Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1996/03/31
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Marc indicated that the 90 Elmar f:/4 was indeed a good optic. I'm writing because I have a need for a 90 and don't do a lot of portrait work with the Leica (I use medium format) so f:/4 is fine for landscape and much street work. The question I have though is about optical performance. While I claim no particular expertise as an optical engineer, I do have some very strong practical knowledge about image quality from years of making exhibition enlargements from both 35mm and 2 1/4. My concern is that the Elmar 90 is a three element lens. Now I'm not trying to elicit a cacaphony of jeers from the group and I know there is a whole lot more to performance than the number of elements in a lens. And, I know this is Leica we're talking about and all of that. But, in the history of all of photography, I've never read any rave reviews about the optical performance of any 3 element lens. In practical terms, how satisfied am I likely to be with 11X14 images from this optic? I am deliriously happy with those produced by my 35mm 8 element Summicron and from my 50mm Summicrons. I once owned a 90 Elmarit and was happy with it. Once again, speed is not an issue, image quality is the key for me. I would truly appreciate any serious impressions. On a different topic. I bought a couple of custom made soft touch releases from Fred Ward (he's in our group) a couple of months ago and have become addicted. Clever, simple and effective. The ones he had are also ergonomically designed. Thanks, Curt