[Leica] About the 50/2.8 Elmar

[dlridings at gmail.com (Daniel Ridings)]

Ok, now you know you really don't need it with the Summilux and
Noctilux on its way in.

So you have my address. :-)

Daniel

On 4/2/06, David Rodgers <drodgers7798@comcast.net> wrote:
>   My Leica M lens collection just grew a little.  I came across a used
> 50/2.8 Elmar, latest version, that I couldn't pass up.
>
> I'm always a sucker for 50mm lenses.  (Sidebar: I was going to give the
> digital equivalent just to be DC -- digitally correct -- but I
> overheated my calculator trying to calculate the equivalent for each
> sensor size).
>
> I bought the Elmar to compliment my 50/1.4 Summilux (and hopefully a
> Noctilux  in the near future).
>
> Here are some observations about the 50/2.8 Elmar based on my  initial use.
>
> The  new Elmar is definately not the same lens as it's ancient
> predecessor. I had an old type collapsable Elmar years ago, and the new
> version is much improved, especially at close distances. It's also less
> prone to flare.
>
> The 50/2.8 Elmar is not a lot more compact  than a Summicron,
> particularly if you leave on the lens shade. But it is slightly more
> compact, and that does make a difference. With lens shade removed and
> the lens collapsed it's not much bigger than a body cap.The Elmar is
> also less expensive than a Summicron.
>
> The Elmar takes 39mm filters. That gives me a chance to use the many I
> own.  I haven't had a lens that they fit since I sold my 35/2.
>
> The one thing that takes getting used to is expanding the Elmar. During
> the first few times of use I took a few shots before I realized that I
> hadn't fully extended the lens.
>
> The Elmar is very quick to focus. I can focus it much faster than I can
> the Summilux. I can probably focus the Elmar more quickly than any other
> M lens I own. I did some street photography yesterday. Even though I'm
> way out of practice, I was able to snap things into focus very quickly.
>
> Wide open at f2.8 the Elmar is quite usable. I shot indoors in less that
> perfect light using TMax 400 rated at 800. The images were fine. I don't
> have access to my scanner right now, but when I do I'll post some samples.
>
> Finally, I think the 50/2.8 Elmar is going to be a very good compliment
> to 50 'lux  Some of the time ( in fact make that most of the time) I
> like to keep things as simple as possible. That means a compact lens on
> a compact body. The Elmar fits that bill, and 50 just happens to be my
> favorite focal length. At least when it comes to film :-)
>
> In summary, quick focusing ability, compact size, optical quality, and
> low cost are the biggest positives to the 50/2.8 Elmar. Maximum
> aperture, and the  fact that expanding the lens takes some getting used
> to, and the only negatives. It's a good compliment to one of the big and
> fast 50mm lenses, particularly if you have multiple M bodies.
>
> daveR
>
>
>
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