Leica 28mm M Lens Comparisons?

[Aurance]

The Leica 28mm f2.8 ASPH Elmarit-M has an excellent reputation for sharpness, almost nil distortion, great IQ, small in size and a lower price.

What (apart from the wider aperture) does the Leica 28mm f2 ASPH Summicron-M deliver (advantages/disadvantages) over the Elmarit?

I would appreciate any advice!

Regards

Richard

 

[oldoc]

Lot of money for "continuity".
Is that the only benefit?
I have the 28ASPH and 28 Hex, and wouldn't let either go...glad I haven't if the extra stop is only difference...

 

[f16sunshine]

Have been using the hex as my only M 28 for about a month now.
No way would I invest Leica $ for one more stop.
That said. Two stops and the wallet would come out.

 

[Tim Gray]

From what I hear... (I only have the 28/2)

The Elmarit has less distortion, softer corners, and higher contrast. And it's smaller and cheaper and a stop slower to state the obvious.

The Summicron, in my experience, has been awesome. Pretty flare resistant, sharp enough every where, high contrast but not ridiculous, fast, etc. I'm not a bokeh freak, but I will say it is not harsh or jerky or anything. I don't know how the Elmarit is in that department. I use it in conjunction with the 50 ASPH Summilux and it is a great pairing.

 

[Tim Gray]

I should add, I also have the CV 28/3.5. I use it when I know I'm only going to be shooting during the day, need a small kit, or for some reason can't bring along the 28/2. It's a great lens, very affordable, tiny, sharp, etc. However, it's pretty high contrast or something. My Summicron photos are usually a bit easier to adjust after I've scanned (same film, same development). I've never done a side by side comparison of the two, nor have I tried to wet print the CV negatives yet. But it is what it is.

Oh, and the Summicron vignettes more than the Elmarit.

 

[peter_n]

I also use a 28mm Hex but by all accounts the Leica 28/2.8 ASPH is a very well thought of lens. Some think that Leica will introduce a 28mm Summilux ASPH, and if you have a hankering for speed that might be something to look out for.

 

[oldoc]

I took the pair or 28's to the Tennessee River this afternoon, and shot a few scenics with both. Soon as I am done with dinner I'll post the same shots and later some wide open. Both the scenic pairs wer at f11 and f16, bright October sky, even an hour before sunset...the elmarit is smaller, and lighter than the Hex. The hood protrudes only slightly into the right corner of the finder.
I'll do direct comparison tomorrow with the Contax also. I have to tell you, the G1 and 28/2.8 is FINE combo. Just got the 21 as well.
Stay tuned...

 

[sepiareverb]

I shoot the 28/2.0 ASPH, and have had the 28/2.8 ASPH on loan. I also use the V2 pre ASPH and just sold a V4 pre ASPH. I also have the G 28 and had the ZM 28.

Of all of these my first choice is the 28/2.0 ASPH, second is the 2.8 ASPH. I just got a second 2.0 ASPH as this is my most used lens. I found the V4 and the ZM to be pretty close in the print, with the V4 having a slight edge in contrast and the ZM flaring more.

Michael- if you like the G28 you are going to LOVE the 21. I've had a G body solely for the 21 for two years- which I think is the best 20/21 ever computed.

 

[oldoc]

I have a roll of color about to go to print.
I only wish I could have come back to the Northeast Kingdom this year to really put it to its paces with some Ektar with the leaves.
I lived in Hanover (actually Norwich for three years, and still ache every October that I don't get back.
Ah, well....

 

[sepiareverb]

I only wish I could have come back to the Northeast Kingdom this year to really put it to its paces with some Ektar with the leaves.

This was a good fall, but brief- rain came with wind and took all the leaves down in a few days here (north of St. J.). Most intense color we've had in years, but few days to shoot. I saw more cameras on roadside tripods than ever before.

 

[Roma]

I've used 28 Elmarits Ver. 2 and 4 and 28 cron. Ver. 2 makes the prettiest B&W when it doewn't flare (which is hard to avoid sometimes). This is why I sold it.
Ver. 4 and Cron behave identically to me on a darkroom print. I need the speed now and plan to keep the cron.
I plan to put Elmarit 4 for sale shortly, so let me know if you're interested. It's in great shape with very minor paint wear and with original everything. I'll ship it within the US for $1200. I'd have to find out the cost of international shipping.

 

[oldoc]

Hexanon and M8, f11 at 1/250
Pickwick Lake, TN

 

[oldoc]

Same scene, Pickwick.
Same factors.
Sufficient time to get in car, change lenses, and frame image...

 

[oldoc]

Now for approximately 90 % crop, but at 100 dpi.
Forgot to crop at 300, but maybe this helps...

 

[oldoc]

Hex at 90 percent crop, 100 dpi

 

[oldoc]

ASPH at 90

 

[oldoc]

Will load all on flickr, screen name "leicadriver"...

 

[tbarker13]

I think I've used 6-7 different 28mm rangefinder lenses in the last couple of years. I loved the 28 hexanon. But in the end, that one stop is huge for me - so I switched to the summicron. I do tons of low-light shooting - and one full stop can make a pretty big difference.
If I were going to switch to anything else, it would have to be one of the CV 28 ultrons.

 

[oldoc]

More photos over next few days, including film and black and white film.
MP and G1 and M7.
Have been wanting to make this comparison.
May even ask Raid for advice...

 

[srichmond]

I use the 28 Summicron asph, and have been pretty happy with the results. Very similar to the 35 asph.