[Leica] About the 50/2.8 Elmar

[s.dimitrov at charter.net (Slobodan Dimitrov)]

Lately, my preferred combination has been the new Elmar-M and the  
Summarit-M. When looking at the negs, it's like going from granite to  
Jello, contrast and sharpness wise. I have a lens carrier mounted on  
an M3 so I can have a choice of lenses, as needed, at hand.

Slobodan Dimitrov
Studio G-8,
Angels Gate Cultural Center
http://sdimitrovphoto.com





On Apr 2, 2006, at 12:13 PM, David Rodgers wrote:

>  My Leica M lens collection just grew a little.  I came across a  
> used 50/2.8 Elmar, latest version, that I couldn't pass up.
>
> I'm always a sucker for 50mm lenses.  (Sidebar: I was going to give  
> the digital equivalent just to be DC -- digitally correct -- but I  
> overheated my calculator trying to calculate the equivalent for  
> each sensor size).
>
> I bought the Elmar to compliment my 50/1.4 Summilux (and hopefully  
> a Noctilux  in the near future).
>
> Here are some observations about the 50/2.8 Elmar based on my   
> initial use.
>
> The  new Elmar is definately not the same lens as it's ancient  
> predecessor. I had an old type collapsable Elmar years ago, and the  
> new version is much improved, especially at close distances. It's  
> also less prone to flare.
>
> The 50/2.8 Elmar is not a lot more compact  than a Summicron,  
> particularly if you leave on the lens shade. But it is slightly  
> more compact, and that does make a difference. With lens shade  
> removed and the lens collapsed it's not much bigger than a body  
> cap.The Elmar is also less expensive than a Summicron.
>
> The Elmar takes 39mm filters. That gives me a chance to use the  
> many I own.  I haven't had a lens that they fit since I sold my 35/2.
>
> The one thing that takes getting used to is expanding the Elmar.  
> During the first few times of use I took a few shots before I  
> realized that I hadn't fully extended the lens.
>
> The Elmar is very quick to focus. I can focus it much faster than I  
> can the Summilux. I can probably focus the Elmar more quickly than  
> any other M lens I own. I did some street photography yesterday.  
> Even though I'm way out of practice, I was able to snap things into  
> focus very quickly.
>
> Wide open at f2.8 the Elmar is quite usable. I shot indoors in less  
> that perfect light using TMax 400 rated at 800. The images were  
> fine. I don't have access to my scanner right now, but when I do  
> I'll post some samples.
>
> Finally, I think the 50/2.8 Elmar is going to be a very good  
> compliment to 50 'lux  Some of the time ( in fact make that most of  
> the time) I like to keep things as simple as possible. That means a  
> compact lens on a compact body. The Elmar fits that bill, and 50  
> just happens to be my favorite focal length. At least when it comes  
> to film :-)
>
> In summary, quick focusing ability, compact size, optical quality,  
> and low cost are the biggest positives to the 50/2.8 Elmar. Maximum  
> aperture, and the  fact that expanding the lens takes some getting  
> used to, and the only negatives. It's a good compliment to one of  
> the big and fast 50mm lenses, particularly if you have multiple M  
> bodies.
>
> daveR
>
>
>
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