LEICA 75 SUMMARIT REVIEW - PAGE 1 - 2 - 3

Did I say that this little 75 can produce images with the same look as the much more expensive Summilux line? Well, yes and no. Let me explain. The Summilux is built for speed with a fast 1.4 aperture, meaning you can shoot in very low light and you can get some cool shallow depth of field effects.

The Summarit is a bit slower with a 2.5 aperture so in low light, my #1 choice will always be the Summilux. But, you pay for that speed as the Summilux 50 ASPH is a $3500 lens these days. The 75 Summarit is about $1500, so $2k less. Still, I am not comparing these two lenses as they are two totally separate focal lengths. I am just trying to make a point that the “signature” of the Summarit line is much like the “signature” of the Summilux ASPH line.

The signature of the Summilux ASPH and these newer Summarit lenses is a more modern, contrasty, and sharp rendering with a very smooth out of focus background. They do not render like an old classic Leica which is more of a dreamy, painterly style. This lens is all about sharpness, detail, contrast and smooth Bokeh.

Below you will see an example. A shot from the summilux and summarit taken at 2.5, with a 100% crop of each. These are just quick test shots to show how each lens renders. First the 50 Summilux ASPH at 2.5:

100% CROP FROM 50 LUX SHOT AT 2.5

Now the 75 Summarit shot at 2.5:

100% CROP FROM 75 SUMMARIT AT 2.5

The shots above were converted from RAW in ACR with standard settings on each image. The crops are pretty close, and I assumed the 50 Summilux would of smoked the 75 as the 75 is wide open, and the Lux is stopped down. I do feel the Summilux crop is slightly better but in reality, its pretty close. What do you think?

The 75 Summarit is perfect for those who do not have the funds or do not want to spend those funds on the more expensive 75 Summicron (which is a world class lens). It seems like the extra $2k for a Summicron, to me at least, can not be justified.

Also, this little guy is one sharp MOFO!! It renders much like a stopped down 50 Summilux ASPH and its build quality is superb, and of course made in Germany like other Leica lenses.

One other thing I noticed about the 75 Summarit. Its closest focusing distance is not 0.7 meters like the 50 Summilux, but rather 0.9 meters. That is kind of a bummer as I love close focusing lenses.

Drawbacks? Hmmm...what are the drawbacks? Well, it is not a fast 1.4 lens, it comes with a pouch instead of a leather case, the closest focusing distance is 0.9 meter, the warranty is only 2 years instead of a 3 year passport warranty, and it does not come with any lens hood. Just the pouch and metal lens cap. Hood must be purchased separately.

What about CA or purple fringing? Well, I have not seen any of that, but again, I am a real world kind of guy and seeing some slight purple fringing at 100% views does not bother me. I can say that I have not noticed any with this lens in the shots I have taken.

How about the “Bokeh”? Well, it seems very good to me and this is what Leica has to say about it:

“The 11-bladed circular aperture creates a shallow depth-of-field that brings attention to the subject and blurs the background, which is ideal for portraits and weddings.”

I would agree with that statement. Having 11 blades, it produces a smooth, OOF background.

If you are in the market for a 75 for your M camera, I can HIGHLY recommend the Summarit if you want a tack sharp performer at a reasonable (for Leica) price. As Leica states, this is a great lens for portraits as well. Me? I have my 50 Summilux which I absolutely adore. I really do not see myself using this 75 as much as I thought I would but there are times when I want that little bit of extra reach. This is a FANTASTIC lens, and worth every penny. If you like the 75 FL, then its a GREAT alternative to the more pricier versions. Yes, the 75 Summicron and 75 Summilux (no longer made) are world class and this little Summarit is as well.

It all comes down to character and speed. Bottom line: If you like your lenses razor sharp, with VERY smooth Bokeh (out of focus backgrounds) and do not mind a 2.5 aperture then this lens is about as good as you can get in a 75.

One other thing to think about. When Leica does release a full frame digital M, all of their wonderful lenses will have even more beautiful image quality as we will get to use all of the glass from each lens. (UPDATE: The M9 is here now!) I for one can not wait for that day and my guess is that they are working on a Full Frame M. Why else would they release these new lenses like the 21 and 24 1.4? The new 0.95 Noct? These lenses will perform their best on a FULL FRAME sensor, so it is my guess that Leica is working on one as I write this. I, for one, hope they are!

What got me to thinking about this is a friend of mine has been sharing some photos with me from his Nikon D700 and various lenses. I have to say, when you attach a nice lens to a Nikon D700 or D3 you will see the full quality of that lens. When that lens is put on a D90 or D300 you do lose some of that magic. Imagine a Leica 50 Lux or this 75 Summarit on a full frame digital M! We already know that these lenses are more magical on the film bodies, so on a full frame digital with clean high ISO, it should be unbeatable.

So Leica, I beg you to PLEASE release a full frame M one day soon!! It will do justice to your wonderful lenses and while you are at it, add better high ISO as well. Do this and it would be a KILLER system. Since I am rambling, how about keeping it under the $5995 price?

One of my best shots with this lens made a magazine cover in May of 2009. The shot below was taken at 2.5, wide open and I love it.

The 75 Summarit is a pretty sweet lens. Small, light, and with super performance even when wide open. If you do not need 1.4 or F2 then this lens will not let you down. Do not be fooled by the lower price as it is just as capable as the big boys when you have enough light.

While I bought my 75 from Central Camera in Chicago, my preferred online shop is B&H or AMAZON. To go direct to the B&H photo page for this lens just click here. B&H IS PRETTY MUCH THE WORLDS LARGEST SOURCE FOR PHOTO GEAR. I have been buying from them for many years and never had one problem or issue so I highly recommend them. I also recommend AMAZON! The link to the lens at Amazon is below. Using these links will help me keep this site going! I thank you!