[Leica] Re: Tri-Elmar

["Kam" <kamm@netvigator.com>]

Hi, Dave.

To bring up the 28mm framelines you have to turn to focal length selec to
the extreme right. As the manual reads (at p.14): "The 28mm viewfinder
frame does not appear until the focal length selection ring is turned as far
tothe right as it will go." What puzzles me is that the lens does not
automatically tirgger the 50mm framelines when I turn the focal length
selection ring from 28mm to 50mm. Seems to me that Leica has forseen some
compatability problems. At p.12 of the manual: "It is therefore possible
that with some [M] models, several framelines show up in the viewfinder
simultaneously. In rare case, this effect can also occur with the Leica M6
..." Shouldn't Leica tell us in advance what models are compatible with
the Tri-Elmar and what are not!!! I guess we cannot blame the Hexar RF too
much for not being 100% compatible with the Tri-Elmar.

Kam
Hong Kong

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Date: Thu, 24 Feb 2000 09:24:05 EST
From: DavidS8451@aol.com
Subject: [Leica] Re: Tri-Elmar

Hi Kam,
I bought myself a Tri-Elmar for Christmas which I wanted to use for winter
hiking this year.  I had the same problem with the framelines that you
described.  Eventually the 28/90mm framelines never engaged at all, with the
50/75mm lines remaining in place.  I returned that lens (thanks to Pat
McKee) and received a replacement -- same problem.  In fact, after that
second Tri-Elmar, the framelines for the 28/90mm lenses would not come up at
all on my M6 with either the 90 or the 28 mounted.  That was it for me.  I
returned the Tri-Elmar and opted instead for the 35-70mm/f4 R zoom for my
R6.2.  One of these days I'll have to send the M6 to NJ for repair.
I liked the idea of the Tri-Elmar very much, and I was hoping to use it
extensively for outdoor shooting when I wanted to travel light.  But at such
a cost (I bought it new), I just couldn't stand the problems.
Be careful that you don't screw up your M6!
Dave Schaller
Newton, MA


In a message dated 2/24/0 4:31:17 AM, you wrote:

>Date: Thu, 24 Feb 2000 12:05:13 +0800
>From: "Kam" <kamm@netvigator.com>
>Subject: [Leica] Re: Tri-Elmar
>
>Hi,
>
>I have a quesiton about the Tri-Elmar ("3E").
>
>I got a boxed hard-to-tell-from-new one at a good price (less than $1,300).
>I'm very happy with it save that it does not automatically trigger the 50mm
>framelines if I turn it from 28mm to 50mm (works OK in all other stops).  I
>originally thought that it was due to a defect in the particular lens but
>after trying a new 3E (an authorised dealer was kind enough to let me try
it
>in his shop) it seems to me that the problem has more to do with the little
>spring in the 3E (if you look into the rear mount you'll see the spring).
>It is just too strong for my M6 that the coupling device in the mount of
the
>body cannot pull the len's lever back when one turns from 28mm to 50mm.  I
>guess my M6 is not prepared for the 3E.  Have any members encountered the
>same problem?  Any comments or advice?
>
>BTW, I do love the lens and find it a great travelling partner.  In low
>light situations I still need my Summilux but when working outdoors the 3E
>is a real performer.  There are occasions that I may lose a few shots if I
>have to change lenses.  Optically I'm not in a position to make any
>scientific comment but so far I can have no justificable complaint about
the
>lens.
>
>Regards,
>Kam
>