28mm Elmarit M v1 & v2 images and opinions

[SimonPJ]

Starting a thread for comments and image examples from the first two versions of the M mount Elmarit 28mm F2.8

Examples of the second version can still be found at relatively affordable prices, but there’s not much commentary and very few images online to help get a sense of what they’re like as a photographic tool. It’s clear from Erwin Puts’ evaluations that the first two versions offer significantly poorer technical performance than the later versions, but do they have interesting and valuable image fingerprints like the 21 SA or the pre-asph 35 Lux?

 

[giulio stucchi]

Hi Simon,
once I ordered a V2 off e-bay (from a dealer).
It came with a bent / damaged mount so i sent it back pretty quickly for full refund.
It would still mount on my m6 and I could test it at home for just a couple of pics and the low contrast and glow was very similar to the one of my 1969 summilux 35 (infinity lock).
This is exactly what I was expecting and the reason why I bought it.
I never use V1 but I believe someone in here (Flat Twin / Simon?) posted some examples in the past.
Cheers
g.

 

[Flat Twin]

Hello!

Giulio is correct, (well remembered!) I used to have version 1, 9 element 28mm Elmarit. I didn't keep it for long for some reason and I don't remember why exactly. It had a typical lower contrast, not overly sharp look to it, looking back at the pictures the look is quite pleasing and perhaps the lens has something but I obviously didn't feel inspired to hang onto it. I would say it doesn't have a "character" like 35 'lux v1 & v2 lenses...


Near Old Street, London. December 2013 by Flat Twin, on Flickr

Regards,
Simon

 

[Flat Twin]

Near Old Street, London. December 2013 by Flat Twin, on Flickr

 

[Flat Twin]

Near Old Street, London. December 2013 by Flat Twin, on Flickr

 

[Flat Twin]

Here's the 28 Elmarit V4 as a comparison. This is FP4 in Rodinal, not my favourite combination!


Aldgate High St. East London. November 2013 by Flat Twin, on Flickr

 

[helen.HH]

Lovely shots ‘Flat Twin’
I especially love photos 2 and 4 ... magical mood !

 

[Flat Twin]

Many thanks Helen 🙂

 

[DwF]

Thanks for sharing these Flat Twin- all very nice. The last one caught my eye particularly but then looking back the second one also very nicely done. I'm a fan of the 28 Elmarit-M v4, and prefer it to the Aspheric version because I felt when I had it along with my M8, it was a bit too contrasty for some situations. With v4 it is just right.

David

 

[oldwino]

My version 2 is sharp - just not bitingly sharp like the current version. It has what I'd call a "humanist" type of rendering - very nice with people, and a great match for my V3 Summicron 50.
It also plays very well with digital sensors because of the lens design.

 

[SimonPJ]

Thanks for sharing these examples, Flat Twin. The one with the V4 does really stand out - but maybe more for the lovely lighting moment and composition than for anything to do with lens fingerprint. But perhaps the strong lighting contrast would have washed out the image a bit more with one of the earlier Elmarits.

I think I remember some rather lovely images you made with the v1 of some wistful damp landscape scenes.

 

[SimonPJ]

My version 2 is sharp - just not bitingly sharp like the current version. It has what I'd call a "humanist" type of rendering - very nice with people, and a great match for my V3 Summicron 50.
It also plays very well with digital sensors because of the lens design.

‘Humanist’ is a good word for the look. Like the 28mm Canon LTM lens Garry Winogrand used.

 

[Flat Twin]

This is the Version 1 Elmarit again. Fuji 400 Presto film in Rodinal, again, not my favourite combination!

Telesford Bridge, near Frome. December 2013 by Flat Twin, on Flickr

 

[Flat Twin]

Turbine. Telesford Mill, near Frome. December 2013 by Flat Twin, on Flickr

 

[Ko.Fe.]

My version 2 is sharp - just not bitingly sharp like the current version. It has what I'd call a "humanist" type of rendering - very nice with people, and a great match for my V3 Summicron 50.
It also plays very well with digital sensors because of the lens design.

Interesting. Somehow I was sure only III started to have back element not protruding and been fully compatible with digital M.

 

[Flat Twin]

Telesford. Near Frome. December 2013 by Flat Twin, on Flickr

 

[Flat Twin]

Telesford. Near Frome. December 2013 by Flat Twin, on Flickr

 

[Flat Twin]

Thanks for sharing these Flat Twin- all very nice. The last one caught my eye particularly but then looking back the second one also very nicely done. I'm a fan of the 28 Elmarit-M v4, and prefer it to the Aspheric version because I felt when I had it along with my M8, it was a bit too contrasty for some situations. With v4 it is just right.

David

I also enjoy the Elmarit V4, it's a stunning lens... This is the V4 on the Monochrom 1


Morning frost on the Thames. Oxfordshire, November 2016. by Flat Twin, on Flickr

 

[DwF]

Stunning is a good word! Nice one with Monochrom and BTW in the image with the chair and it's tonality contrasts the background nicely.
David

 

[CharlesDAMorgan]

Everything about that photo is exquisite Flat Twin!