Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/01/18
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]David, I cannot answer your question on the large flared arc but out of the three Leica zoom lenses you mentioned (which I also own), I found the latest Vario Elmar 35-70/4.0 the best optically. If you find the R4 viewfinder too dim, I would suggest sending the focusing screen to Bill Maxwell of Maxwell Precision Optics and he will apply the 'Hi-Lux' treatment for $50. You will be impressed by the extra brightness and ease of focusing. Please e-mail me privately if you need more information. Regards, Joseph Yao David G Prakel wrote: > > I have just bought a supposed mint and boxed version of the Leica > Vario-Elmar f3.5 35-70mm (German-built, E67 filter version post 1988). I > have only been able to briefly test the lens on my R4 but have found a > problem some of you may be able to comment on. > > Zoom on R4 on tripod - subject local church. Royal Gold 200 (I normally use > slide film). Four exposures each at 70mm/50mm/35mm at f3.5, f5.6, f11 and > f22. The resolution is every bit as described and shows the lens is good > once stopped down. However in two sets of images from two locations there is > a large white flared arc in the bottom right corner of the print - both > times at 50mm and f11 or f22 (when the flare is worse). This is not halation > or lens flare as the sun was behind me (though glinting off the church clock > face). The same effect was noticeable on an exposure made at 50mm/f11 half > an hour later at another location altogether. > > The lens does not seem to have been serviced - I feel the effect is an > internal reflection perhaps on a scratch or element edge but I'm only > guessing. > > The real question - I bought this version of the zoom lens because I was > told it offered the best optical and handling performance of the various > versions of the short Leica zooms. The dealer is happy to take the lens back > - the price was the same as a new 28-70mm or a new 35-70mm f4. I tried these > lenses in the past year but found both rather dark on my R4. The f3.5 is > just about acceptable and no worse than the 180mm/f4 I've lived with for 15 > years. Where do I go from here in the choice of a short zoom? > > -- > David G Prakel > The Benchmark Press > http://www.cix.co.uk/~benchmark/