Re: [Leica]Elmar 50 3.5 vs Tessar 50 2.8

[john <bosjohn@mediaone.net>]

Dan S wrote:
> 
> In a recent lapse of good judgement I picked up a mint condition Contaflex,
> with 50mm Tessar 2.8, 85mm Pro-Tessar and all the "goodies" including
> closeup lenses, filters etc.
> 
> First of all, yes, I am a sucker.
> 
> Second, I am really amazed by the performance of this camera!
> 
> I have been using a IIIF with Elmar 50 3.5 for years, and always assumed it
> to be the pinacle of old, small 50mm lenses.
> 
> Here are a few observations about the Tessar in comparison to the Elmar.
> 
> Sharpness:  At all apertures the Tessar shows higher resolution than the
> Elmar.  Field flatness is also better.  While the Elmar shows a certain
> level of "softness" in the image when set wider than F8, the Tessar seems to
> be extremely sharp from F4 through F11.
> 
> Contrast:  At all apertures the ELMAR shows higher contrast, but is also
> more likely to flare in adverse conditions.  The difference in contrast is
> most noticible when printing B&W.
> 
> Distortion:  Not a problem for either lens.
> 
> As for the PRO-TESSAR 85mm F4:
> 
> This lens compares favorably with my 90mm Elmar F4.  It actually shows
> slightly higher contrast, but not the amazing resolution of the Elmar.  It
> is much less likely to flare.
> 
> If anyone else has used the Contaflex I'd love to hear their opinions,
> particularly in comparison to older Leica equipment.  It's no work of art
> and it sounds like a bear trap, but I am really suprised how well is
> actually works.
> 
> Best wishes
> Dan States
> 
> PS, I am really amazed at the light meter on the Contaflex.  It actually has
> produced excellent exposures...All from an external, battery free meter.
> Yikes!
> 
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I had and used a Ziss Contessa, a folding range finder 35mm with the Tessar. 
The lens was indeed sharp, a very nice little camera except for the view
finder which was abysmal. I also have and use a Super Ikonta B 532 16 which
sports a coated f 2.8 80mm Tessar.  This lens is decidedly stretch passed its
limits as wide open it is quite soft around the edges, at least in my example.
My favorite little camera from the era in the Retina llc with the 28 Zenon
which seems in my negatives to be sharper then my collapsible summicron.  But
the camera has a very warm rendition with color films, much like having a
built in 81A filter.  Forget the accessory lens elements they are overly
cumbersome and fussy as well as being flare prone. 
Bosjohn (John Shick)