I have the APO 75 summicron and it’s no doubt a great lens.

I think it’s main qualities are that it can still be used as a general purpose lens with a very concentrated view. Some describe it as the closest to how one sees with the eye. I’m not sure I agree. But what I like, is that it leaves so much out of the frame and that it often is a help to get a good composition. This lens is razor sharp with very good contrast. This can be a bit unforgiving in portraits 😉
For portrait, I think it is good. Especially if I want to include the upper torso. It seems to so naturally because of the minimum focus distance.(70cm). It is relatively easy to focus and control with its thin DOF. That makes it great for live situations. Usable for kids, ect.
However, if I want to only photograph the face (as in real portrait) , i grab my 135. This is more for an arranged situation. Getting focus right is not easy. Mine is vintage Glass. Detail is not as defined as the APO and it has a sightly more organic/softer feel. Perhaps vintage glass is kinder / preferble for portrait? I generally think, 135 is pushing it for RF. You have to be really patient and concentrate to get focus right. Honestly, I most often use mine for the occasional landscape picture.
I know a lot of Leica shooters prefer 90 over the 135. For portrait as well. I just never owned one or had the chance to try it.
Cheers
Christian

What lens for portrait photography?

By: ChristianDK : June 15th, 2020-03:34

I lifted this of the interweb. Very interesting to see how the different focal lengths distort the face. Which is your favorite? ...

What format camera?

By: myles721 : June 15th, 2020-03:41

The focal lengths change based on format...for 35mm it was usually a 105mm for me. 📸

35 format.

By: ChristianDK : June 15th, 2020-04:02

I shoot Leica M so I use a 135 mm. However, I think the longer lenses in this setup are really good as well.

Lens for portrait

By: Boxcar : June 15th, 2020-03:50

A lot pf digital cameras a not full frame. If 35 mm full frame a 105 mm lens used to be considered ideal . I remember using my Nikor 105 with fine grain film. I could make 20x 24 prints that were sharp and showed no I’m dating myself.

This is for 35 format (full frame) I shouold have noted that.

By: ChristianDK : June 15th, 2020-04:06

Film is hot again so you must be quite young

100, i suspect below this there is noticeable distortion.

By: nwk00 : June 15th, 2020-05:01

No message body

I think, judging from the above pictures, you are right. [nt]

By: ChristianDK : June 16th, 2020-00:54

The one I love to use for portrait is my Nikkor 85mm f/1.4

By: Mike H : June 15th, 2020-06:48

Needless to say that I use it with a full frame camera (Nikon D4S)

You are a master of portrait photography, Mike :-)

By: ChristianDK : June 15th, 2020-09:19

85 mm must have a very thin DOF at 1.4.

Yes indeed...

By: Mike H : June 15th, 2020-13:26

I’m talking about the DOF not about the fact of being a master of portrait 🤣

LOL - a master You are, none the less :-) [nt]

By: ChristianDK : June 16th, 2020-00:16

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L or 100mm f/2.8 Macro

By: cshimokita : June 15th, 2020-07:26

If I am using the Canon 5D Mk II. Nikon Ai-s 105mm f/2.8 Micro with the Nikon F3P. Mind you I don't do a lot of portrait work... Casey

Nice lenses, Casey

By: ChristianDK : June 15th, 2020-09:23

I don’t do a lot of portraits either. These days it seems to me more and more snaps of the kids. However, when the summer holidays come up, I plan to pack a proper kit to take with me to the summer house. I am considering getting a 90 mm for my M setup. ...

With a RF, I always thought a 75mm would be the way to go...

By: cshimokita : June 15th, 2020-14:19

What's your impression of the 75 in m-mount? I do have a Canon 135mm f/3.5 (mfg 1952/53) in Canon S-mount (ltm) that I use on my IIIf or MP with adapter and really like the results for landscapes... used with an external finder. Casey

I have the APO 75 summicron and it’s no doubt a great lens.

By: ChristianDK : June 16th, 2020-00:50

👍👍👍

By: cshimokita : June 16th, 2020-02:51

👍👍👍

I like Nose-o-Vision! [nt]

By: Spangles - Dr. Tabby : June 15th, 2020-08:01

24? [nt]

By: ChristianDK : June 15th, 2020-11:22

No message body

Yes! [nt]

By: Spangles - Dr. Tabby : June 15th, 2020-14:14

For full frame I like anywhere from 80mm to 135 that has a large maximun aperture to blur background and isolate the subject. My best are an 85 1.7 (minolta MD), a 135 f2 (MD), a 100 f2

By: InDebtButOnTime : June 15th, 2020-08:40

(Maxxum/Alpha), a rare Minolta 85 2.8 Varisoft and while a bit shorter a 58 f1.2 (Minolta MC).

With my Leica kit I have a 75 and a 135

By: ChristianDK : June 15th, 2020-09:27

I am thinking if it is worth filling the gap with a 90 mm. From what I can read, a lot of people here find the sweet spot at 85-105. I still feel my 135 is doing a good job and the 75 an acceptable job.