50/2.8 Elmar-M -- Post Your Best Photos!

J

jja

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I just acquired a 50mm Elmar-M, and while it arrives, I'd love to see some of your favorite photos taken with this lens. I know Richardi and Benilian (sp?) are big fans of this lens (the v. 2, most recent version). I'm also curious how it compares with other 50mm lenses you use. Thanks!
 
Mike, thank you, those are great examples. I linked over to your flickr photo stream and saw additional photos, as well as the lens compared to some others, that is very helpful (and man, that UC Hexanon is small!).
 
An Oldie...

An Oldie...

The first Leica I ever owned was an M2 which came complete with the collapsible f2.8 50mm Elmar lens. I still have the original receipt for the outfit: $250!! Hard to believe today, isn't it?

I've had other lenses through the years which I enjoyed but that first Elmar was my "go to" glass for many years.

Here's a link to a shot from it taken 35 years ago on Agfachrome film:

http://www.pbase.com/dc3/image/22636080

I wish I still had it!

dc3
 
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Thanks, Mr. Sepia. The car was taken with an example from c.1960; the last two are with a current version. The earlier version is a bit more compact; the later version is more convenient (i.e., easier to manipulate the aperture ring as the barrel doesn't rotate).
 
Marc-A. said:
Mike that's a great picture, I love it. But I think I saw it in your Flickr gallery and the quality was better.
Best,
Marc
Click to expand...
Perhaps it was this, more contrasty, version? It doesn't print nearly as nicely as the "less worked" one.



...Mike
 
That's a great image, mfunnell. He seems anachronistic, almost a 19th C artist or thinker removed from society (represented by the 'crowd' scene in the background) involved more with his work (letters, musings, music).

I prefer the darker, contrastier version.
 
Darren, great images. Have you kept both versions of the Elmar, and if so, why? The middle photo looks like it is vignetting, but maybe you did this in photoshop?

Mike, the second photo has so much more punch, I like it very much.
 
I usually go to Flickr and type in the tag for a lens. Amazing variety of images come up! Try the tag "Leica Elmar 50mm f2.8 II" and there is a lot of stuff to do evaluations from.
 
Thanks Tom, I've already done that, and have had a good look before posting. I posted here because a) not everyone 'tags' their photos the same way (not everyone distinguishes v. 1 from v. 2, for instance); b) not everyone posts on flickr; c) I wanted to generate a little bit of discussion (this lens vs. others, etc.). But I agree, flickr is a wealth of images--sometimes overwhelming. I will post some photos taken w/ my new lens as soon as it comes in.
 
jja said:
Darren, great images. Have you kept both versions of the Elmar, and if so, why? The middle photo looks like it is vignetting, but maybe you did this in photoshop?

Mike, the second photo has so much more punch, I like it very much.
Click to expand...

To: JJA
From: JJK

Many thanks. The older version isn't mine. I borrowed it and an M3 from a buddy to shoot that particular roll. The (perhaps overly heavy) vignetting was indeed applied in PS.
 
I can't speak from experience about any but the most recent Elmar-M, but I have been very surprised by this little gem. Quite nearly the equal of the Summicron, which I find to be one of the finest lenses for 35mm ever.

There has been some discussion about the lubricant in some of the current Elmars getting very stiff- don't remember where I read about this, but it was something that Leica or your favorite tech could fix.
 
That bird photo is sweet, almost as if it is sitting in front of an already blurred background. I'm getting excited about my new lens, it will be in midweek.

In the meantime, keep posting examples!
 
Peter, composition on no. 1 and 2 is excellent, and good work in low light. Shot at f2.8, I assume? What film?
 
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