Leica IIIc 90mm Elmar Lens Tests

[doubs43]

This final lens test was done using two 90mm Elmars on my IIIc Leica at 8.5 feet on Agfa APX-100 Pro film. The Black Elmar is pre-war and uncoated while the Silver Elmar is coated and much newer. The actual image differences are less than one might expect.

At f/4, the Silver (coated) Elmar is clearly better. At f/8, there's precious little difference. I'd still have to give top honors to the Silver Elmar.

The first two images are the Black Elmar at f/4 and the Silver Elmar at f/4. The next two images are the same lenses at f/8.

The final image is with the Silver Elmar at f/8.

Walker

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

I think the first 90mm Elmars' resolution isn't that spectacular (consider the emulsions of the time), but it is still a pretty nice and underrated lens. I am still kicking myself for having let go of mine. When I went to buy it back, it had been sold; it's hard to find one in pristine condition without paying a premium. I've got one in my gallery shot with this lens. Wonderful for portraits.

 

[doubs43]

I think the first 90mm Elmars' resolution isn't that spectacular (consider the emulsions of the time), but it is still a pretty nice and underrated lens. I am still kicking myself for having let go of mine. When I went to buy it back, it had been sold; it's hard to find one in pristine condition without paying a premium. I've got one in my gallery shot with this lens. Wonderful for portraits.

That was exactly my thoughts; the uncoated Elmar would be perfect for portraits. It belonged to my father for many years and he used it on his IIIa often. When I inherited it, the elements had slight haze internally. I cleaned them and the glass is now as good as new.... no scratches on the surfaces whatsoever.

One reason I'm doing these tests is to determine which lens is best suited for which body. Up to 90mm there's not much to worry about but, as my 135mm tests indicate, the longer lenses may not be as accurate when focusing up close as we'd like. I plan to repeat the tests, possibly this weekend, with my IIIf body.

Walker