CV 90mm vs screw mount 90mm f4 Elmar

[rayfoxlee]

I have a nice condition Elmar, but wonder if any RFF member has compared the performance of the Leica lens with the CV offering. I like fairly contrasty and sharp lenses, and although the Elmar is OK, it is unexceptional. More modern Leica offerings are bit pricey for a focal length that I only rarely use, but the level of use I get from the Elmar is probably a reflection of the rather awkward user experience with the aperture collar that rotates with the focussing ring.

Any feedback would be welcome.

Thanks

Ray

 

[ferider]

If M-mount is OK, you might want to consider the later Elmar-C or equivalent (but easier to filter/hood) M-Rokkor 90/4.

Very sharp and contrasty and typically US 250 or so used.

The other option for LTM is the Canon 100/3.5.

Roland.

 

[x-ray]

Consider the 1st version 90mm Elmarit. If you want an M mount you can find them for $300-400 in very nice condition. I love the lens and find it performs better at closer range then my apo asph 90 Summicron. I still carry one and have owned three over forty years and had a couple of tele-elmarits and elmars of which I still have one 90 elmar. The Tele-elmarit is more flare prone and only an average performer wide open much like the elmar.

 

[f16sunshine]

I have the Rokkor 4/90 as well as the CV Apo 3.5/90.
The images from the CV are simply more lifelike. Colors and out of focus transition is top notch. It's a true Apo and can be found for under $300. IMHO none of the old Elmars will compare even though they can still produce nice images.

 

[payasam]

The 9cm Elmar is a good lens, but the Apo-Lanthar is noticeably sharper and more contrasty.

 

[Justin Low]

I found the Elmar 90/4 to be a decent performer, actually. Yes, the contrast was slightly lower than the APO-Lanthar, but really, it's not bad, considering it's age.

If you're talking about modern lenses, hands-down, the best the I've tried is the 90/2.8 Elmarit-M (last version). A close second is the 90/2.8 M-Hexanon by Konica.

I was not overly impressed by the 90/2 Summicron (pre-ASPH), and it was large and heavy.

I think that the Hexanon runs a bit more than the APO-Lanthar, but the difference is worth while.