Leica may have discontinued 28-35-50 Tri-Elmar?

[glennedens]

Does anyone know if the Leica Tri Elmar 28-35-50 is still available? I received notice from Leica that the lens was not available anymore and to pick a different lens (this was for the pre 12/31/06 M8 purchase discount).

Does anyone know of a dealer that might have one in stock, i have checked with a number of dealers and so far none are coming up?

Thanks,

Glenn

 

[GrahamWelland]

What you've been told is correct - the Tri Elmar is currently out of production and there's no date for it to resume at the moment. Apparently it's another victim of Leica's glass cost/availability for one of the elements and they can't rapidly do much about it.

It's a major bummer because I still have one on order from January and my Leica rep still keeps saying that they'll get it for me but it'll take a while. I'm not holding my breath!

It seems that dealer stock has pretty much gone. There seem to be a couple of dealers on eBay able to source coded Tri-Elmar lenses but they are in HK or Germany.

I'm seriously considering getting one used now. Although it's a great lens there do seem to be plenty of folks who prefer the faster primes who sell them now and again.

 

[rpsawin]

I think the 28-35-50 Tri-Elmar is being replaced with the 16-18-21 Wide Angle Tri-Elmar as the WATE is a better fit for the M8. The coding for the M8 is included.

My guess is that any new lens development will be with the M8/Digital in mind.

Best regards,

Bob

 

[GrahamWelland]

I think the 28-35-50 Tri-Elmar is being replaced with the 16-18-21 Wide Angle Tri-Elmar as the WATE is a better fit for the M8. The coding for the M8 is included.

My guess is that any new lens development will be with the M8/Digital in mind.

Best regards,

Bob

Bob,

With all due respect, the focal range 16-21 (or 21 - 28 equivalent) is a LOT different to the original 28-50. They really aren't equivalent lenses however you look at it.

If they replace the original Tri-Elmar with a new version that fits a similar focal length range as the original (i.e. 21-35mm) then that would be understandable. I personally think that the Tri-Elmar combo today is ideal because it stretches
just a little longer than the old 50 and yet the WATE takes you down to 21mm equivalent.

 

[rpsawin]

Bob,

With all due respect, the focal range 16-21 (or 21 - 28 equivalent) is a LOT different to the original 28-50. They really aren't equivalent lenses however you look at it.

If they replace the original Tri-Elmar with a new version that fits a similar focal length range as the original (i.e. 21-35mm) then that would be understandable. I personally think that the Tri-Elmar combo today is ideal because it stretches
just a little longer than the old 50 and yet the WATE takes you down to 21mm equivalent.

Agreed....much like the M8 is very different from any other M. Again, I think Leica is developing lenses that make sense for the M8/Digital cameras. It is unlikely that a market exists for both the traditional and wa tri-elmars. To date the sales of the WATEs seem to be brisk and users seem to be very happy with them.

Frankly, I've never used a tri-elmar and don't have a dog in this fight. I prefer prime lenses and b&w film, and don't see a digital rf in my future.

Best regards,
Bob

 

[TJV]

It's strange. I posted over a month ago that the tri-elmar was discontinued and I don't think I got more than three replies. Maybe that's an indication of the lens - no one really cares for it (except for a select few, of course.) I would have thought it would be a great selling lens for people not needing fast primes or who want a compact travel package. I'd love one to stroll around with instead of a bunch of lenses I may or may not need.

I think soon we will see a real shift in the lens line up of Leica, like you guys said. More emphasis on the digi optimised products, so smaller and wider primes and a few niche products like the WA tri-elmar. Just hope they come up with a better - read smaller - finder for the WA soon.

 

[boilerdoc2]

Hey, I love my TE. Took it to Europe and it worked like a champ until the front of the lens came loose. Have to send in for refit now, but well worth it.
Steve

 

[furcafe]

I was in the same boat, so went w/my Plan B, electing to use my discount for the 28/2 Summicron & keep my eyes out for any reasonably-priced Konica 21/35 Hexanon Dual that comes along (probably a better fit for me anyway, as I will almost always have a 50mm in my bag).

Does anyone know if the Leica Tri Elmar 28-35-50 is still available? I received notice from Leica that the lens was not available anymore and to pick a different lens (this was for the pre 12/31/06 M8 purchase discount).

Does anyone know of a dealer that might have one in stock, i have checked with a number of dealers and so far none are coming up?

Thanks,

Glenn