Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/05/20
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]In a message dated 5/20/98 2:08:19 AM, you wrote: <<Does anyone have any experience with the LTM 35mm Elmar. What were its shortcommings ? How does it compare to the later Summaron ? (both f/3.5 and f/2.8 types) >> The Elmar is a Tessar type lens, three groups, four elements whose main feature is its tiny size. It protrudes only 3/8" from the camera and makes the screw mount Leicas truly pocketable. It's performance is quite good, considering that it was designed over 50 years ago. Sharpness from 5.6 is comparable to modern lenses but speed is limited and there is some vignetting of the corners wide open. The Tessar formula does not favor wide angle lenses and the Elmar 35mm is sort of pushing the limits of the envelope. Gauss type symmetrical objectives like the Summaron perform better at wide apertures. - LarryZ