50 2.8 collapsible

While the 50/2 collapsible has a well deserved reputation for "creamy bokeh", the modern/current 50/2.8 elmar-M also has an exceptional OOF rendition. Both are great lenses.

The build on both are excellent, the build tolerance on the elmar-M (current) is exceptional. Not surprising.

cheers
 
Marc-A. said:
Pretty cheap ... Everything's relative, I guess :rolleyes:
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Compare it to $2000 for a used Summilux ASPH. I'm talking cheap in the Leica world.

Its also equal in price to Voigtlander's 50/2 Collapsable Heliar and a used 50/2 Planar ZM.

For a modern, high quality lens, I'd call it a bargain.
 
ncd_photo said:
... I'm looking for a compact 50mm with a nice creamy bokeh that I can shoot at 2.8 - 4 most of the time and the elmar 2.8 seems to fit the bill....
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Of course the question is which version of the 50/2.8 Elmar are you considering?

As to the original version, I happen to have one ( 1962 -with perfect glass) and while I really like the look of this lens, I wouldn't recommend it if you need sharp pictures at f2.8.

In my experience, f2.8 with this lens is the "portrait" setting, and I find that there is a big increase in sharpness between 2.8 and f4. Since that's where you're interested in shooting, you should know that the original version performs quite noticeably differently at these two apertures.
 
Here are some pictures using the newer 50mm 2.8 collapsible elmar. It is really tiny and terrific for walking around. The first one is signicantly cropped, the others full frame:



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Nice pictures, I love the look of the engine telegraph shot.

Having looked around the web for the past week at elmar examples I'm fairly convinced I'll like this lens a lot - both old and new versions. Its just a shame that the only UK dealer I can find with them in stock is in Scotland - a fair hike to try a lens!

I managed to fit my M2 in my coat pocket today when I took the lens hood off my cv 35, quite a revalation to me :)
 
mike_j said:
I'd go for the CV 50/2.5 because I think these little skopar lenses are superb for the price but I would like larger aperture.
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The Skopar is worth considering, though it seems not very popular outside of Japan. I like mine quite a lot... and from others' descriptions of the look of the modern Elmar, the Skopar might have a similar look. It's also very compact.
 
Thanks for all the advice, I narrowed the choice to the elmar, summicron and ZM planar in the end, but opted for an original elmar 2.8 collapsible mainly on price reasons but also for the look after viewing several exmaples.
I quite like the idea that it makes a nice portrait lens at f2.8 because its mainly going to be used for people shots. But its handy to have the sharpness back at f5.6 if needed.
 
Well its arrived already!

I ordered a nice elmar 2.8 from classic camera in London on Sunday night and its just arrived at my door - excellent service.

If it ever stops raining here in Plymouth maybe I can get out and try it out!

Its a really nice looking lens and changing the aperture seems fine - I can clamp the lens with my right middle finger and turn the ring as normal.

A couple of questions:

When the lens is extended is it supposed to click into place? Mine goes tight with the aperture selected visible in the VF when the lens is locked at infinity - which I rather like!

It didn't come with any caps unfortunately - any suggestions for a front cap?

Thanks
 
Pull the lens out as far as it goes and turn to the left while still pulling. It will stop. There's no click, it just slides into place and is held by friction. If you're having trouble (I did!) look at it from the back and you'll see the bayonet mechanism mating quite clearly.
 
The front cap is very loose and is possibly designed to go on the hood that comes with the lens - it seems to be a bit tighter on the hood. I would get a screw in front cap...
 
I've just done some testing and I'm pretty pleased with the results, as stated earlier its silghtly soft at f2.8 but not actually that bad, f4 sharpens up nicely but with a nice soft background and f5.6 is sharp with a decent d.o.f.

attached are some reduced shots, HP5+, LC29 1:19
 

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I hope its as good as you're all saying 'cause mine's on its way from popflash...

A later, rather than earlier, model which I think and hope might suit me and my M3 best.

...Mike
 
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So tell me, Nick, are your shots taken with the newer "modern" 50/2.8 Elmar M or the older 50/2.8 Elmar M? Sorry if the answer to my question is buried in the posts above (I did look but didn't see it).

Thanks,
Randy
 
What is wrong with the Heliar?

What is wrong with the Heliar?

Kyle said:
Compare it to $2000 for a used Summilux ASPH. I'm talking cheap in the Leica world.

Its also equal in price to Voigtlander's 50/2 Collapsible Heliar and a used 50/2 Planar ZM.

For a modern, high quality lens, I'd call it a bargain.
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For compactness, if you want/need the 50, this doesn't seem like a bad option. Is there something wrong with this lens that I haven't read about?
Myself, I use a 40 as a normal, but for those that use a 50, this is a viable option to an expensive Leica alternative.
 
vrgard said:
So tell me, Nick, are your shots taken with the newer "modern" 50/2.8 Elmar M or the older 50/2.8 Elmar M? Sorry if the answer to my question is buried in the posts above (I did look but didn't see it).

Thanks,
Randy
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I bought the orginal version which looks just right on my M2 and collapses away to become very compact indeed. The build quality is also excellent and handling seems fine.
 
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