[Leica] 35-70 f4 Vario Elmar First Impressions

[Robert Rose <RJR@usip.com>]

I thought LUG members would be interested in my first impressions using the 35-70 f/4 Vario Elmar zoom.

1.  If you really really want to use a polarizer, this may be a problem.  The front element rotates with focusing (not zooming) but more importantly the outer shell is fixed and the front element "retreats" back for the 70mm range.  That would make a polarizer imposiible to reach.  I thought about putting the polarizer between the hood and lens body, but the screw size if 65mm, not too common. 

2. The lens works smoothly, and the zoom ring is easily worked with either thumb or middle finger, while the focus is done with the index finger.  The rings are nicely spaced.

3.  The lens hood is not pull out.  Rather, it inverts and screws on, and unless you want to put it in the leather case, there is no reason to take the hood off ever again; the cap goes right over the hood.

4.  Now for picture quality.  I don't know yet.  The first roll was mixed reaction.  The characteristic Leica ablity to shoot a head shot with a blazing light bulb next to the face and not worry about ghosting or flare was there.  No flare with this lens; it is a member of the family.

5.  The crispness (contrast?) of the image was not knock your socks off, which is what I am used to with my M lenses.  This may be due to the following:  I was shooting most often at f/4 wide open for this lens.  It may be that it needs to be shot at 5.6 to get full value.  OR it may be my eyes.  With the M I find that the overlapping rangefinder is always dead on, regardless of my eye sight, but with an SLR I have to have my glasses on, or a diopter in place.

6.  Macro works continuous down to size of a business card.  In other words, when you reach close focus distance, press macro button and turn zoom ring as much as needed.

I bought the lens for the times I really want to use flash.  I have an R4sP, and the lens is actually bigger than the camera.  With the R4 Motor drive, handle, Braun flash and this lens everything is balanced, although heavy.

More to follow!
Bob Rose