Hexanon 28 v. Elmarit 28

tbarker13

tbarker13

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I'm looking for a 28mm lens to go with my 35 summicron IV and 75 lux. I want something with a similar fingerprint. I was going to get one of the pre-asph elmarits (version 3 or 4). But then I came across a 28 hexanon.
I read some earlier posts suggesting the hexanon has a very similar design to the elmarit. I can get it cheaper than an elmarit.

Just wondering if anyone has had experience with both lenses. And if, by chance, someone might have some comparison shots between the two.
 
I haven't seen such a comparison but there may be one on Sean Reid's site. The comparison there may be on a digital camera though. You should try flickr and look at how the lenses render there. You won't find a direct comparison with identical scenes etc. but flickr will give you a sense of how the lenses look. I use the 28 M-Hexanon and like it a lot, but I pair it with a 50 and pair a 35mm with my 75.
 
I think the Zeiss ZM would also be a lovely lens to consider. I'm a big fan of the Hexanon lenses but the 28 has been hard to find. There's also the very well-regarded CV f1.9 lens, but it's huge compared to the others. Popflash has the Zeiss lens for around $900 new.

If you are talking about the current 28mm 2.8 elmarit, I would have a careful look at the pictures on flickr. It has a really high contrast, not something I would like. Of them all, the Zeiss looks like the easiest to find and outstanding quality, like all the ZM lenses.

cheers
 
No I'm definitely talking about the older Elmarits. I've recently purged the aspherical lenses from my kit. Focusing instead on the 70s-90s era glass.
I'm using them with my M8.

I saw a 28 hexanon on ebay for about 800, which seems a bit high.

I'll didn't see a whole lot on flickr, but I'll try again. I hoping some members here might have some samples fo what they've done with the lens.
 
just got a zeiss 28

just got a zeiss 28

I've been impressed with the sample photos from this lens online so thought I'd give it a try, paid about $700 from Matsuiyastore, and took about 4 days to get here.

Used it for 3 rolls yesterday, hope to see my first results today!

The build quality is not up to Leitz standards, feels very much like a CV lens fit and finish wise.

Design wise, the focus travel, and mini tab takes some getting used to if you're used to tabbed crons.

But if it is flare-resistant like the 35/2 asph and takes great photos, I'm going to be very pleased with mine. I wish I ordered a black, and not the silver. not sure what I was thinking with that combination...


sirius said:
I think the Zeiss ZM would also be a lovely lens to consider. I'm a big fan of the Hexanon lenses but the 28 has been hard to find. There's also the very well-regarded CV f1.9 lens, but it's huge compared to the others. Popflash has the Zeiss lens for around $900 new.

If you are talking about the current 28mm 2.8 elmarit, I would have a careful look at the pictures on flickr. It has a really high contrast, not something I would like. Of them all, the Zeiss looks like the easiest to find and outstanding quality, like all the ZM lenses.

cheers
Click to expand...
 
That's interesting you say that about build quality. Everything else I've read on this forum has suggested that the build quality is right on line with Leica.
 
yeah

yeah

well I'm very picky. I can say that if you like CV lenses build quality, you will have no problem with the Zeiss Biogons. I can also say that from my first 4 rolls with the 28/2.8, the optical qualities are exceptional for color prints and scans.


tbarker13 said:
That's interesting you say that about build quality. Everything else I've read on this forum has suggested that the build quality is right on line with Leica.
Click to expand...
 
sirius said:
Peter, could you post some Hexanon 28mm samples?
Click to expand...
This is the only one I could find that is scanned. It has been posted a number of times here before so apologies to those who are sick of it. Taken wide open I think.


attachment.php
 
Peter,

No way I'm sick of it. And yes, it was one photo that got me very interested in the 28/2.8 M-Hexanon.

There are threads here at RFF with 28 M-Hexanon samples. My own feeble attempts included.

Funny. I never liked the 28mm focal length very much for ages. The 28mm M-Hexanon changed my thinking immediately. I really like this lens. Is it the end all to beat all? Probably not. Does it feel perfect and work perfect in my hands? You bet. It makes plenty good enough pictures too.

Link to 28mm M-Hexanon Samples
 
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tbarker13 said:
That's interesting you say that about build quality. Everything else I've read on this forum has suggested that the build quality is right on line with Leica.
Click to expand...


IMO the build and finish is equal if not better than Leicas current offerings. No problems what so ever from my Zeiss and CV lenses but 4 recent leica lenses have been big problems in the mechanical construction area.
 
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