Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/06/02

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Subject: Re: [Leica] Ancient Elmarit vs. Summicron, 90 mm
From: "Ken Iisaka" <ken@iisaka.org>
Date: Sat, 2 Jun 2001 14:02:53 -0700
References: <p05010400b73ef441a0fb@[64.130.153.253]>

> I need a bit of advice on 90 mm lenses, although it will be a while
> before I can spring for one.  I have been following the KEH catalog,
> and, basically, for the older non-asph lenses, the f2 Summicron and
> the f2.8  Elmarit-M are approximately the same price.  So, is this
> just the vagaries of the market, or, is there any reason to believe
> that the Summicron of that vintage is optically  inferior to the
> Elmarit-M?
>
> A couple of other question:--
>
> One of the lenses in the listing is described as Tele-Elmarit-M, the
> others as Elmarit-M.  Is there as distinction and, if so, what is it?
>
> The listings in the catalog look like: "90 F2.8 ELMARITO-M BLK (GER)(46)"
> Is that last number the filter size?  If my guess is correct, it is
> interesting that the Elmarit-M shows 46mm and the Tele-Elmarit-M
> shows 39 mm.
>
> Anyway, I'm swamped by the large choice in the ~$700 price class, and
> would appreciate some advice.

The 46mm version is the current Elmarit-M 90mm.  Prior to that, there were
three versions of 90/2.8 lenses: the original Elmarit 90mm from 1959, (fat)
Tele-Elmarit 90mm from 1964, and the (thin) Tele-Elmarit 90mm from 1974.
All of these are fine performers, although the current is the finest,
followed perhaps by the original Elmarit, then the thin Tele-Elmarit, then
the fat Tele-Elmarit.

I have the original Elmarti which I've been trying to sell.  If you'd be
interested, let me know.  I live in Mill Valley, so we could meet somewhere
between Marin and San Mateo/Santa Clara.

In reply to: Message from Herbert & Lee Kanner <kanner@acm.org> ([Leica] Ancient Elmarit vs. Summicron, 90 mm)