Leica Elmarit-M 28mm F2.8 v4 (pre-asph) ... impressions?

[bobby_novatron]

Hello everyone -- I just purchased an Elmarit 28mm f2.8 version 4 (pre-asph) lens, and am just finishing my first roll of film through my M6 with it.

I was wondering if anyone would kindly offer their opinions regarding this lens. I have done a lot of research on the 'net to figure out the generalized differences between this lens and other similar 28mm offerings from Leica or Zeiss ... but I just want to know from other owners how they would characterize the version 4.

Thanks in advance!

 

[bob338]

I have one, bought it on a whim for $500, it's become one of my favorite lenses. I haven't compared it to anything else, though.

Bob

 

[bobby_novatron]

$500? Wow, you got quite a deal! These typically go for $1000-1500 in good shape.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

$500 for a v4 28mm Elmarit? Either you were very lucky or this happened a long time ago.

I have a v3, and never compared to anything myself, but it's a very nice, sharp lens. It took me a while to get used to it, but once I did, it was all nice and dandy.

 

[bob338]

I bought it in the classifieds here on RFF! It was a year or two ago, there was another one for sale at the same time for about $800. I also bought a very nice V1 35mm Summicron for $800 the same month.
Lenses have gone up in value a lot in the last couple of years, I guess due to the M9 coming out.

Bob

 

[sepiareverb]

I shot the V4 beside a 28 Summicron for a while, the V4 was quite a fine performer in every way. I found it often was a little bit contrastier than my other lenses, but could not be faulted for anything. Dislike the hood it shares with the Summicron, I used a Contax G hood or an aftermarket one from Japan Exposures on it (and the Cron). One of those lenses I sold and occasionally miss.

 

[bobby_novatron]

sepiareverb -- thanks for the insights. I just finished running a roll of Portra400 through my M6 using the Elmarit 28/2.8 v4, but haven't got the film back from the lab yet.

I have heard the v4 is contrasty, but not as contrasty as the newer ASPH version. Since I'm a big Zeiss fan, I'm hoping I'll enjoy enjoy the Elmarit v4.

 

[maddoc]

Interesting, I once had the 28/2.8 Elmarit vs 3 (Mandler design) and never really liked it 100%. Just last week I bought a (used) ZM 28/2.8 Biogon and that lens became already a favorite. 🙂