[Leica] Tri-Elmar

[Michael Hailey <hailey@flash.net>]

I've been using the Tri-Elmar for a couple of months and find it to be a
very handy, quality acquisition.  I have not been disappointed at all. 
The focal length selection ring and the focusing ring are next to each
other, and at first I would sometimes see the bright-line change while I
was trying to focus.  After only a little use though, that was no longer
a problem.  As for the correct bright-line;  since the lens is not a
zoom lens, as long as you get a positive click when you change the focal
length the correct bright-line appears.  Between clicks you may
temporarily see as many as three bright-lines at one time but I have not
found this to be a problem.  As has been mentioned, Leica says that
especially for wider focal lengths, a single focal length lens provides
the best image quality, but I guess this should come as no big
surprise.  I have a 28mm Elmarit-M, Third Version (1980) and for my uses
I can see no appreciable difference.  I hesitate to add, because it will
be considered blasphemous by some, but it compares favorably but in no
way replaces my 35mm Summicron-M ASPH, which is still my favorite.  I am
very happy with the Tri-Elmar and have suffered absolutely no buyer's
remorse after the purchase.
Regards,
MikeH