Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/11/08
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I agree, great report. I am not an optical engineer, but there are a couple of points I am unlcear about. The report compares the new 3,4/135 to a 4/135 Tele-Elmar of approximately 30 years of age. I have read in many publications that the most recent version of this lens is the same optical design, and I do not doubt that this is true. However, I own a Tele-Elmar 4/135 from 1972 as well as the latest model purchased new in 1996. Examining these lenses side-by side it appears that the front element of the newer lens (with E46 filter size) is of slightly greater diameter than the earlier model (of E39 filter size). Moreover, it is readily apparent from the colours reflected from the surface that the coatings are also different. My uncorroborated suspicion is also that there may be different glass types used in these two "identical" lenses manufactured nearly 25 years apart, not to mention that the older lens was designed for the head to be removed to a Visoflex focussing mount, whilst the new lens is collimated and then fixed solidly in its mount at the factory. My practical experience with these two lenses is that they may be of identical optical design and the performance of the older one is exemplary for a lens of its age; however the E46 version has a noticeable improvement, particularly in detail sharpness toward the outer edges (oweing perhaps to greater contrast from improvements to glass and/or coatings) and also that the performance no longer suffers any deterioration when stopped-down (at least to f16...I rarely shoot beyond that) that Erwin mentions (and I concur from experience) is evident with the older E39 version. Given Erwin's results I would not hesitate to trade up to the new 3,4/135 from the older Tele-Elmar; however I would have to extrapolate those results to compare with the recently-demised 4/135 and my surmisal would have to be that the differences would be less dramatic. Regards, Nigel On Sun, 8 Nov 1998 16:44:55 -0500 "Thomas J. Donovan" <75674.3465@compuserve.com> writes: >Erwin Puts, > >First & foremost, another great report on a superlative >lens. ___________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]