OVERVIEW

Published May 2013

Using a fast aperture telephoto lens on a Leica M rangefinder is a challenging endeavor, but times are changing. With the Leica M Type 240, photographers will have the benefits of an external Electronic View Finder (EFV) and built-in live view via the M 240’s 3” rear LCD display. “Nailing focus” at 90mm and F2 will be much easier. That said, this review was with the Leica M9-P. A 90mm F2 lens in and of itself is not extraordinary. A 90mm F2 lens that weighs just a pound, is 3 inches long and covers a full-frame sensor is rather extraordinary. Add the APO designation and the 90mm F2 Summicron-M APO is an interesting lens. Providing top tier performance in a compact size is one of the cornerstones of the Leica M system.

BUILD QUALITY

Writing about Leica M build quality is rather pointless since it is arguably best in class. Assuming reasonable care is exercised, Leica M lenses can last a life time. The 90mm Summicron certainly feels like it will live up to Leica’s well earned reputation. One only needs to handle the Leica 90mm APO for a couple moments to appreciate the design, materials and attention to detail:

1. •Construction - Other than the plastic lens caps and plastic red dot, the 90mm APO is metal, more metal, glass, more glass and some more metal. There is no wiggle, wobble or play in the lens body. Fit, finish and gaps are superb. Metal work is smooth with no CnC ridges or milling marks. The knurled edges are crisp, well machined, but not sharp to the touch. The satin black anodized finish is flawless, though somewhat delicate (edges brass easily).
   

2. •Focus Ring - Given that the focus ring is moving a larger mass compared to lenses like the 35mm f1.4 Summilux-M ASPH or 50mm Summilux-M ASPH, the focus weight is a bit heavier, but still a light action. Resistance is smooth and even throughout the focus range. From the minimum focus distance to infinity is about 135º of rotation. When trying to “nail” focus at F2, this amount of focus ring travel is needed for finessing smaller adjustments. There is no lag or sponginess when rotating the focus ring.
   

3. •Aperture Ring - The aperture ring clicks cleanly from stop to stop in half-stop increments. There is no rattle or play when the lens is shaken (unlike the new Leica 35mm F1.4 Summilux-M ASPH FLE). The aperture ring will rotate about a 1/4 stop past F2 and F16. This is normal and most Leica M lenses exhibit the same range. There is always a bit play in the aperture ring because there cannot be a rigid connection between the aperture ring and the delicate aperture blades.
   

4. •Lens Hood - The lens hood simply slides in and out. It does not twist and lock into position like the Leica 50mm Summilux-M ASPH. Internally there is felt lining to provide some resistance and the keep the lens hood in place.  On older lenses the lens hood may pull out a bit unevenly as the felt wears.
   

5. •Markings - The distance scale, aperture values, etc., are all engraved and then hand painted. Should the lettering fade, flake away or get discolored, it is very easy to refresh with lacquer paint sticks.
   

My only complaint with Leica’s materials is the black anodized finish which can wear along the lens edges very easily. If setting the camera down on an abrasive surface like cement, brick, rocks, etc., there is pretty good chance the paint will get scratched or worn. When the camera is set down, edges of the lens barrel are contact points. I can protect the bottom plate of the Leica M9-P with a half case, but protecting the bottom of the lens is difficult.