50mm f2.8 Elmar-M?

[ktmrider]

So, I searched the Leica M lens thread and can find very little on this lens. I just ordered one from Classic Connection primarily as part of a light weight travel trio for the M9 and I wanted a normal lens in black finish. Thought about going with the 50f1.1 but size and the fact that I do not seem to use my 35f1.2 much determined a different track. The other two lenses would be the 35f2.8 C Biogon and 90f2.8 Tele Elmarit M.

I would like hearing comments and seeing images from this lens-film and digital.

 

[back alley]

is this the last version, now discontinued?
if so, it is a beautiful lens...renders colours wonderfully...the only leica lens i really loved (of the few i had).

https://www.flickr.com/photos/back_alley/albums/72157623489931612

 

[ktmrider]

Thanks for the link. Nice images.

Have the latest version of the Summicron in chrome. I wanted something lighter that looks better on my black M9.

And yes, it is the latest version in Mint condition from Sam at Classic Connection. As I stated earlier, it will be one third of my lightweight travel combo.

 

[Rob-F]

Thanks for the link. Nice images.

Have the latest version of the Summicron in chrome. I wanted something lighter that looks better on my black M9.

If you need/want f/2, the black version of the Summicron is lighter than the chrome version. Leica makes the moving helicoid parts with brass and aluminum. The chrome version uses brass for the larger outer part of the mount, while the black version has the brass on the inside and the aluminum on the outside, making it lighter.

Of course, the Elmar is lighter still.

 

[Ronald M]

You will not be disappointed.

That lens a new 50 1.4 are my go to 50 mm lenses. Mostly I use the 2.8.

 

[Erik van Straten]

This lens has a very special rendering indeed. There are two versions: a heavy chrome on brass and a light weight anodized black.

One of the very best Leica lenses.

Leica MP, Elmar-M, Elmar-M 50mm f/2.8, Tmax400.

Erik.

 

[Bruno Gracia]

one of the best, indeed.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

It is mystery lens in terms of the search.
I just found this one.
https://rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=93997
And this:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50733
Can't find another thread started by M9 user if I'm not mistaken.

 

[mfogiel]

This is one of best kept Leica secrets: a revised and perfected modern Tessar design. Absolutely perfectly balanced for B&W:

20133816 by marek fogiel, on Flickr

 

[ktmrider]

Thanks for the links. How do you guys search for them? I went through all five pages on the Leica Lenses section and did not see anything devoted to this lens.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I use google search engine with rangefinderforum.com in the search. My black one isn't very conrtasty. It is balanced.

 

[zleica]

One of my favorite M lenses. It performs the best at around f4-f8 and at about 2 - 5 meter distances. I took it with me on a recent business trip to Japan: https://www.flickr.com/photos/97024932@N08/albums/72157660529161040

 

[JPSuisse]

I have one of those in silver and I am using it more and more. The light weight and sharpness make it great on the MP or the M8.

So far (after 5 years) I find it ergonomically problematic and has a quite high contrast. Very good, but probably slightly better for B&W.

Since everyone else is posting B&W, I'll post a color shot from 2010. That's Velvia 100F shot at F4 and 1/1000.

 

[Richard G]

A wonderful little lens. I bought the M9-P in chrome, so had to have this in chrome too. Without the hood, collapsed into the M9, it's a pretty compact package in the hand for a full frame digital and 50mm lens.

The focus is easy despite no tab. The aperture intervals vary but I hardly use it smaller than f5.6 anyway.

The colour is lovely too, as well as how nicely it works in black and white.

 

[Brian Legge]

I'm a fan.

 

[Richard G]

 

[Richard G]

I have the instruction booklet for the lens. With the aperture mark in line with the mounted lens's red dot, pull out the lens all the way and turn the lens clockwise fully. There is a small bayonet at the inside end of the focus tube which locks the lens into the picture taking position. I did once get a dud photo by pulling out the lens and rotating it but I had not pulled it out far enough.

For use on the M9 it is best to mount and unmount the lens with it extended to avoid bumping the focus tube against the black painted interior of the camera.

Most sales I have seen have included the lens, rear cap, UVa filter, tiny cylindrical hood and metal front cap. Hold out for the full kit.

 

[ktmrider]

Enjoy the photos and opinions. The full kit is on the way so my compact travel package is almost complete.

 

[Richard G]

On my Monochrom right now is the 35 C Biogon 2.8 and on the M9 is this Elmar M 50. I rarely have a lens on digital faster than f2.8 these days: smaller size means a lot to me. Enjoy your fast enough travel kit.

 

[presspass]

To make it even more compact, buy a folding rubber lens hood instead of the one that comes with it. It also gives good protection against accidental bumps and better light shielding than the small metal hood that comes with the lens. Surprisingly, it also works well as a low-light lens if you bump the film speed a bit or have steady hands.