opinions on MACRO-ELMAR-M 1:4,0/90 mm

[santino]

Hi!

I would like to hear your opinions on the macro elmar. I'm not going to get one in close future (spend my budged on the 35 Biogon) but I'm really curious about it. I like it's compact size and f4 doesn't bother me. I've got a 2/50 'Cron and 2/35 Biogon, so the Macro Elmar would perfectly fit into my whole M system.

thanks.

 

[BudGreen]

I have the Elmar 90 without the macro adapter, but I haven't used it enough to form any definite conclusions about it and I haven’t used any other 90s to compare it with. It seems pretty sharp, but perhaps not as contrasty as the current Elmar 50 for example. The compact size is definitely a big plus. It comes with a reversible metal hood, and it doesn't take up any more room in my bag then my Summilux 50.

Here are a couple of examples from my gallery, both with HP5 & Xtol and scanned from the negative. Good luck. Hope this helps.

 

[jaapv]

There is a very informative article about the 90 mm focal length in the newest LFI (Leica Fotografie International) with all three current 90 mm lenses compared. Their conclusion is that the 90/4.0 macro, if you can live with the 4.0 speed, is as close to the Apo-Summicron in quality as makes no difference in actual results.

 

[santino]

oh thanks, got to get the new LFI.

 

[Ronald M]

Its on page 48

Had mine a week so far and I can tell you it is great. 4.0 is already as good as it gets. Collapses to the size of a 50 Summicron.

Go to Tony Rose at PopFlash .com. Order a mint one and save the $3/400 . It take about 4/5 days to get.

I don`t want to comment where it comes from, but mine was new, not mint used as ordered. Complete in the box caps shade etc. Current serial number 3,9xx,xxx.

I now have the 90/4 new 50/2.8 and 4 ver 35 2.0. Very nice set up for outside and travel.

Buy a 90 ASPH or 75 2.0 if you want a low light lens.

The 75 2.0 and 90/4 do not go soft at close distance, where as the 2.0 and 2.8 do. CAREFULLY read the artical understanding each word.

 

[santino]

I don't need a soft effect at close distance, f4 is ok. I'm very interested in the Elmar because of it's size. thanks again

 

[awilder]

The only reason to own the 90/4 MEM is it's ability to focus down to less than 0.8 meters without the macro adaptor and of course the option to focus even closer with the adaptor if you really need to and can afford the adaptor for about $800-900. The compactness is nice but close focus capability with or without the macro adaptor is the only reason to own one over other 90's. If it's compactness you want, you can do as well or better with the 90/4 CLE Rokkor or Elmar-C. Both are compact, tiny, sharp as a tack and a fraction of the price of a 90/4 MEM.

 

[Ronald M]

I have not used to 90 4.0 for the Cl for a long time, but they were not the tack sharp lens the new 90 is. The new on is a rival of the 100 macro for the R. which set world standards when intoduced.

I own both the 90 and 100 macros and no older lens hold a candle to these.

The older ones are not bad mind you, but not up to Leicas modern standards.

 

[shaaktiman]

Anyone have more photos? I'd love to see some taken with the adapter. I'm considering this setup, but I need to mull it over every minute for a few weeks first.

 

[Jon Graham]

This is a GREAT lens, don't let anyone BS you. Few people own it, so most comments are from non users. It is a gem of a lens: very compact, very smooth focusing, very close up.

The only shortfall is f4, but it is worth it for the handling and compactness.

 

[ian_watts]

It's a very fine lens. Provided that F4 will allow you to get the shot, it's as good a 90 as any reasonable person could want. Being only an occasional 90mm shooter, the compact size and light weight of the 90 Macro Elmar are the key attractions of the lens to me but I have never been disappointed with the image quality achievable - even wide open at F4.

 

[Ben Z]

The only reason to own the 90/4 MEM is it's ability to focus down to less than 0.8 meters

That's the conclusion I came to as well after useing one on loan for a day. I couldn't detect any difference in contrast or sharpness from my Tele-Elmarit stopped down to f/4, and for me having an extra stop (or two, though the Summicron is quite a bit bigger and heavier) is of more use to me than being able to focus closer. However that wouldn't neccessarily hold for everyone.

 

[shaaktiman]

You know what I love? I love being that age where I am unmistakably an "adult." You know, the professional job, a halfway decent apartment, live-in girlfriend, all that stuff. BUT that I have not yet reached the age with the myriad hardcore responsibilities that come with the whole adult thing. Kids, a mortgage, etc.

32 is great. When else am I going to have the magic combination of means and freedom to be able to go out and get a 90mm Macro Elmar and closeup attachment because I read a thread on RFF and got excited? I'm not. This is a short window I have. So I'm taking advantage while I can.

Check her out. I'll post photos when I shoot the first roll.

 

[BudGreen]

You know what I love? I love being that age where I am unmistakably an "adult." You know, the professional job, a halfway decent apartment, live-in girlfriend, all that stuff. BUT that I have not yet reached the age with the myriad hardcore responsibilities that come with the whole adult thing. Kids, a mortgage, etc.

32 is great. When else am I going to have the magic combination of means and freedom to be able to go out and get a 90mm Macro Elmar and closeup attachment because I read a thread on RFF and got excited? I'm not. This is a short window I have. So I'm taking advantage while I can.

Check her out. I'll post photos when I shoot the first roll.

Well I'm glad you didn't let it eat away at you for a few weeks first. 🙂 I'm anxious to see some more results from the macro adapter.

 

[shaaktiman]

Yeah, me too. Actually, my posturing isn't 100% honest. Truth is I walked down to Photo Village this afternoon and they mentioned having both the lens and adapter available in used. They gave me a good price for buying them together. I don't have quite the means or freedom at my disposal to buy these things new. But having a bit of luck added to the equation makes it even better.

 

[awilder]

Hey Shaaktiman, as long as you're getting the macro adaptor for the lens, why not go all the way and get the "Angle Finder-M"? That way, you can get closer to the ground for nature close ups of flowers, butterflies and stuff without kinking your neck. Also comes in quite handy for table top items if you want to keep the camera level with the table or perpendicular to a vertical subject.

 

[shaaktiman]

Why? You selling one?
I'd seriously love one. But the Leica one on its own is $350. My neck doesn't get so kinked that I need to spend that much to fix it. Getting a good 28 to finish off my kit is a bigger priority. And for less money than the finder costs I could get a nice voigt 28 which would see far more use.

 

[hopf]

any idea if the macro adapter would work with any other lens?

 

[shaaktiman]

Good question. Unfortunately the answer is no. (What, you think Leica is out to offer you a deal? Dream on.)

 

[shaaktiman]

sample image- MEM 1st roll

sample image- MEM 1st roll

I forgot to post before. Here is one image from my first test roll. More TK.