Leica Elmar 50mm F2.8

Leica MP, Elmar-M 50mm f/2.8, Tmax400.

Erik.

18972787690_49e3c299c7_c.jpg
 
I hope, I'm not too wrong here:
I'm also a big fan of the Elmar 50/2.8 and I had several of the, mostly from the 1960ies.

But as much as I love it, I wish, there were something like it with 35mm. Does anyone here know about a 35mm lens, collapsible and really small, with similar qualities like the Elmar? (Qualities: Sharpness and rendering, size and handling)

I have the 35mm Summilux ASPH. for my M240 and it is my main setup, I see and think in 35mm focal length. But I sometimes like to have something less clunky, like my M6 with Elmar, which is a fantastic pocket combination.

This in 35mm would be just great
 
I just received my 1958 Elmar 50mm f2.8 in the mail today. It's my first collapsible lens.
Will be taking it out for a spin tomorrow.
 
I think Tom was quite a fan of the later version. I seem to remember that it was discontinued largely due to it's impact on Summicron sales.
 
Thank you, this was interesting to read.
br
Philip

mfogiel said:
Elmar M 1st is an M mount version of the original 50/2.8 LTM Elmar, with the aperture iris right behind the first lens and with almost circular aperture. It is lower contrast, and somewhat soft wide open, sharpens up around f 5.6-8. The second version has been made in the nineties, I believe as part of some special edition Leica, and then it has remained in production for a few years. The lens has been recomputed, the aperture is now more recessed and it only has 6, although somewhat curved blades. One minor improvement is that the f stop ring does not rotate when you focus - I believe Tom Abrahamsson was actually responsible for that ;-). The good news though, is that the lens is substantially sharper and very flare resistant, while conserving a Tessar like 3D effect and very pleasant bokeh. Mr Puts claims it is almost at par with the later Summicron versions, perhaps even sharper in the field. The rendering in B&W is particularly equilibrated, with medium contrast.
Click to expand...
 
Clean, crisp rendering. In some ways I like it better than the Summicron 50. A yellow filter was used for this shot.

windows.jpg

Elmar-M 50mm f/2.8, M2, XP2 Super
 
My copy was made in 1960, I use it on my 1954 IIIf.


On flickr
Crop (around 33% of picture area) from Ilford FP4+ negative (Rodinal 1+25 9m). Shot wide open. I need a better scanner...

elmar_1.jpg

Shot at f/4. Same roll as above (my first with this camera and lens). I am more than happy with this lens.
 
Question about Elmar 2.8 LTM vs. 2.8 in M mount:

Does the newer version with fewer aperture blades retain the characteristics/charm of the older lens, or does bokeh deteriorate with fewer aperture blades?

Kirk
 
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