Picked my Elmarit-M 90mm/2.8 today...

A

alexz

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Well, picked today my Elmarit-m 90mm/2.8 that I bought recently on LUG. This is the latest, E46 version with built-in telescopic hood. Looks very nice and pretty compact, somewhat larger then my 'cron 50mm/2 (also latest), but more then adequate.
I'm glad I was able to withstand the temptation of acquiring Summicron 90mm/2 pre-asph - the Elmarit is as big on my M6 as I'm willing to tolerate for unobtrusive and mobile shooting and I realize the Summicron 90mm/2 is considerably larger/heavier.

The lens appears to be close to Mint as was advertised, however the focusing ring is a bit stiffer then I used to on my Summicron 50mm/2 so I wonder whether this is normal for Elmarit. It operates fine, no problem but just a bit more stiffer, whle the Summicron 50mm is very well damped, turns very smoothly with just enough resistance to ensure precise yet reasonably fast focusing.
So, what is your experience with Elmarits in this regard ?

Thanks, Alex
 
Mine is stiffer than any of the other Leica lenses I run for focussing, but the aperture ring is looser- and the pull out hood is much too loose for my taste. This is a lens that doesn't get much use- I'm thinking the 75/2.0 is the better choice for what I shoot, one of these days...
 
Thanks.
Right now I compared aperture ring movement of the Elmarit with the Summicorn - the Elmarit indeed feels slight slightly looser in clicks, but the difference is really neglible. However the difference in focusing ring stiffness is more noticeable.
I've put x1.25 magnifier and now the frame appears to be comfortably large in the finder, however the magnifier itself has no rubber edging and there is obvious danger of scratching my spectacles (I do wear glasses) by its hard edges...
I'm planning on sight-correction surgery within a year or two, which hopefully wil resolve the issue...
Otherwise the lens appears to be a gem, though have yet to shoot a single roll though it. Tomorrow have a celebration in my dauther's kindergarten - will put the new lens to the work...:D
 
Looking forward to your first shots, I think you will be very impressed.

My experience is similar to yours with the firmness of the focus throw on the 90/2.8--it is firmer than my 35/2 or my 50/1.4, but not objectionably so. I haven't directly compared apertures, but from memory they are all about the same.
 
Thank you guys, sounds reassuring indeed.
Hope to put the Elmarit to work today evening (hence shooting mostly wide open) - will report back on the results...

Best, Alex
 
I bought a Summicron 90 f2 recently and it's a really nice lens (so far), but I agree it's huge. I always wanted an M because of the small size. The Summicron 90 kinda kills that. How much do you think I can get a Elmarit for? I paid around $800 for the Summicron 90.
Ara
 
Ara, depends on your location, but in the U.S., dealers are asking around $1k. Private sale will be a lot less, between $600-$800. I paid $600 for mine, in ex+ shape, with box and pouch included.
 
Yes, latest verison Elmarits (version 2 ?) go usually for 700-800$, 700$ is about the ballpark for them. Mint species may fetch up to 800$ I think.
BTW, I bought mine on LUG for 699$ and it is really Minty (would fair as new if it go with the box and papers).
 
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