Goodyear
Happy-snap ninja
Hmm.
I'm on the hunt for a collapsible 50 to pair up with my recently acquired M2.
I'm torn.
A few days ago I handled an Elmar f/2.8 - a little hazy, monster mark bang centre on the front element, and I suspect rather overpriced (GBP250). And yet it took me a great effort of will not to walk out of the store with it added to my bag.
However, Ffordes have a few collpasible 'crons as well, ranging from GBP150-250, so we're in the same kind of financial area, here.
The Summicron gives me an extra stop over the Elmar, and the much less 'special' signature. But when the Elmar collapses it collapses really tiny, and on the M2 that combo would slip into a jacket pocket with no hesitation.
Please offer me your opinions.
And the first person to say buy both gets slapped - I wish I could, but the camera needs a CLA after Christmas and that must be the financial priority for now...
I'm on the hunt for a collapsible 50 to pair up with my recently acquired M2.
I'm torn.
A few days ago I handled an Elmar f/2.8 - a little hazy, monster mark bang centre on the front element, and I suspect rather overpriced (GBP250). And yet it took me a great effort of will not to walk out of the store with it added to my bag.
However, Ffordes have a few collpasible 'crons as well, ranging from GBP150-250, so we're in the same kind of financial area, here.
The Summicron gives me an extra stop over the Elmar, and the much less 'special' signature. But when the Elmar collapses it collapses really tiny, and on the M2 that combo would slip into a jacket pocket with no hesitation.
Please offer me your opinions.
And the first person to say buy both gets slapped - I wish I could, but the camera needs a CLA after Christmas and that must be the financial priority for now...
taffer
void
>And the first person to say buy both gets slapped
Then what are you doing to do to me when I say this ?
Consider the Summitar as well, some people here just said bye to their coll crons after liking the image 'signature' of the Summitar a lot more.
No, you don't have to thank me
Then what are you doing to do to me when I say this ?
Consider the Summitar as well, some people here just said bye to their coll crons after liking the image 'signature' of the Summitar a lot more.
No, you don't have to thank me
250 is way overpriced for a banged up Elmar! The Summicrons are much more inline, and look like a good price.
Summitars have been going pretty cheap lately.
Summitars have been going pretty cheap lately.
FPjohn
Well-known
Hello:
A good Elmar is worth having as is a clean example of a collapsible Summicron. A cla cost of ~$100 (whatever the euro area fee is) is best added to the price to get the best performance from your purchase. Perhaps a russian "elmar" to start and a current new Leica Elmar later as purchase strategy?
enjoy your M2
Frank
A good Elmar is worth having as is a clean example of a collapsible Summicron. A cla cost of ~$100 (whatever the euro area fee is) is best added to the price to get the best performance from your purchase. Perhaps a russian "elmar" to start and a current new Leica Elmar later as purchase strategy?
enjoy your M2
Frank
dcsang
Canadian & Not A Dentist
I agree with Brian.
Mark, you can find a decent condition Summicron for $200 USD (I did) and the Elmar should be able to be had for roughly $180 if memory serves me correctly. Keep hunting on the Bay or perhaps put up your WTB here and on Pnet.
I have a Cron but would consider an Elmar if it came about - I would suggest you pick up one that is a) to your liking cosmetically and b) in your price range and c) will give you the signature that you prefer.
If you can't find all three in one lens, then settle for the best two out of three
Cheers
Dave
Mark, you can find a decent condition Summicron for $200 USD (I did) and the Elmar should be able to be had for roughly $180 if memory serves me correctly. Keep hunting on the Bay or perhaps put up your WTB here and on Pnet.
I have a Cron but would consider an Elmar if it came about - I would suggest you pick up one that is a) to your liking cosmetically and b) in your price range and c) will give you the signature that you prefer.
If you can't find all three in one lens, then settle for the best two out of three
Cheers
Dave
peter_n
Veteran
Mark I have an Elmar 2.8 and its a cracker. What would you use it for? The Elmar has good resolution right out to the edges so its particularly great for architecture, landscapes etc (as well as people). A perfect travel lens actually. If you're really into sharpness in the middle of the frame think about the Summitar (I personally don't like the Summicron). My Elmar is a current one BTW.
ERV
Well-known
I had an original nice 2.8 elmar that I now regret selling. I eventually replaced it with a summitar.
The elmar had more contrast and still retained a creamy evenness of tones. The summitar is very similar, in black and white the shadows are a deep rich black, however the tones are much more gradual. Both have a classic look and are great for people and portraits.
One thing to keep in mind with the 2.8 elmar is the aperture ring turns with the focus ring, so using the lens requires a bit of finesse. I used to hold the base of the lens againest my m6 and turn the aperture ring to set it, and then focus.
The other option is the recent elmar 50m, which is a great lens and can be found in the 400-500$ range. It may not look as classic as an older lens on your m2, however
they usually are in better condition used than the older collapsibles. When you factor in a lens CLA and a hood for an older lens, you are in that price range.
I happen to like collapsibles- they are affordable, and once you have one, you'll want to have another.
The elmar had more contrast and still retained a creamy evenness of tones. The summitar is very similar, in black and white the shadows are a deep rich black, however the tones are much more gradual. Both have a classic look and are great for people and portraits.
One thing to keep in mind with the 2.8 elmar is the aperture ring turns with the focus ring, so using the lens requires a bit of finesse. I used to hold the base of the lens againest my m6 and turn the aperture ring to set it, and then focus.
The other option is the recent elmar 50m, which is a great lens and can be found in the 400-500$ range. It may not look as classic as an older lens on your m2, however
they usually are in better condition used than the older collapsibles. When you factor in a lens CLA and a hood for an older lens, you are in that price range.
I happen to like collapsibles- they are affordable, and once you have one, you'll want to have another.
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peter_n
Veteran
With the current f2.8 Elmar-M the aperture ring does not turn with the focus ring, it works just like a rigid lens. It is a truly wonderful lens as Beniliam attests.
M
merciful
Guest
Summitar...
dreilly
Chillin' in Geneva
Not to be self serving (but to be self-serving) I have an elmar M 50/2.8 on sale for $180. Little haze and cleaning marks. See the FS thread for pics if you're interested.
Haven't used it but I have a screw-mount version on the way for trials against my summicron collapsible.
Haven't used it but I have a screw-mount version on the way for trials against my summicron collapsible.
bean_counter
Well-known
another Summitar....
Goodyear
Happy-snap ninja
I shoot all kinds of things, but especially architecture and people.
I was kind of leaning towards the 'cron - that extra stop is the thing.
But the Elmar still calls, and at $180 it calls all that much louder. It also wouldn't require the GAS fund to build of for all that long before a 'cron came along.
/goes back to thinking hard about it.
I was kind of leaning towards the 'cron - that extra stop is the thing.
But the Elmar still calls, and at $180 it calls all that much louder. It also wouldn't require the GAS fund to build of for all that long before a 'cron came along.
/goes back to thinking hard about it.
peter_n
Veteran
Faster film = extra stop.
FrankS
Registered User
Merciful, that is a hauntingly beautiful portrait! Can you tell us about making it? Did you direct the model, or is she a friend? Was she feeling the emotion that is portrayed?
dcsang
Canadian & Not A Dentist
FrankS said:
I concur.
I hate guys that make me feel inadequate
Now I must strive to do the same. Create that sort of portrait in my own style, not make others feel inadequate - I'd have a tough time doing that
Cheers
Dave
raid
Dad Photographer
A really clean Canon 50/2.8 makes a better value than a so-so Elmar 50/2.8 with wipe marks and internal haze. I recommend to consider a Canon lens too.
raid
Dad Photographer
raid amin said:
It is a small and light lens that is not collapsible, I need to add.
OldNick
Well-known
Here is another example of the Summitar's work. I find it to be great lens.
tajart
ancien
i'm glad to see franks is awake, alert, and looking. my thoughts exactly. beautiful portrait, nice light, nice mood. makes one forget about what lens, f-stop, film, development time, etc. just look, and of course, keep making pictures.
FrankS
Registered User
i'm glad to see franks is awake, alert, and looking. ? msitaken identity perhaps?
One reason that I think Merciful's portrait is so successful, is as tajart mentions, The emotion conveyed in the portrait completely surpases any technical questions that you think of first when looking at other pictures.
One reason that I think Merciful's portrait is so successful, is as tajart mentions, The emotion conveyed in the portrait completely surpases any technical questions that you think of first when looking at other pictures.