Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/03/29
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Friends, I am back to talking about the Fisheye-Elmarit-R 16mm f/2.8 (posted some questions about comparison between this lens and the Elmarit-R 19mm f/2.8 some month ago). The Fisheye is an old Minolta design from the beginning of the seventies (it says "made in Japan"). I am not sure about its optical qualities. In a recent test by the French magazine R=E9ponses Photo several Fisheye lenses from all the big names were tested (Contax, Canon, Minolta, Nikon, Pentax, Vivitar), but not the Leica Fisheye. Conclusion of the "test" was that all Fisheyes were more or less optically the same with not much output difference. The Minolta Fisheye tested was the AF version of the older non-AF with the same number of lens elements and groups as the Leica one (they are both exceptional in this regard - the others have noticeably less elements). This lens got good results but it was said to be of an old design in need of an overhaul. It has the same filter revolver as the Leica. Upon enquiry at the Leica customer service, it was confirmed to me that all Leica Fisheyes still have the inscription "Leitz Wetzlar" on the lens barrel. Also the "presently sold" ones. There seems to be little demand for this lens according to Leica. So "old" stock from Leitz (Minolta) is still used, but retrofitted with the ROM contact strip for additional electrical functions with the R8. This lens is sold for around 2,000 USD over here. I guess not many LUGgers use this lens or have access to it, but could those who do please tell me about their experience with it in terms of optical quality? How is center/corner sharpness? The Contax fisheye apparently is much softer on the corners than in the center, which could be a nuisance for the large image produced by a fisheye. A Fisheye image demands even sharpness in my opinion. Anyone knows if Leica is preparing a recalculated version of the Fisheye? Or is the present one already so good that there would not be much point in it? Should I be hesitant in buying it? In Leica brochures it is said that this lens gives high contrast already wide open and "good" sharpness for the entire aperture range. Note that "good" is not the same as "very good" or "excellent", which are often used in Leica brochures to describe the resolving power of some other lenses. Any info would be gladly welcome! Thanks. Pascal Belgium - -------------------------------------------------------- t h i n k d i f f e r e n t a p p l e c o m p u t e r - -------------------------------------------------------- <<< PGP public key available on request >>>