect lens for portrait is the pre-asph 2.0 90mm. I upgraded my pre-asph to the apo version. After some weeks, I went back to the pre-asph version and I’m still happy.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks for sharing that. Yes I would expect the same, APO vs Pre.

[@cembalaro]

Thanks very much - again - for another wonderful video!!! Finally, you got around to the Summilux 75 - Next time, you'll find a sweet model (!!) and be very, very happy! Personally, this is - by far - my favorite portrait lens - all these years, since i got it new, in 1985. And, indeed, along with the early sixties' 90-Summicron,that you, yourself so enthusiastically mention! - Next time you'd be here in Cologne, come around to try it... along with the Summarex :-))))

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you and thanks for your kind invite!

[@JohanKhoo]

I have one copy I bought in HK second hand over 15 years ago and love it for portraits! I've used it on film and digital M, but now - it's best on a SL2-S!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great, yes it will be perfect on SL2-S!

[@LucyS565]

Great information Matt! Thank you!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Lucy!

[@erikgrossman]

I own v3 of this lens. It came factory 6-but coded. It’s my favorite Leica lens. It’s a similar design optically as the Noctilux f/1.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Erik! Yes that fact that the design is similar to my f1 is probably why I like it so much :)

[@benedictus111]

hi Matt thanks for your review. I have 75mm made in Canada.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Ah great, thanks for commenting. Good lens!

[@richardsimms251]

Wonderfully useful video. Thank you again. I have plenty of Leica M bodies and lenses. RS. Canada

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Richard! Yes great lens, one of my favs!

[@zoltankaparthy9095]

Your reviews always improve even when that seems difficult. I enjoy them all, even on gear I will probably not buy. Good vid, good review, well thought out, researched and presented.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Zoltan, far from perfect but I wanted to share the results I got in case it helped others looking at this lens.

[@davidkieltyka9]

My 75mm ‘Lux is a v2. Focuses to 0.7m despite the distance markings stopping at 0.8m. It’s a lovely multi-use lens: great for portraits wide open and at f/2; and also for landscape/cityscape/scenic photography at f/5.6. I’ve found focusing a 90mm f/2 lens at close range on most M cameras can be hit & miss, but this isn’t so with a fast 75mm.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks David. I struggled to hit focus at 0.7m with my 75 APO and sometimes 90 f2 but that was probably my RF being out. Yes Leica marked as 0.8m as less perfect if get closer but great that it goes to 0.7m for M users.

[@khkenny2]

Have had the Summilux-R 80mm f/1.4 for about 10 years now (got it in 2013 i think) and never been let down by it, but am eye-balling the new voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 and is looking forward to your new video on that.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nice and see last night's video for the 1.9. Super small lens (vs the 75 Lux!)

[@Narsuitus]

The 90mm f/2 Summicron is my #1 portrait lens for my M6.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great timing! Look out for my next video!

[@jameskarlfischer8366]

Having entered the Leica world with a Leicaflex Standard and later an R5, I've used the 80mm, and the 90mm Summicron-R and Elmarit-R often, and more recently started using the 90mm Tele-elmarit-M if I want something light on my M10. My favorite photos come from the 80mm, but the Summicron-R is the most fun to use as the focusing is so very fast. The 80mm has a similar schizo feel between 1.4 (dreamy) and stopped down (sharper and crisper) to the 75mm Summilux-M, or at least it seems so. The Elmarit-R is my favorite for landscapes and street photography, as the overall field is incredibly flat and it feels much sharper at close focus (as good as the 100mm APO). Your videos are incredibly helpful. I would love to use the 75mm Summilux, but my one reservation has been the relative stiffness of the focusing on the 80mm. The summicron is such a joy to use, and I wonder how the 75mm compares. The R adapters are great but make a slightly clunky set-up compared to the original R cameras (I also use a CL and SL, thanks to your advice).

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi James, thanks. Yes the 90R Elmarit is excellent. I have it. There is very little interest in R lenses but I might need to make a video at some point to highlight how good they are. Don't judge the stiffness of 1 lens. It's a copy variation. Other 80mm and 75mm might be as smooth as silk. On the SL/CL the 80 is the cheaper option.

[@tscott6843]

Very comprehensive. I look forward to your model shoot. What R mount might you recommend adapted to the SL2-S?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, see my kit list on the blog for the adapters I use - mrleica.com/kitlist/

[@sunny16portraits]

Funny how they made those aperture blades, wonder what the shape is for vs. more regular designs.

[@jlwilliams]

Remember, this lens was designed before Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web in 1989!… meaning nobody obsessed about “bokeh” except a few esoteric Japanese photographers. If a more complex blade shape let the designer cover the aperture range with fewer and/or smaller blades - allowing a more compact barrel and smoother operation - nobody would have thought twice about the risk of “ninja star bokeh balls”…

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks for your wisdom James

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes and they still use this in the 50 Lux ASPH I have (and new 35 Lux ..I think)

[@FourIntoOne]

NIce one thanks Matt. Not sure if its even still current but the Voigtlander f1.8 75mm Heliar classic is a pretty dam good lens....i keep trying to sell mine but just cant let it go!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Yes some people still rave about the older Voigtlander lenses, the 3.5 too.

[@wilfredshum3703]

Interesting that your beloved Leica lens for portraits is the old 90 mm pre-ASPH Summicron. That is a heavy one and is better used on the SL.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes the big 90. Yes it wasn't planned, I just used a lot of lenses over the years and this copy really stands out.

[@davepastern]

that bokeh is awesome! Pity the lens is well and truly out of my financial ability to ever own.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Dave, yes I wish i'd bought one years ago when they were cheaper!

[@davepastern]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I just wish Laowa, 7artisans and TTartisans would start making affordable L39 glass. I want a wide angle, but every option is mega expensive.

[@crissignori7482]

Interesting although I'd have to say a little too fast with too many contrasting examples. I'd be curious to know the differences in functionality between using the 75mm Summilux and the 90mm Summicron with an adapter on the SL2s. Also, do you believe there are any performance differences between the Canadian and German versions of the Lux? Thanks Matt.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, no difference (ever) in German vs Canada models. I used the 75 and 90 in Poland recently. If I get a chance i'll made a video. Lux is more arty as shown in this video, 90 Cron is more normal/ corrected. (Still very nice)

[@crissignori7482]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Your response is much appreciated. There is so much hype about the German glass and I had the feeling that it just amounted to a big heap of pig doo doo.

[@lugentaubner6853]

4:59 Isn’t the reason for the ninja star bokeh that the aperture blades are *not* straight (nor rounded, btw)? Eg, the Nokton 35 has straight blades, the Summitar has rounded blades, neither has ninja star bokeh. For whatever reason, Leica turned to irregularly shaped blades in the late 1950s, which causes the ninja star bokeh.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Lugen, interesting. I've never heard it said like that before but I know what you mean. Other straight blade lenses just make hexagon bokeh (etc).

[@stuartdorman128]

In the early 2000s I owned a v2 75 lux used on an M6 TLL and an 80 lux used on an R8. I loved the imagery of the 75 lux wide open close up but it was nigh on impossible to focus accurately with any consistency. The 80 lux gave a similar rendition, perhaps not exactly the same as the 75, but my hit rate was so much higher on the SLR. I owned both the 50 f/1 noctilux (v3) and the 75 f/1.4 summilux concurrently, and I greatly preferred the results of the 75, when I focussed accurately. The 50 Noct was cool in B&W but the results looked ugly on colour film. The 75 lux looked great on both. FFWD 20 years, I chose the 75 cron for MP and M10M/-R and I'm very happy. It's a totally different look than the 75/80 lux but that was a different era

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Stuart, thanks for your input. Yes it very tough to hit focus with M bodies. (I had used stronger words in the video but I cut it). For M bodies the Cron makes more sense for sure. I didn't consider the 80mm for my R cameras I again I don't trust my eyesight. On the SL they are so easy to focus. Agree for "bad" colours on 50/f1 (v2 for me). Thanks!

[@67tagada]

Bonjour Mat. Je serai curieux de le comparer à l'actuel Nokton 1.5/75mm !

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

I remember enough high school french to read that.. cool! :) Yes I will try to do a comparison (I might get the opportunity soon). The Nokton should be sharper, more modern, more contrast + less arty :)

[@KeedonMD]

75 lux is huge.... I like your 75 APO.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes the Lux is bigger. If you want really compact see last night's video.

[@Hdden-Beauty]

Interesting lens!! Hope next time you can find a model that wants awesome shots on this beautiful lens :)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Hidde! She goes out partying then wonders why wakes up sick. A new to me model so I think she preferred to party.

[@jlwilliams]

Okay, somebody has to ask, so I'll ask: We know from previous films that you really like the 75/1.5 Nokton. Heads-up, your personal preference: this or that?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great question James.. eek.. the Leica will give more pleasing portraits for me (ON DIGITAL), the Nokton is 10)% my choice on film bodies. Nokton is more perfect/ modern so on film that works really well. Lux is too soft for me at 1.4 for film. Nokton also sharper more to the edge so again better for my off centre portraits. I'll cover this in another video too.

[@KeedonMD]

there are differences in the image you get from the three version of 75lux M. V1 is more vintage while V3 is better in contrast. So you have to be more specific about the BEST lux.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, great point. There is not much info on this online so great you bring it up. Yes "best" is different for all of use, some like less contrast, some like more etc.

[@webersteve1547]

A real classic! But it is expensive if you have to CLA it as it has cemented Glas. I had it and regret it that I sold it

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Steve and good advice on CLA cost.

[@0action847]

I have the 7artisan 75mm 1.25, It's nice but my copy seems to be softer than others. People like it though.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, I used the 90 1.25 and it was a bit too soft for me. I hear the same for the 75 1.25 but I've not used it yet.

[@johndoane7200]

Have the 75 summilux v1, we’ve had a hot/cold relationship for 40+ years, still a good friend, though I’ve moved, my current infatuation is with the Cooke Speed Panchro II 75. I do have the 80 Summilux R cine mod, it’s a bit over weight, not as fun as it’s rangefinder sister…😂

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nice John! Cooke 75 II? or 50 SPII? If there is a 75 i'm interested :D

[@johndoane7200]

Matt, it’s the vintage Cooke Speed Panchro 75mm Series II f/2. It has a arri s mount now adapted to L mount.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@johndoane7200 amazing thanks!

[@cocoricov]

I love my 75 summarit. Great rendition and 3d separation. Don't need any faster lens. However, the very good sharpness of the lens is absolutely not forgiving for the model. Matter of taste.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks and nice. Yes I found the APO to sharp for my female portraits so I sold it eventually (and replaced with Nokton 75mm f1.5)

[@AGL93311]

Hey Matt, love your stuff as always. I have a 80 Summilux-R which I purchased for a song many years ago (predigital era) as my only SLR system at the time was Canon I also acquired a Leicaflex SL to use it on. This Summilux was heavily used but clean glass. Nice portrait lens. But soon afterward I bit the bullet and bought a Canon FD 85/1.2L which was so much easier to use on a T90 and clearly superior to the Summilux. If you are using a camera with electronic VF today like your SL it is a great choice. Unlike other topdraw FD lenses (such as 24/1.4L which goes now for crazy money ($12k +) )which are being snapped up by the video crowd for rehousing, it has remained reasonably priced (ca $700-900), because it exhibits focus breathing making it less desirable for cinema. So unless I was going to resurrect an R Leica it is equally useable, better, and far less costly than an 80 Summilux-R. Also was quite popular so easily found. Try it!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you and thanks for the tip! I still own fast Nikon glass from my Nikon days so maybe i'll try them next

[@weisserth]

Funny, how the Voigtländer options are such no-brainers in that range.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

75mm Nokton is awesome. See last night's video for the full 75 1.9 SC vs MC

[@rossxjohnson]

Price aside and yes its a heavy hitter. 75mm NOCT. Crispy sharp with creamy fall off. That's better than the 75mm Lux imo.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Ross, I've used the 90 Lux but not yes the 75 Noct. Maybe I can get one for a future video.

[@hyprz]

damn go easy on the audio compressor buddy

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, you might need to explain as i'm no audio guy, it's just the audio straight off the Rode mic. What should I do to change it for next time?

[@franciscranfield2051]

I had this lens that I bought SH. It was sadly the worst lens that I have ever used from any manufacturer. It wasn't sharp at any aperture which wasn't due to rangefinder issues as I extensively tested it to check if it was a misalignment issue - sadly it just could not be made to give a truly sharp image.Images were just about OK but never truly sharp. I think that it was just a bad example and I'm sure that it was sold to me with the seller knowing that it was a dud. I got rid of it and bought the 75mm F2 Summicron lens and it's night and day with the Summilux. The 75mm F2 is a superb lens and can be used wide open with stunning results. I always wonder just what was wrong with my 75mm F1.4 and sad that it was never a good lens for me.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Sorry to hear Francis. Yes you do hear of bad copies of any lens but you normally hope for better with Leica. Glad you found the APO. Yes super sharp wide open.

[@dans.8198]

So the answer is “I don’t know”. Talk about clickbait.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha the answer is it depends what you like. For me it’s this or the 90 Cron Pre-ASPH for common lenses but the rare expensive 75mm Biotar LTM is king.

[@RS-Amsterdam]

Matt o Matt Get a proper testing set up with a test chart, this is not testing a lens. And testing a vintage lens on a 60 MP M1 camera, man o man ! Maybe a day of research on the physical behavior of lenses and glass will give some more inside cause this becoming a bit dilettante.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Rob, the people that will be buying this lens will likely be those with the M11 and latest models because of the prices so this will suit them. Yes sorry the testing is so I know whether or not to buy the lens and i'm happy with real world testing. Other channels shoot test charts so they have that covered for those looking for that. As you know I approach photography more from the artistic side that test charts and I do these to check if the results are "good enough" for use for real photos. Fair point from you all the same so totally understand your view.

[@bigharryox]

Hi Matt, I have a v2 75mm summilux in London if you are interested in a more local shoot. Feel free to message me if you’re interested.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Harry, very kind of you. If I get time to organise something locally I will give you a shout, thanks!