RE: [Leica] CDI's 60mm f2.8 test

[Alan Ball <AlanBall@csi.com>]

I find that Pascal's summary of the latest CDI test on the Macro-Elmarit-R 
60mm f2.8 was not quite accurate. Here is the exact translation of the 
conclusions of the text, which draw a different overall impression. Sorry 
if this seems futile to some, but respect for truth should not harm anyone. 
I also reproduce the discussed part of Pascal's summary further down. 
First, the translation (CDI nr 204 - june '98- all capitalized words are 
capitalized by me):

" It used to be, IN THE PAST, the absolute reference in terms of standard 
macro lenses. But, despite all its qualities (which remain important...), 
one must recognize the fact that it has gotten old, notably on the 
practical level. In effect, as opposed to most of its competitors, it does 
not allow to photograph directly at the 1:1 ratio. One needs, in order to 
achieve this, to purchase a ruinously expensive optional extension ring, 
which is less flexible than a continuous focusing system. FURTHERMORE, the 
other macro lenses of its category offer a comparable optical quality and 
an equivalent manageability for not as high a price. And they are all 
autofocus ! To summarize, the mechanical recasting of this expensive lens 
is becoming URGENT."

IMHO, this sounds quite different, and even contradicts, the text 
hereunder, especially for the first sentence:

On Saturday, June 13, 1998 9:57 AM, Pascal [SMTP:cyberdog@ibm.net] wrote:
> Chasseur d'Images tested the Macro-Elmarit-R 60mm f/2.8 in their June
> edition.....<CUT>.........
> The lens remains the absolute reference in its category.
> But there are several drawbacks. Its construction is already old and that 
> shows especially in practical usage comfort because one cannot directly
> get 1:1 (the use of a Macro adaptor is necessary), at a time when most of 
> the competitor's lenses offer 1:1. And its price is way too high compared 
> to the competition which also produces some of excellent comparable
> lenses.