Re: [Leica]Elmar 2.8/50 Collapsible

[Steve Hickel <smhickel@x2.alliance.net>]

Tom,

I know what you mean about the aperature and focus tied together. It is
like that on my Nikkor F2.5 105mm LTM. But, ahhh the pictures. The F2.8 is
still a virgin lens at least the pregnancy test isn't back yet (film of the
first shoot still out -- Velvia). Thanks for the great write up. Ok, I am
ready for negative comments now.

Steve

At 10:14 AM 12/17/97 EST, you wrote:
>Steve, I have 2 of the 50/2,8, both black. It is an amazing lens, wide
open it
>is slightly softer than the 50/2 but by the time you hit 5,6/8 I cant tell
the
>difference between the 50/2,8 and the 50/2. If anything, the contrast sems a
>bit higher on the 50/2,8 ( at least compared to my Summicron 50/2 from the
>mid-80's). The 50/2,8 has one of the quickest focussing mounts in the Leica
>range. You can snap it from infinity to close focus very fast AND the
aperture
>ring does not rotate. The latter was one of the main reason why I never could
>succesfully get along with the earlier version of the 50/2,8. This lens also
>has one of the niftiest lenshoods ever made, when not in use it can do double
>duty as a collar for adapting your 50 Focotar-2 in your Focomat-1C.
> I have also heard a rumour that they might close down production of that
>lens, it would be a pity as it is a great "pocket" lens and works like a
>charm. I use mine on an old M2 and with the lens collapsed it nicely fits
in a
>jacket or photovest pocket. It also is a far less intimidating lens to aim at
>people, sometimes if you aim a 75 or a Nocti people almost duck. Beware, dogs
>like their own reflections in a Nocti, a very fast black lab puppy fell in
>love with himself and licked the front element of mine before I could pull
the
>camera away.I think the 50/2,8 is better for that kind of shooting, the
>reflection is smaller and they probably would only swipe their tongue over
the
>hood.
>Enjoy the 50/2,8,
>Tom A
>P.S. Now, just in case someone ask, why does he have two of those lenses.
>Well, I did order one from one dealer, who told me " I do not have one in
>stock, but I can order it for you" I said yes and as times went by I forgot
>about it and ordered one again from another dealer. Guess what, they both
>shipped the lenses within one week of each other!!! After having tried them
>both, I decided to keep them both too.Hell, one day i might build a stereo
>Leica!!!
>
>