Leica Elmarit pre-asph lenses

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A small photo business near my apartment is selling the 2.8/28 and the 2/24 -both Elmarit pre-asph and new old-stock. How do they compare with the later asph models and what do you think would be a reasonable price? Also, are there known compatibility issues with the Leica M-E? Many thanks for your feedback, Peter
 
Hi Peter,

I have owned and used the first "versions" of the 28 Asph lenses in f2 and f2.8 and currently have only the 28mm Elmarit Pre-Asph (version4). I used them on M9 so that should be similar to ME as far as compatibility. They are all good but when I had the 28 f2.8 Apsh and then picked up the Summicron, I preferred the Summicron not only for the extra stop but for the way it rendered and the Summicron was not so high in contrast. I enjoyed the f2.8 Asph for it's size and handling but image quality and the extra stop was more important to me.
Of course it is difficult to tell from Jpegs but these below were taken with the Elmarit Pre-Asph (ver 4). To my eye this lens draws similar to the Summciron but is generally considered a bit more even across the frame, even wide-open. Unless you want the extra speed, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this one. I got my lens from a good friend and although there was a trade mixed with cash 🙂 we both felt the value of the 28 Elmarit at $1000-1100 was fair at the time (a year ago).

I've enjoyed many of your images here on RFF!

David

164410870.qdrHzf58.FogonTracks.jpg


164310918.VCY56nl5.LookingNorthontheSound.jpg
 
A small photo business near my apartment is selling the 2.8/28 and the 2/24 -both Elmarit pre-asph and new old-stock. How do they compare with the later asph models and what do you think would be a reasonable price? Also, are there known compatibility issues with the Leica M-E? Many thanks for your feedback, Peter

Which version exactly? There are at least two, IMHO:

— Elmarit 2,8/28mm «11801»

and

— Elmarit-M 2,8/28mm «11804»

EUR 800, perhaps?
 
Which version exactly? There are at least two, IMHO:

— Elmarit 2,8/28mm «11801»

and

— Elmarit-M 2,8/28mm «11804»

EUR 800, perhaps?

Yeah, agree on the price range. Probably on the $800.00- $1000 range?.

I got Elmarit 28 Ver 2 and I just love it. Havent test it on digital though.

Regards.

Marcelo
 
Thanks David -your photos pop!, radical and mpaniagua: more homework... I do not know which version of the Elmarit pre-asph 28mm is on offer. This said, I found that the Leica store in Geneva is offering the current Elmarit 28mm asph version at the same price as in the USA...so if bargaining doesn't work on the pre-asph version, I'll get the asph version, instead. Again, many thanks for your feedback! Peter
 
Thanks Peter. I'm sure you will have fun with whichever one you get. 🙂 Looking again at your original post- new old stock! I bet that is the Pre-Asph version and if like new w box and case, it would be in my opinion closer to 1100. in $US and bet they'll ask a lilttle more. Still way cheaper than the Summicron. The 24 is a nice lens from everything I have seen but have no first hand experience.

Post pics when/if uyou get it!

David
 
Be aware though that V1 has a back element that protude too mucho into the body. This was fixed on V2 onward. This may be an issue with some digital bodies and create incorrect light measure on models with meter (m6,m7, bessa r's, etc.).

Regards.

Marcelo
 
I used Canada made 28 2.8 on M-E. Absolutely no problem. I think, it was v3, one before they moved it to Germany, changed construction, but it was not ASPH, yet. Same special rendering as on film, but less prominent. Those are worth of 600, 800 USD maximum, but most of the time they are priced much more.
If I will buy 28 2.8 now it will be Ultron for best price/performance (f2 and modern) or 28 2.8 ASPH for the best of the best (small, coded and sharp).
 
He will be sitting on that lens at that price until it becomes "old" old stock!

Simon- nice capture there. The 4th version (and Summciron too) typify that older less contrasty look, also making it easy to retain shadow detail. You see that here in the bank and tree trunks acoss the river.
 
I know what you mean wanting to support Local and independent. I will pay a bit more to support a local shop if they have something I want or need and where there is a connection.
 
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