As much as I love the imaging qualities of the lens, I am feeling now that it is not for me. If I can get a good trade deal for a Pro AF SLR body and portrait lens, I'll trade it.

The lens comes MINT MINUS, as the lens cap is very slightly scuffed and there is very very slight wear on the lens mount. It comes boxed and is "grey stock". It also comes with the 1.25X magnifier which is mint without the box. but the original case and tag is included.

An example of the deal I am looking for is: Nikon F100 with AF 85mm f1/4D lens. Or equivelent in Canon or Minolta.

-- Kristian (leicashot@hotmail.com), April 12, 2002

Answers

How about a F-100 with a 20mm AF ED D? Bolth near mint. Give me an e-mail back. Thanks Scott

-- Scott Evans (scottevans@attbi.com), April 12, 2002.

Here's a thought, a Canon D-30 Kit complete IB with all original materials amd software for both IBM and Mac + 128 meg & 160 Meg CF Cards ( good for up to 500 images at a time)+ a hard case for CF cards and a Card reader the directly loads into your computer. The cameras' CMOS chip provides creamy tones that work beautifully for portrait work. Shoot portraits and review them on screen immediately. I've made 11"X14"s with this camera that would suprize you. I'll e-mail you samples if there's any interest. Then again you may dispise digital. Hey, its fun sometimes. Also will consider trade for Leica 24/2.8 ASPH. ( Everyone, don't flame me If you hate digital... this is strictly business )

-- Marc Williams (mwilliams111313MI@comcast.net), April 13, 2002.

Kristian just curious, why are you, I know why I did, getting rid of the 90 for the M? I have the 90 ASPH itch but..............

I last had a 90 2.8EM in the '80s and rarely used it. I always as you are thinking felt better with an SLR in that range. Of course back then there were no .85s, no 1.25x attachments and all my Ms were of .72 variety.

The framelines were smaller than I liked and the 105/85 Nikon lenses I had then seemed everybit as good. I was never wowed by the performance of that 90.

I do have the VC 75 for the M now as I wanted to see how I felt about something longer than a 50mm w/o spending huge dollars.

I use it on an M4, .58M6 and now I have the 1.25 mag. I can't even consider a .85 body as the only framline I can use well is the 50 and 90 unless the glasses come off. The 1.25 is also happiest w/o glasses. The M4 with 1.25 needs the glasses off to be comfortable for the 75 frame as it is.

So you're decision is why?

-- Neil Swanson (neilsphoto@yahoo.com), April 13, 2002.

Hi Kristian

Certainly a SLR kit has its advantages. My wife Jennie uses a F 100 with 85 1.8 AFD to great effect for portraits and events. From my experience though, unless the features of DOF preview / AF / AE / MD are needed because of eye problems or fast action, the Leica M with 75 Lux is superior to any SLR in quiet, contemplative, close quartered, or low light environments and in using B&W and CC filters.

Granted, I don't know your exact reasons for wanting to trade the 90AA in on a SLR kit now but I was privileged to share your ruminations a couple months ago when you were considering the 75 Lux vs. 90 AA purchase. My advice to you now remains the same: Go for the 75 Lux. Here are the reasons why:

- The 75 has the 1.4 aperture you enjoy so much on your 35 ASPH. You also want that 1.4 aperture in a portrait lens now because you call out for it in your example deal.

- The 75 will give you one f-stop greater depth of field at any set distance compared to the 90AA.

- The 75 focuses closer than the 90AA.

- With the 35 ASPH Lux / 75 Lux combo you will not have a need to purchase a Nocti in the near future unless you want it for the most extreme of low light ventures.

- My own experience using the 75 Lux (with the 0.85 finder) for photographing my daughter's concerts has very positive!

- Look at the wonderful portrait work being done on this list with the 75 Lux by Mike Dixon.

-- Doug from Tumwater (dbaker9128@aol.com), April 13, 2002.

Doug is right: the 75mm 'lux is king !

However, for precise work, with precise cropping, there is some advantage in using a comfortable high eye point SLR with f1.4 85mm lens. Since Kristian is contemplating the AF offer, there is also something understandable in wanting to use contemporary AF technology. I find his option complements the M pretty well.

However, like Doug, I would still go for the 75mm before any other purchase. Kristian's beautiful fiancee (sorry name escapes me) will be grateful, and so will people like us who are so often asked to view Kristian's images.... ;-)

-- Jacques (jacquesbalthazar@hotmail.com), April 14, 2002.

Thanks guys. I am moving because I don't like the way the 90 focuses. I find it a bit too complicated my use. But I need a portrait lens. Although I also need a 24mm lens too to go with my 35 and 50. Marc I am thinking about it mate.

-- Kristian (leicashot@hotmail.com), April 14, 2002.