Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/08/17
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]>From: "Doug Richardson" <doug@meditor.demon.co.uk> >Date: Sun, 16 Aug 1998 13:49:51 -0000 >Subject: [Leica] VARIO-ELMAR-R f/3.5-4.5/28-70 mm > I was looking at the current version of the VARIO-ELMAR-R f/3.5-4.5/28-70 mm a few days ago. According to the dealer, the optical elements are made in Germany and the assembly is done in Japan. This sounds odd, given that Leica literature says that "only details in the optical set up have been changed. The mechanics, of brass and aluminum, have been completely redesigned". The original was made by Sigma, so was presumably a Sigma design. If so, how come Leica is allegedly making the optics? Comment : your dealer is wrong. The v-elmar 28-70 is entirely built in Japan. Maybe the lens design has been developed by Leica from a Sigma design. According to the french review Chasseur d'images whose tests have never been seriously contested the optical quality is the same for the 2 types : as good as a japanese standard zoom of the same class. Dominique