Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1996/02/08
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]David, Buenos dias, que pasa? I prefer the newer technology in Leitz optical design. IMHO (in my humble or honest opinion.... 35mm lens: A Wetzler-manufactured 35mm f/2.0 Summicron-M. This might be one of the finest 35mm camera lenses ever produced. Stopped down just one f-stop, this lens will typically out-perform almost every other 35mm lens Leitz has ever made throughout it's entire focusing range. And for the current price - in excellent condition - it is a bargain. It is a modified Gauss-type design common to the Summicron family and is a simple 7 element lens, 4 of which are cemented into two groups. The large front and rear elements mean vignetting and light fall-off at the edges of pictures is quite uncommon. The lens is incredibly compact; maximum diameter of the focusing ring is only 52mm; the front of the lens to the film plane is less than 57mm when focused at infinity. This lens is a winner. Filter size is typical 39mm x 0.5. 90mm lens: Again. I must yield to modern technology and suggest the 90mm f/2.8 Tele-Elmarit-M from Wetzlar. The lens is barely longer than a 50mm f/2.0 Summicron-M and is razor-sharp. The only drawback or negative part of this lens is the slight softness of image when used at full aperture and closest focusing distance of just less than 1m. Stopped down just one f/stop, that problem disappears completely. In fact, stopping it down further makes little difference in the outstanding performance, just the increased depth of field. It is a 4 element design with two grouped front elements, a thick corrective optic in the center and a rear element. Filter size is typical Leitz/Leica M; 39mm x 0.5. This lens is so light and easy to use it's almost like a normal lens. The only problem mechanically is the tendency to have some difficulty in focusing. The focus rings on some models - normally Canadian-made - are "stiff". I hope this opinion is of value to you. Buena suerte! Tom Hodge / thodge@charweb.org / North Carolina, USA Replied: 9 Feb 96 13:03