Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/10/30
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Javier: There have been two versions that have unique optical computations. The current version has floating elements to provide better field flatness at close distances. The first version has 8 air spaced elements, but there at least two versions that differ on coating of the front element. One has a reddish orange coating and the other has a blue coating. I Don't which is the earlier version, but a difference in lens coating usully indicates a difference in optical design. On the other hand, Leica literature shows no difference in the schematics of the optical design in their sales literature. Perhaps the only diference is in the coating. One would expect the later coating to be superior. I have the first version with the reddish coating, and it produces the most brilliant pictures of all the Leica R lenses I own, which is a goodly number. It is a superb lens in all other respects except for the curved field at close distances, which is not a disadvantage for me. An advantage is the removable lens hood, which is rectangular, and probably provides better shielding than the circular, extendable hood of the current version. It takes series seven filters held in by the lens hood or E48 screw-in filters. I highly recommend the first version (s?). I hear that the current version is also superb with better close focusing performance. Can't go wrong with either one. Ferrel Anderson