Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/12/19
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]In a message dated 97-12-18 21:19:39 EST, you write: > I just went to my local dealer and looked at this lens (New Collapsible > Elmar). It's a nice looking lens but a couple of downside features hit me. > One, the lens shade screws on. With the lens collapsed, and the shade off, > it is difficult to "dig out" the lens from the base. I had to use my finger > nails. Perhaps after it loosens up, it would be easier. This means that > while carrying an M camera with this lens attached, you basically have to > have the lens shade attached. If for no other reason other than to pull out > the lens. I always use a lens shade while taking pictures. > > So I set the latest 50mm Summicron next to the Elmar. With the Summicron's > lens shade collapsed, the lens is basically the same size as the collapsed > Elmar with shade attached. And the shade is built-in to the Summicron (like > my R lenses.) The fact that the Elmar's lens shade is separate, and almost > needs to be always attached, leads me to opt for the Summicron. They are > exactly the same price ($795), roughly the same useful size, plus an extra > stop with the Summicron. And everyone knows the 50mm Summicron is a > landmark lens. > > Am I missing something? > > Please tell me why, other than possible collector status, the Elmar is > better than the Summicron. > > Thanks, Owning both these lenses, I noticed the exact same thing. In addition, I mounted the screw-on hood with a chrome UVa filter and had a bear of a time separating the filter from the hood afterward. They really bind-up tight. However, one thing you can't do with the Summicron w. pull-out hood that you can with the Elmar is mount the clamp-on swing-out polarizer. Doc