JimG
dogzen
I'm thinking about getting a used Elmar 2.8 (one of the newer ones). I use to have an uncoated prewar one. Have any of you used one? What did you think. I'm looking for a modern lens with a more classic kind of look. JimG
Elmar 2.8 ?
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Mike Richards
Well-known
I just got a new 50mm Elmar f2.8, collapsible. This gives me a pocketable Leica M that I take with me more often than a larger package. I really like the lens/M6TTL combo and have obtained good results. As an example, I took the camera/lens with me to the mall with my grandson recently. The results are the B&W images here:
http://homepage.mac.com/richam/PhotoAlbum106.html
A very good lens for compactness and portability, but doesn't open up to f1.4 like my Summilux.
http://homepage.mac.com/richam/PhotoAlbum106.html
A very good lens for compactness and portability, but doesn't open up to f1.4 like my Summilux.
JimG
dogzen
Thanks' Mike, These are the kind of results I was hoping for. The shot with your grandson eating icecream convinced me. JimG
R
ray_g
Guest
I have no experience with the elmar, Jim, but there are quite a few on the forum that like it.
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23244&highlight=elmar
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23244&highlight=elmar
back alley
IMAGES
from what i have read and what i have seen on the net i think it's a great lens.
i would get one and i think be very happy.
i have an earlier ltm version.
i would get one and i think be very happy.
i have an earlier ltm version.
JimG
dogzen
Very nice Pete. I just got a Canon 1.4 for lowlight but I'll try the Elmar in low light as well. JimG
AusDLK
Famous Photographer
It's a sweet little lens.
Buy yourself one.
Buy yourself one.
chewbacca
Member
hI Jimh
Elmar 2.8 is one very nice piece of tool by my opinion. I don’t like to judge lenses by dissolving power, aberration corrections and all other technical things, but by theirs “expression”. This one has character of his own, moody with distinguish “old school” signature. I just want to point out that there are bunch of lenses which can be put in this group of “pat time glass”; compared to Summitar, Summaron and Summilux Mk1, Elmar 2.8 is more all round glass and usable in most situations. Go for it mate!
Some technical info to help you make your mind:
Elmar was constructed as an inverted copy of Zeiss Tessar, simplest and sharpest glass of that era. Number of iris blades enhanced from 3.5 to 2.8 model (if I remember correctly) resulting in almost perfect circle around f 5,6; producing very fine out of focus circular shapes and very fine defocus. Late models of 2.8 are cvolty coated and more resistant to scratches, also with improved color “chewing”. Couple of things you should luck fore:
1 Shape of front and rear glass (coating and glass scratches)
2 Fog and fungus (as with all “old bust__ds “)
3 Tightness of a collapsible barrel lock
4 Try to find rear cap for SuperAngulon, it fits nice and lets elmar to collapse all the way. It is weary handy
Good luck
Luke
Elmar 2.8 is one very nice piece of tool by my opinion. I don’t like to judge lenses by dissolving power, aberration corrections and all other technical things, but by theirs “expression”. This one has character of his own, moody with distinguish “old school” signature. I just want to point out that there are bunch of lenses which can be put in this group of “pat time glass”; compared to Summitar, Summaron and Summilux Mk1, Elmar 2.8 is more all round glass and usable in most situations. Go for it mate!
Some technical info to help you make your mind:
Elmar was constructed as an inverted copy of Zeiss Tessar, simplest and sharpest glass of that era. Number of iris blades enhanced from 3.5 to 2.8 model (if I remember correctly) resulting in almost perfect circle around f 5,6; producing very fine out of focus circular shapes and very fine defocus. Late models of 2.8 are cvolty coated and more resistant to scratches, also with improved color “chewing”. Couple of things you should luck fore:
1 Shape of front and rear glass (coating and glass scratches)
2 Fog and fungus (as with all “old bust__ds “)
3 Tightness of a collapsible barrel lock
4 Try to find rear cap for SuperAngulon, it fits nice and lets elmar to collapse all the way. It is weary handy
Good luck
Luke
Last edited:
MCTuomey
Veteran
Fwiw, the Elmar 50/2.8 I purchased not long ago doesn't leave my M4. Sold my DR Cron and my nice Summarit as a result (I don't keep what I don't use).
It's got the right blend of qualities, kind of a refined less modern look, imho. And like others have mentioned, it handles very well.
It's got the right blend of qualities, kind of a refined less modern look, imho. And like others have mentioned, it handles very well.
JimG
dogzen
Mike, that' exactly what I have in mind. I want this as a main or possibly only lens for another camera I have been unsuccesfully trying to reason myself out of buying.
back alley
IMAGES
how much does a used current version usually go for?
anyone know?
joe
anyone know?
joe
dreamsandart
Well-known
The new Elmar is a 'modern style' type look. I would say its as sharp and as high contrast as the newest Summicron, just a stop slower and collapsed more compact. With the modern lens coatings its less flare prone than the older design also. The newer design has a parallel focus mount and doesn't rotate like the older lens, the focus throw is very short, and it focuses down to 27"/.7 with very good results.
If you are looking for a 'classic look' I don't think this is the lens, just get the older Elmar for that. But for an all-around compact lens the new Elmar is a super lens.
Another consideration and the reason I sold mine, with a hood on and collapsed - unless you remove the hood every-time you store it away - the lens is not that much more compact than a stop faster ( and about the same price ) Summicron.
If you are looking for a 'classic look' I don't think this is the lens, just get the older Elmar for that. But for an all-around compact lens the new Elmar is a super lens.
Another consideration and the reason I sold mine, with a hood on and collapsed - unless you remove the hood every-time you store it away - the lens is not that much more compact than a stop faster ( and about the same price ) Summicron.
JimG
dogzen
back alley said:
I'm looking at one for $600+ in new condition from one of our sponsors. Jim
back alley
IMAGES
JimG said:
667 from popflash, used mint.
that's not too shabby.
i wonder if one could be had for 500 used, not mint?
jot
JimG
dogzen
Joe, You found me out. That's the one. Jim
back alley
IMAGES
i've been looking too.
but i must stop...😉
but i must stop...😉
visiondr
cyclic iconoclast
JimG,
I just picked up a used, yet for all intents and purposes new, chrome Elmar from a gentleman here on RFF. The chrome version is georgeous! It cost me $580 USD with a Leitz UV filter. I love the lens. Obviously the size is a big selling point. As previously mentioned, it quickly becomes a "carry everywhere" lens. So far I have no shots to show as I've only put a roll and 1/2 through it. But, simply having the camera on my person at nearly all times has led to more than one golden photo opportunity. The lens handles very well. An interesting note; though it has a 6 leaved diaphragm, the aperture seems nearly circular up to f/5.6. That should result in a better bokeh than one might expect from a hexagonal opening.
BTW, ss a result of the new Elmar, I'm selling my pristine current Summicron in case anyone's interested.
Ron
I just picked up a used, yet for all intents and purposes new, chrome Elmar from a gentleman here on RFF. The chrome version is georgeous! It cost me $580 USD with a Leitz UV filter. I love the lens. Obviously the size is a big selling point. As previously mentioned, it quickly becomes a "carry everywhere" lens. So far I have no shots to show as I've only put a roll and 1/2 through it. But, simply having the camera on my person at nearly all times has led to more than one golden photo opportunity. The lens handles very well. An interesting note; though it has a 6 leaved diaphragm, the aperture seems nearly circular up to f/5.6. That should result in a better bokeh than one might expect from a hexagonal opening.
BTW, ss a result of the new Elmar, I'm selling my pristine current Summicron in case anyone's interested.
Ron
back alley
IMAGES
we have a gentleman here at rff?
😉
😉
JimG
dogzen
Ron, I don't remember seeing that. I think most members try to sell here at below market value.
Joe, I'm sure he only meant it euphemistically.
Joe, I'm sure he only meant it euphemistically.
W
wlewisiii
Guest
I'll admit that as a "split the difference" kind of thing I've more than once checked the prices on LTM 50/2.8 Elmars. Still way too much for the level of desire I have, given the glorious 50's I already own & the bills I need to pay, but it's easy to get GAS... :bang:
William
William
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