Low down on Leica 28mm f2.8 Asph. Elmarit?

R

rtphotos

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So what's the story on this lens. My favorite dealers haven't had it in stock for what seems like at least a couple of months.

Can anyone recommend a reputable shop that currently does have it (prefer NEW w/passport)?

thanks,
rt :)
 
It's a super compact lens which is very sharp and highly resistant to flare. Many would describe it as contrasty. I prefer the term punchy.

I sent you a PM, BTW.

D
 
Nice and small, comparable to the pre-asph 35mm Cron, super resistent to flare, next to no distortion, very even performance across the frame, even wide open, and slightly less contrast to the pre-asph version. This is the info you'll read from reviews, and it is exactly the same as my own experience. Highly recommended, especially at the price!
 
Thank you for the replies Darren and leicashot. Yes, the lens certainly has been proven to have a good reputation as a sharp, contrasty, and compact lens.

I'd get one right now if only Leica would supply USA dealers.

I'm curious as to what's the hold up and how much longer it will be.

thanks,
rt
 
Check with your favorite dealers right now if you are looking for this lens. :D Solms is apparently supplying dealers a few of these lens at a time.

Good luck! My gas is quieted for the moment!

rt
 
I bought one a few weeks ago and find it very convenient. It's probably the best bet for quality and not getting in the way of the framelines.
Michael
 
RT

I work in London and was given a voucher for £750 by my work colleagues to spend at a London Leica specialist. I went for a 28 Elmarit because I already have a 35, 50 and 90 and two bodies.

I went on the waiting list in June. Still no lens. There are six people on the list in front of me who have been waiting since June 2006.

This Leica-only dealer is having to buy Zeiss lenses to offer his long-suffering customers an alternative.

I will never buy new Leica products in the future. Unless you want a long wait, I might suggest you either buy a pre-asph 28, or a Zeiss, Voigtlander, Kobalux, Hexanon etc.

Yours

Paul
 
pvenables said:
I went on the waiting list in June. Still no lens. There are six people on the list in front of me who have been waiting since June 2006.
Click to expand...

pvenables, Sorry about your experience with the lack of lens supply in London. As I mentioned in my previous message, some dealers in the U.S. are getting a few of the lens at a time from Leica and are probably catching up with their backorders.

I was able to get on a waiting list with my favorite dealer and after about a month he contacted me when a lens became available. Needless to say, I bought it and have been using the 28mm f2.8 ASPH for a few weeks now.

If you really are unhappy with Leica, maybe you might consider letting them know. Email to Solms?

While I was waiting for the lens to become available, I emailed both Leica Solms and New Jersey. Just a polite inquery asking for an explanation of the lens shortage. I didn't get a reply from Solms but New Jersey did respond saying that the tremendous response to the M8 came with a very high demand for M lenses. He suggested to order from a dealer and "to encourage the dealer to re-confirm over time that [the] order with us is still pending". No surprise there, but I'm glad that Leica took the time to reply and not just brush me off.

I wish you luck in finding your lens and hope you can eventually utilize your gift voucher.

rt
 
I would bet they are busy making new Summarits 2.5 for Christmas intro.

They are also cutting down inventory. They tried it 20 years ago and it cost them dearly. The new owners will need to learn that lession on their own too.
 
As noted, pretty much flare resistant - see below (M8 and pardon mild jpg artifacts):

U1632I1191978190.SEQ.0.jpg


Small, sharp, light. I got mine by putting down a deposit with Tony Rose and waiting a couple of months. Worth the wait.

Cheers,
Kirk
 
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