[Leica] Re:Oh god, I'm thinking of trying a Tri-Elmar 28/35/50 now addiction

[john.o.newell at comcast.net (J. Newell)]

Back to the original question...I bought one recently.  First observation: 
the 28/35/50 Tri-Elmar has become (1) hard to find and (2) quite pricey 
compared to the relatively recent past.  Photographically speaking:
The image quality is outstanding.  (I've only used it on an R-D1, where it 
is sort of the perfect lens, since it matches the built-in framelines of 
that camera.)  Crisp, nice contrast.  I've read some comments about the TE 
having slightly lower contrast than some of the modern ASPHs.  I haven't 
really compared them side by side - I have a 90mm AA and a 35/2 ASPH.  If 
true, the slightly lower contrast is probably a plus for digital use, but 
someone (Sean Reid, I think) pointed out that the TE has a lot of the "look" 
of older Leica lenses.  That could be true - if so, it is at least their 
match on resolution.
Handling - I was looking for and bought a v1.  These seem to have more 
reports of mechanical issues with the automatic frameline keying, but this 
one works fine on an M4 and two M6s, so no issue there.  Optically, you know 
they are the same.  The v1 has somewhat less need of a hood, where the v2 
really does need a hood.  The DOF scales weren't an issue for me because 
they aren't correct for the APS sensor size in any case so simpler is 
better.  BTW, the v2 has a focusing tab.  You may reallly like, or really 
object to, that - or you may not care.
Overall, with the qualification that the f/4 aperture somewhat limits inside 
use, it's a very handy, very high-performing lens.  Whether you really want 
to plunk down the cash is another question.
John Newell