Elmarit 28 ASPH On Film?

[photogdave]

So the Rockwell review got me thinking...😉
I'm considering grabbing this lens because I can get a good deal and the rebate makes it even sweeter. But I can't find many user reviews/opinions about shooting this lens on film. Everyone seems to be using it on the M8!
Any film shooters out there have an opinion to give me? I know that even with this deal the Voigtlander Ultron 28 f/2 is still about half the price, and I'm a big Voigtlander fan. But I like the size of the Leica better and I'm considering it more for an outdoor/landscape lens so I'm not bothered about the extra stop really.
Whadda ya say film users? !

 

[tmfabian]

i've used it quite a bit on my m7, it's pretty swank. If you're a voigtlander fan you can compromise and give a cookie to that part of your brain by picking up the voigtlander 28mm viewfinder to slap on top.

The big thing about this lens...and the reason I bought it over the zeiss 28/2.8 is its size...this thing is itty bitty.

As far as performance goes, it is definitely a very very sharp lens. Focusing is very smooth. The only "flaw" i have with it is that the f-stop clicks are a little too free, but they are also very smooth/even so that aspect is a bit of a toss-up. I think you'll like it, and if you buy it you won't regret it.

 

[Erik L]

what kind of deal can you get? ive been considering the Zeiss Biogon 28. ive seen them go for fair prices. considering that i cant find what i want (the minolta 28/3.5 or nikkor 28/3.5)

 

[DwF]

Ken Rockwell seemed to like it (see thread from a day or two ago). He tested it on an M film body rather than the M8 because he considers that to be a "transitional half frame digital product" 🙂

Seriously though I recall reading that it does fine with the larger 35mm format.

david

 

[photogdave]

Thanks for the quick replies!
Thomas: I tried the Zeiss too but I don't really like the focus bump or the style of the hood. Thanks for mentioning the aperture ring - I'll check it out.
Erik: One of my local shops has one in stock at the old price, prior to the increase. I have some credit there from selling some gear and the $300 mail-in rebate sweetens the deal.
DWF: I read the Rockwell report but I always like to hear what my RFF friens have to say. I trust you people the most!

 

[martin-f5]

I used it some days ago on my M7 and it's a realy funny lense,
very well built quality and the sharpness is realy outstanding.
Great to use and a real bargain.

If you have the money buy it!

these are test samples on a ugly Fomapan 100 at very bad light...

 

[Krosya]

Unless you have to have the small size or ASPH - Hexanon 28/2.8 is a fantastic lens. And cheaper too.

 

[rocheung]

So the Rockwell review got me thinking...😉
I'm considering grabbing this lens because I can get a good deal and the rebate makes it even sweeter. But I can't find many user reviews/opinions about shooting this lens on film. Everyone seems to be using it on the M8!
Any film shooters out there have an opinion to give me? I know that even with this deal the Voigtlander Ultron 28 f/2 is still about half the price, and I'm a big Voigtlander fan. But I like the size of the Leica better and I'm considering it more for an outdoor/landscape lens so I'm not bothered about the extra stop really.
Whadda ya say film users? !

I think the Voig Untron 28/2 is over 1/3 price of the leica 28/2.8 ASPH

 

[sepiareverb]

As I said in the other thread- the 28/2.8 ASPH is the best value Leica lens I think. Top notch quality at near Summarit pricing. If the small size works for you- don't pass it up.

 

[35mmdelux]

I read the 28 ASPH is the smallest lens Leica ever built. Ive owned two 28 EM ASPH. I think because of size they are great street shooter lens. The construction is heavy duty. You can find them pre-owned almost new for $1100-$1300. Bargain.

 

[photogdave]

Unless you have to have the small size or ASPH - Hexanon 28/2.8 is a fantastic lens. And cheaper too.

I've used the Hex and agree with you that it is a really good lens. But with the rebate I can get the Leica for close to the same price as the new Hex the store has in stock. Plus I prefer the hood on the Leica.

 

[J J Kapsberger]

It's a very punchy lens and with selective focus it'll render a very convincing 3D effect, which I very much like. It's been described here as having too much contrast (compared especially with older Leica lenses); I'm in no position to comment on such a comparison, but per se I haven't found contrast to be a problem.

One member criticized the lens's bokeh. However, the problem in the example he offered was not due to the lens's bokeh but instead due to indiscriminate sharpening or an artifact created by Flickr (which does tend to screw up images now and then). I very much like the 28 Elmarit-M Asph's bokeh.

 

[visiondr]

This little gem of a lens is definitely on my "to use one day" list.
Nice shots, JJ!

 

[photogdave]

It's a very punchy lens and with selective focus it'll render a very convincing 3D effect, which I very much like. It's been described here as having too much contrast (compared especially with older Leica lenses); I'm in no position to comment on such a comparison, but per se I haven't found contrast to be a problem.

One member criticized the lens's bokeh. However, the problem in the example he offered was not due to the lens's bokeh but instead due to indiscriminate sharpening or an artifact created by Flickr (which does tend to screw up images now and then). I very much like the 28 Elmarit-M Asph's bokeh.

Great examples. Thanks!

 

[WoolenMammoth]

wow, thats a nice looking lens. you can just go full frame coverage for a .72 finder and a 28, right?

 

[J J Kapsberger]

I wear glasses and can use my M7's .72 finder with the 28mm and just make out the framelines. Although I've been criticized in private for this approach, I tend to back off and allow a bit extra in the frame and trim the excess when 'developing' the image in PS.

 

[WoolenMammoth]

does anyone know what frame lines this lens will bring up on a M2 or 4?

 

[J J Kapsberger]

On my M4 from 1970, it brings up the 90mm frame. (There's no 28mm frame) I imagine it would do the same on an M2.

 

[shimokita]

I "forced" myself to shoot 28mm for one year and now I find it hard to shoot any other length. I enjoyed the experience of working with one lens over an extended period. Now using a 50mm and it takes some effort to get use to it. Here are some examples using a MP and the 28 f/2.8 ASPH (most likely ISO 400 fujifilm).

Tokyo

Casey

 

[Turtle]

yes, the outer edge of the finder is right for 28mm. I use mine on an MP-3 this way and it is not really any less accurate than using the framlines on a camera that has them because those lines are right on the edge anyway and I dont wear glasses! The 28mm lines on the 0.58 finder are much more useful and feel far more natural. Going back to the 0.72 with lines you realise just how cramped the 28mm lines are.