Leica 50 ?

gilpen123

gilpen123

Gil
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I'm eyeing to get the Elmar M 50 2.8 collapsible new version for my M3. Initially I wanted a Cron tabbed or with hood but the Elmar seems to be a good candidate and a bit cheaper though I'll sacrifice 1 stop. I am fond of available light shoots but I do have the canon 50 1.4 which can handle such situations. I love the looks of the M3 with a chrome Elmar and from what I've been reading, this lens performs well in the area of sharpness and flare. I definitely can use recommendations from people who have used these lenses and some sample comparative pictures will help a lot. Thanks.
 
I like it too. 2.8 can be a bit limiting in available light, but it's still possible, and given the lens's other strenghts (size, image quality etc.) can be overlooked. btw, petebarker, that shot is amazing!

3312051873_ddea430ce0.jpg


3312881458_3a554c7544.jpg
 
Last edited:
gilpen, I have the new Elmar M 50/2.8, and I'm very satisfied with it's sharpness. Good contrast too. It sits on my MP.

My M3 has the older Elmar 50/2.8 in M mount, and I find it almost as sharp as the new version. You might want to look for one of the older ones. Although it might take a bit to find a clean one, they will cost about half as much as the new version, and it also has a 15 bladed aperture, rather than the 6 blades of the newer style.

Taken with my M3 and older style Elmar...

original.jpg


original.jpg


original.jpg
 
The 50 Elmar-M Coll (latest) is considered an excellent lens, only limited by its f/2.8. If you shoot the faster films (fuji 400NPH, Fp5), speed should not be that big an issue. Experts often advise the Elmar-M (latest) coupled with a fast 50. In other words, use the slower lense until you need the faster.

The Elmar-M is a great lens and very reasonably priced and in skilled hands a killer lens. The Elmar-M 50 coll would be great alongside the Zeiss 35/2.8, also reasonably priced. This would make a fine kit of the highest order.

Best --Paul
 
Those were nice shots using the 3.5 version, I also like the older Elmar results. I do use high speed B&W negs HP5, Tri-X and the Kodak and Ilford chromos so I might be able to push some shots if needed. I guess the Elmar new version will be the way to go for me. I found a chrome E+ at $ 569 from a reputable used camera dealer (online). Is this a good price? The black is almost a $100 difference but I think the chrome will go very well with the M3.
 
gilpen123 said:
I'm eyeing to get the Elmar M 50 2.8 collapsible new version for my M3. Initially I wanted a Cron tabbed or with hood but the Elmar seems to be a good candidate and a bit cheaper though I'll sacrifice 1 stop. I am fond of available light shoots but I do have the canon 50 1.4 which can handle such situations. I love the looks of the M3 with a chrome Elmar and from what I've been reading, this lens performs well in the area of sharpness and flare. I definitely can use recommendations from people who have used these lenses and some sample comparative pictures will help a lot. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Ok,
Lets be honest. Your Canon is just fine and will do what those other lenses can. So, you really dont "NEED" a new lens. So, this means that you "WANT" a new lens, as you say - it will look good on your M3. In that case - just get Elmar , end of story. They all perform well. Neither Cron or Elmar will give you any benefits for available light you say you fond of. I'd stay with Canon if you are happy with it and wouldnt waste my money on somethng that looks good. Are you going to shoot with it or turn it into a shelf queen? Now if you were looking for a specific signature or sharpness or extra speed - I could see need to upgrade. Otherwise - I'd buy more film or go some place interesting to take pics with the money I saved not buying a new toy. Just my 2 cents.
 
gilpen123 said:
Btw, also considering the 50 2.0 Zeiss Planar which have very good reviews as well. Used ones are about $ 500-550.
Click to expand...

Well, now you are all over the board - at this rate - I'd get a Hexanon - better built than Planar, as sharp as good with flare and about the same price. Here is a pic from my Hex:
2439033711_237a4d8f6a_o.jpg
 
Krosya said:
Ok,
Lets be honest. Your Canon is just fine and will do what those other lenses can. So, you really dont "NEED" a new lens. So, this means that you "WANT" a new lens, as you say - it will look good on your M3. In that case - just get Elmar , end of story. They all perform well. Neither Cron or Elmar will give you any benefits for available light you say you fond of. I'd stay with Canon if you are happy with it and wouldnt waste my money on somethng that looks good. Are you going to shoot with it or turn it into a shelf queen? Now if you were looking for a specific signature or sharpness or extra speed - I could see need to upgrade. Otherwise - I'd buy more film or go some place interesting to take pics with the money I saved not buying a new toy. Just my 2 cents.
Click to expand...

I value your opinion Krosya maybe yes maybe not to buy another 50 lens. The Canon 50 1.4 has an LTM to M adapter and when you look at the lens it is not centered, I mean the center point is at the left hand side which is quite irritating. I got the adapter from Stephen maybe something worng? Would it be better to have the proper M mount just like the numerous toys you have which can also do the same thing as the others?
 
gilpen123 said:
I value your opinion Krosya maybe yes maybe not to buy another 50 lens. The Canon 50 1.4 has an LTM to M adapter and when you look at the lens it is not centered, I mean the center point is at the left hand side which is quite irritating. I got the adapter from Stephen maybe something worng? Would it be better to have the proper M mount just like the numerous toys you have which can also do the same thing as the others?
Click to expand...

Screw mount with an adapter is the same as m-mount from the start. No difference.

The offset in the canon lens is normal. If I am not mistaken, it was designed that way so that you can see some of the settings from the viewfinder.
 
Well, I think you will have non-centered LTM lens with any or most adapters, so I wouldnt worry about it.
As far as my toys - well, while they apper to do the same thing - they were chosen based on their unigue signature or speed. I mean if you really like Elmars signature - than its a great reason to get one. But the fact that it look nice on M3 - I think it's not that great of a reason. Of course you may have your own views on this. I just gave you my take on things.
 
In addition to looking good (nothing wrong with appreciating aesthetics), and imaging well (as evidenced by the impressive work of others above), the collapsible Elmar does make the M3 a nice sized kit. I use an older 50/2.8 on my M4 for that reason and highly recommend it.

-Randy
 
Thanks, I already send the seller a question. I'll prolly take it. Well lens signature or characteristics may be subjective. I am using a ZI 35 biogon, 40 1.4 Nokton and a 50 1.4 millenium Nikkor for my S3 and so far no duplication. I love the results I got from them and the only difference I see is the ooooooof area characteristics differ from lens to lens. I use only B&W and I would want to have a mid contrast but not the old lenses due to the possibility of scratches, fungus and haze issues.
 
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