Elmar 2.8 compared to collapsible Summicron?

[David Hughes]

The rotating front won't be a problem if we use this sequence:

1. Shutter
2. Aperture
3. Focus
4. Expose.

Notice the initial letters are S-A-F-E. It's the SAFE method because the aperture is set before focusing, thus avoiding disturbing the focus setting. It's a good thing for a student to learn no matter what camera or lens they use. It helps to remember all the settings.

I'd add "don't touch the infinity lock until you are ready to focus" but S-A-F-E is something everyone should do.


Regards, David

 

[Phil_F_NM]

I loved my LTM 2.8 Elmar and sold it unfortunately. On my old IIIf it was such a perfect small kit. My M4 with DR Summicron was and is the more advanced, more capable kit but weighs three times as much. Nowadays I have a Retina IIa with 50mm f/2 Xenon for the tiny pocket camera. Anyway, the old Elmar is a great optic and I wouldn't hesitate to use one again.

Phil Forrest

 

[hendriphile]

The rotating front won't be a problem if we use this sequence:

1. Shutter
2. Aperture
3. Focus
4. Expose.

Notice the initial letters are S-A-F-E. It's the SAFE method because the aperture is set before focusing, thus avoiding disturbing the focus setting. It's a good thing for a student to learn no matter what camera or lens they use. It helps to remember all the settings.

I tend to do these things by instinct but it’s good to have your mnemonic . Thank you!

 

[davidnewtonguitars]

I opened it up and there is a black painted steel or brass ring for the tube to slide on. That is as far as I went in. I asked Youxin and he said there was no adjustment.

Sounds like the felt or whatever they use for light seals around the lens barrel is worn a bit too flat.

Regards, David

 

[shawn]

The rotating front won't be a problem if we use this sequence:

1. Shutter
2. Aperture
3. Focus
4. Expose.

Notice the initial letters are S-A-F-E. It's the SAFE method because the aperture is set before focusing, thus avoiding disturbing the focus setting. It's a good thing for a student to learn no matter what camera or lens they use. It helps to remember all the settings.

Sure, but that sequence does not fit all situations. For example when zone focusing at a distance and then adjusting for light. Or making test shots are various apertures to check the lens out. Last one is where I run into this on the Elmar. Not a huge deal but is something to watch out for. Does the Itooy fit the Summicron?

Shawn

 

[Pioneer]

There is no lock to keep the lens barrel retracted, only extended.

I have a very nice MS Optical Apoqualia collapsible 50/3.5 lens that slides out on its own. It doesn't really cause any problems but it can be irritating.

Most of my Elmars are tight enough (read that old enough) that they pretty much stay in place when collapsed. However, my M 50/2.8 Elmar is a heavier lens so it may be more susceptible.

 

[bayernfan]

There is no lock to keep the lens barrel retracted, only extended.

I have a very nice MS Optical Apoqualia collapsible 50/3.5 lens that slides out on its own. It doesn't really cause any problems but it can be irritating.

Most of my Elmars are tight enough (read that old enough) that they pretty much stay in place when collapsed. However, my M 50/2.8 Elmar is a heavier lens so it may be more susceptible.

the MS Optics 35/3.5 also exhibits this behavior. honestly, there's not much to be gained in collapsing it, so mine stays permanently extended 😎. that and it's way too fiddly.

the newer elmar-m 50/2.8 does collapse quite nicely and stays put. if only the focus throw wasn't so short/fast. it's crazy!

i realize neither are LTM, just wanted to comment on the collapsibility of them.

 

[shawn]

Just an update.....

Looks good on there, loaded with tri-x.

Lens itself is near mint, coating and front element look great and I put a filter on it to keep it that way. It was CLAd by DAG. Collapsing the lens is a very smooth, tight fit and it does not move at all when collapsed.

Shawn

 

[retinax]

Looks like new, I hope you aren't too intimidated to use it (I might be). Is that a Series filter adapter in front? Does it work with wider lenses? Looks so long and narrow.

 

[shawn]

It does look to be in great shape. Think I scored on that lens. I will use it but carefully.

The filter is a Marumi 39mm UV. Color matches well, I haven't tried it on anything wider. It adds just over 4mm to the front of the lens.

Shawn

 

[bayernfan]

classic combo shawn. i don't use a filter in front of mine, just use a rocket blower and if absolutely necessary, lens cleaner and a zeiss microfiber.

post some pics when you've made them.

 

[helen.HH]

Great shot Helen!

lovely of You ... Thanks !

 

[Rob-F]

The 50/2.8 Elmar is a fine lens, but I will never give up my Collapsible Summicron, for its soft-sharp look wide open, and the tack-sharp rendition stopped down.

50mm Collapsible Summicron at f/2 on Leica M2

 

[shawn]

post some pics when you've made them.

Nothing more than snapshots from my first roll...

On this one it looks like I might have slight light leaks around the shutter. I only get this occasionally though, not on all shots.

Shawn