RE: [Leica] 25 or 28 mm lens suggestion

[Jeremy Kime <jeremy.kime@bbc.co.uk>]

Jim,
I've not used the latest 28mm Leica lens, I've only tried the first (1964)
version, which though it was the cheapest ever Leica 28mm I've seen (325
GBP) was still not as cheap as the Voigtlander. That old lens would not
match the quality of the modern Voigtlander lens but I expect the more
modern ones would, and certainly surpass it.
Check out Erwin Puts's website for more extensive tests.

I have used the 25mm lens for a while and found it deceptively useful. One
does not miss the rangefinder focusing after adopting the 'snapshot'
focusing style.
Ask yourself is your picture wanting to focus at infinity (mountains?), 3m
(a group of people?), 1.5m, 1m or minimum focus (o.7m). I found it no
problem if you had time (landscape photography) to set the distance, if you
were taking street/reportage photgraphy, then you're into exactly the same
methods as the old greats, H C-B etc. 
They set the preferred distance and left it there working/walking themselves
closer or further away till they knew they were the right distance, no need
to check focus (with the rangefinder) once you can judge it.

The other large factor is the size of the two lenses, one is petite and
compact while the other is large and bulky in comparison. Again, this may
well influence your choice, it would mine. But they are also different focal
lengths, if this will be your widest lens then that might affect your choice
too.

I think the end answer is something only you can decide after trying out the
lenses, in some ways, the Voigtlander is almost cheap enough to have as
well, certainly you'd not lose much if you had to sell it on. But if
ultimate picture quality is your holy grail then save up for the Elmarit.

regards,
Jem

 

> ----------
> From: 	Guy Bennett[SMTP:guybnt@idt.net]
> 
> >I am looking at either the Voigtlander 25 or the Elmarit-M 28 mm lens.
> Does
> >anyone have an opinion on the picture quality and ease of use of either
> one?
> >I know the 25mm is not rangefinder coupled and not as fast, but there is
> a
> >huge difference in price.
> >
> >Jim
> 
> 
> jim,
> 
> if the lens were for an m body, i'd probably bite the bullet and buy the
> elmarit-m 28. if the lens were to be mounted on a ltm body, i'd opt for
> the
> skopar 25 (which i do use on a iiif).
> 
> the latter gives very good results, is extremely compact, has a wonderful
> finder and is very inexpensive. i've never used the elmarit-m 28, but i
> assume it's more solidly built than the cosina lens and has the not
> inconsiderable advantage of being rangefinder coupled. if you're going to
> use it on an m camera, you don't need an auxiliary finder, which, imho, is
> also an advantage.
> 
> now, if you're hooked on the 28 focal length, are not in too much of a
> hurry and are willing to splurge, you might want to wait a bit. the leica
> guy at samy's has told me that leica will soon be announcing a summicron
> asph 28. according to him, the 28 is the next m lens to be 'updated.'
> 
> guy
>