Leica Elmarit-M 28mm

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photo_trev

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Hey all,

I'm considering picking up one of these lenses for my M6, I really want something wider than the 35 and I think a 24 is out of my price range. The ASPH has some pretty amazing reviews, but is it worth looking into any of the pre-ASPH models?

I'm in India and am thinking about ordering from KEH and getting it shipped over, I never bought anything from KEH before but they seem to be pretty reliable. I'm interested in peoples opinions about this. Also if anyone has one they are looking to sell, shoot me a msg, I don't really care about cosmetics, just all the lenses I seem to find are pretty minty which is kinda pointless with how I treat gear.

Alright thanks!

Trevor
 
Definitely worth checking out the non-asph. lenses... I think you'll really reap the benefits of the asph. on digital sensors, on film I'm not sure if I would bother with the extra money you need to spend for an asph.
The asph. is of course quite a bit smaller, so if you think that's important to you, well you will get a sweet sweet lens for your money.
 
Thumbs up on the Elmarit 28 and KEH! I use the Elmarit asph on my M8--and am quite satisfied with it. Also, I purchased another lens from KEH and am fully satisfied with it. In my eyes, KEH grades for lenses are quite conservative.
 
Just got the 28 ASPH ... Stellar lens
Beautifully Sharp ...lots of Detail

Its small....perhaps the smallest 'M' lens
just like the 35 pre asph lux in Size

Best of Luck in your Decision
Can't go wrong really
Cheers- H
 
The 28/2.8 pre ASPH is supposed to be a great lens. The ASPH is smaller, but from what I understand, not really any sharper. The 28/2 ASPH is obviously one stop faster and about the same size as the 28/2.8 pre ASPH.

So if you don't need the extra speed, and you don't mind the larger size, it should be a great lens.
 
photo_trev said:
Hey all,

[...] and I think a 24 is out of my price range [...]
Click to expand...

Just my $0.02: Get a 24 if you really want a 24. Any 28 will stay 28. There are multiple options in the 24/25 focal length.

As to the 28 Elmarits: The most glaring properties of the present ASPH version are size and contrast. It is a good buy and it is quite flare resistant. For a new Leica lens, it is a bargain.

Rgds
Ivo
 
Thanks for the quick replies. I think that now I am leaning towards holding out for a used 24 2.8 asph, I am actually borrowing one right now and am in love with this focal length on the Leica, just seems meant to be. Haven't had anything developed yet but the feel of the lens is amazing and its always been a favourite focal length for me. I looked a bit more into used prices of the 24 and I think if I hold out for a bit I might be able to find one in my price range, especially because I don't care for cosmetics or coding.

The prices of a used 28 asph are pretty appealing though but Ivo has a good point, a 28 will stay a 28.

Anyone looking to unload a 24?

Cheers,
Trevor
 
I would not rule out the Zeiss 25. It is reported to be excellent. There was one in the classifieds recently, but I can't find it anymore now. I'd be surprised, if a Leica 24/2.8 used shows up for a lower price than the a new Biogon. Voigtländer may be an option, too, if you can live with f4.

Cheers
Ivo
 
photo_trev said:
Whats the cheapest anyones seen a 24 asph show up for?
Click to expand...

I bought mine for $1900 over the summer, and I have seen a few more go for 1950 - $2200. Going rate seems to be around $2300 - 2500 these days. Lens is now discontinued, so expect the price to go up a bit.

Add an extra $100 if the lens is 6-bit coded.

Consider as well the 25/2.8 ZM. It is a stellar performer, for about half the price.
 
Don't overlook the newer (and cheaper) Elmar-M 24/3.8 ASPH: it looks pretty fine. I'd get one, but my Elmarit 28 ASPH says no. :)
 
the ZM 25mm biogon brings by default the 28/90 framelines.
some M8 users changed the flange to bring the (24/)35/135 framelines. the change was offered as service by zeiss.
 
I have a number of wide lenses including the 28mm Elmarit, Zeiss 28/2.8, 25/2.8 and 21/2.8. All of them are truly excellent. I was shocked with the Elmarit when I took a wide-open photo of a mannequin in a window, and I could literally count each fake eyelash. The Zeiss lenses are just as good, IMO.

In some ways I prefer the Zeiss lenses due to their physical design. I love the bump on the focus ring, and that the focus ring has grooves all around, which makes it easier to fine-focus than the Elmarit.

The main reason why I prefer the Elmarit is because it is smaller and lighter. Leica lenses seem to be always smaller than Zeiss equivalents.
 
I have a v3 of the 28mm Elmarit-M
Yes, other than its size it's a very nice lens.

Does anyone have some MTFs of the v3 that we could compare against the v4? I'm just interested in how much real "improvement" was made.
 
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