Thoughts on 28mm Elmarit v.2?

[Sputty]

I have the opportunity to buy a 28mm elmarit, ser #324......, which I believe is second version. Correct me if I'm wrong. I couldn't find a definitive version guide online.

How does this lens compare to third/fourth versions, which I've heard are great. Anybody have experience with this version, sample pictures? How's the rendering?

Price is roughly $500 - is this a reasonable deal?

Thanks for any guidance.

Best,
jonathon

 

[SDK]

The Hove Leica Pocket Book says the lens has medium contrast wide open with good center resolution falling off to softer outer sections and corners. From the MTF graphs in the book the sharp zone extends about 10mm, or halfway from the center to the corners. Stopping down is supposed to improve the definition in the middle some expanding the sharp zone to about 12.5mm radius at f/5.6, but the outer zones still have lagging performance. The lens has more tendency to flare than later Leica 28mm lenses.

The price is not too bad, if you want a lens with the classic "Leica glow." This is probably the sort of 28mm Garry Winogrand favored. If you are concerned with sharpness across the whole negative, it is not the lens for you, and you are better off buying a new or used Zeiss Biogon, used Hexanon or later Leica M-mount 28mm lens.

 

[Simon Larbalestier]

I have the V2 and agree it does flare a bit when shooting towards the light but i like the quality of it and it brings up my M6 28 frame-line which not all V2's do. Also as the front element is convex (?) ie the surface at the center protrudes outward you need to be careful when mounting some filter brands (49mm) as they may come in direct contact with the surface. The original Leitz ones were designed with a larger clearance before the thread begins on the filter barrel. Also there is only one Leica lens-hood that seems to it 12501 (also fits the 21/3.4) and this hasn't the "cut out" slot of the V3 later lens- hood. The V3 hood looks like it will fit but i tried one and it wouldn't go over the front edge of my lens 🙁

 

[Conner999]

If the latest version for M is optically similar to the latest for R (built in square hood) it will knock your socks off.

 

[x-ray]

I had one of the v1 and v2's for years and found the v2 better than the v1 but a very average to below average lens. I now have the cv Ultron 28 and find it far superior to the v2 and extremely close in performance to the asph summicron 28.

 

[Sputty]

Thanks for the feedback, guys. This helps with my decision - sounds like I'll wait for a later version.

Can anybody confirm that this is, in fact, a second version? Serial #3245285.

Thanks,
Jonathon

 

[x-ray]

I looked up the SN and the one you are asking about is the v3 made in 1981. Here's a link to information on the different versions.

http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/28mm.htm

 

[Sputty]

Thanks x-ray. I'd seen this page once, but couldn't find it again. Version 3: I've heard they're pretty good. Anybody have any samples from this version?

 

[dreamsandart]

Saw the heading here, and looks like you have the information but thought I'd put in a few words. Yes, with the serial number you mention the version you are looking at is the 3rd version not the second. I started off myself with a 1st version and traded it in for a second when I got an M5 as the 1st didn't meter with the M5 with its protruding rear elements. I really liked both those lenses. Popular thought now is they are not suppose to be the 'best' modern designs comparatively with the 3rd and 4th improved versions, but they had a 'look' that I liked (and that look has become a reason they are now still popular) and I can't say I was ever dissatisfied with the photo quality.

I've never used the 3rd version, but have never heard anyone that used one feel it was lacking in any way, only that it was a bit big, and watch out for lens separation in the rear elements. If you find a 28 Elmarit at a good price whatever version I think its more a matter of the photographer working up to the lens quality more than the lens being the weak link.

 

[maddoc]

I have the v3 version (CANADA) and some photos taken with this lens in my flickr gallery.

The lens is prone to flare a little (also with hood) but I can live with it. The vs3 28mm Elmarit is quite long (long "nose"), has a square shaped hood with a cut out and takes 49mm filters. Otherwise it is a nice lens, quite sharp.

 

[Simon Larbalestier]

I had one of the v1 and v2's for years and found the v2 better than the v1 but a very average to below average lens. I now have the cv Ultron 28 and find it far superior to the v2 and extremely close in performance to the asph summicron 28.

Hi Don i had the CV 28/1.9 when it first came out years back and hated it! For me there was no character hard to put into exact words but the images were just too sharp across the field making them seem bland - less painterly for want of better words. Maybe the later C/V's have changed? We all have different tastes and views i guess of what constitutes sharpness in the real world of shooting and what gives an image a certain look which is what makes threads like these interesting.

 

[x-ray]

Hi Don i had the CV 28/1.9 when it first came out years back and hated it! For me there was no character hard to put into exact words but the images were just too sharp across the field making them seem bland - less painterly for want of better words. Maybe the later C/V's have changed? We all have different tastes and views i guess of what constitutes sharpness in the real world of shooting and what gives an image a certain look which is what makes threads like these interesting.

Simon:


Good to hear from you and hope life is treating you well and your's making great images as always.

Very true that we all have different tastes in lenses. As I mentioned I really disliked the v1 and v2 Elmarit and basically put them in the safe unused. I finally sold the last lens, the v2, last fall and got the CV 1.9 which has rejuvinated my interest in the 28mm FL. I find myself working under less and less light so the speed has been very important at times and even at f2 the performance is very good for my style.

 

[Simon Larbalestier]

Hi Don so as not to get this thread way off track i'll PM you and update you on stuff.

 

[Michiel Fokkema]

Hi,

I used the v.2 for quit some time and thought it was good. I then got a real good deal on v.4 and it is much better then the v.2 And I mean MUCH better.
I sold the v.2 for more than I paid for the v.4 because it seemed to be some sort of rare.
To use I'd choose the v.4. But if you can get the v.2 for a good price, I'd buy and sell it again on Ebay to some Japanese collector like I did with mine. Mine sold for $900 with hood and was not even in that good shape.


Cheers

 

[tajart]

v.3 28

v.3 28

i'm very happy with my 3rd version 28 elmarit-m. i have several images that came through this lens on my uber page. it seems like $500 is a decent price if the glass is clean, and has hood, caps, etc... of course if budget is a concern there is always the cv 28/3.5