question for the optics / lens gurus

[Papercut]

I'm considering getting a reasonably priced portrait lens (75 - 90mm) for my Zeiss Ikon ZM. Two of the candidates on my short list are the 90mm Elmar (LTM) and the 90mm Elmar-C and I'm just wondering if there is any (real, noticeable) optical differences in these two lenses?

With the M-mount adapter for the thread mount lens the prices are within $50-75 of each other, so price isn't really an issue. I'm just interested in optical differences.

 

[35mmdelux]

the Elmar -C is known to be very good. don't know about the LTM.

 

[ferider]

While the optical formula is probably identical (one never knows about what undocumented tweaks were done) you can expect differences in coating and mechanics. The Elmar-C has a slanted RF cam. And I am guessing just like for the 40/2, sometimes during the Elmar-C production multi-coating was introduced.

I were you, I would try to get a 90/4 Rokkor, different (better) RF cam, and definitely multi-coated.

Best,

Roland.

 

[Papercut]

Roland,

Thank you for that reply -- it's very helpful!

-- Kevin

 

[Bingley]

In terms of the look of these lenses, I don't have anything from a more modern Elmar or Rokkor, but the pictures below were taken w/ a clean, uncoated Elmar 90/4 black barrel from the 1930s:

 

[Papercut]

Steve,

Thanks for posting those! Really sharp lens and nice OOF (2nd shot). The colors are gorgeous too! Being uncoated, I'd guess it's rather flare-sensitive?

-- kevin

 

[Bingley]

Kevin -- I think it probably is, but I used an improvised hood consisting of a couple of step-up rings screwed together, so I didn't have a problem w/ flare. It's the way the lens renders colors that I find most attractive, but I had to return the lens to its owner and wound up getting the Canon 100/3.5 as my long lens.

 

[raid]

The 100/3.5 seems to be a high performer.

 

[Papercut]

I've heard of (and seen) some very nice results from the Canon 100/3.5, but the longest framelines on my ZI is 85mm, so I'm hesitant to go longer than 90mm as I suspect that framing/focusing would be tough...