LEICA M 3.8/18 SUPER-ELMAR preview

Turtle said:
Quite! I shoot monochrome only and would struggle to justify three times the price for Leica lenses. My ZMs are wonderuful, my only issue being a couple have developed the focus wobble/rattle and will need something tightening up somewhere. Their performance is incredible and all those who say their contrast is a problem in B&W, this simply is not true if you develop and process your own negs and prints. if you do not I can see how it would be a problem...

Its great that Leica is pushing out more glass, but I confess to being disappointed that their 24 3.8 was priced relatively highly and not more along the Summarit lines, adjusted for the FL - lets face it, its a slow lens. I am hoping Zeiss will produce a small 25 f3.5/4 now and that this ping pong will allow us to have a really broad choice between the two manufacturers. Some nice pancake type lenses from Zeiss would be good, although the 35 3.8 is moderately small.
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Well, for a small compact 25f4 - look at the P version of Voigtlanders 25mm. The P designation means that it is coupled to the rangefinder. It is the same optics as the Snap Shot Skopar - and that is high praise indeed. It is a damned good lens!
The ZM Biogon 35f2.8 is relatively speaking small, but bigger than a V3 Summicron and considerably bigger than the 35f2.5 VC II lens. The Zeiss lens is very good, even at 2.8. A bit higher contrast than the VC lens and also the V3 Summicron. There is not much difference in resolution or "sharpness" between these lenses for most everything you shoot. It is mainly a matter of taste and ergonomics that is a deciding factor in my opinion.
 
larmarv916 said:
When are these people going to learn...this lens will be dead on arrival. No one will stock it and total sales in the US will be almost ZERO
All the Best....Laurance
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If you´re not wealthy, you´re not the target audience. The only Leica product I own is a used MP. Cosina lenses are 10% of the price but 90% of the performance of Leitz. Thank you Mr. K. Why worry? 😉
 
Tom A said:
Well, for a small compact 25f4 - look at the P version of Voigtlanders 25mm. The P designation means that it is coupled to the rangefinder. It is the same optics as the Snap Shot Skopar - and that is high praise indeed. It is a damned good lens!
The ZM Biogon 35f2.8 is relatively speaking small, but bigger than a V3 Summicron and considerably bigger than the 35f2.5 VC II lens. The Zeiss lens is very good, even at 2.8. A bit higher contrast than the VC lens and also the V3 Summicron. There is not much difference in resolution or "sharpness" between these lenses for most everything you shoot. It is mainly a matter of taste and ergonomics that is a deciding factor in my opinion.
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Tom,

I am trying to keep filters, ergonomics and contrast fairly similar and so want to stick with ZMs if possible. The 35 2.8 is increasingly appealing I have to say. A compact 25 would be a great companion for it on a 0.58 body!
 
I have the 35f2.8 (though it is currently hibernating as we have the gloomy west coast winter here). It is a very good lens, nice smooth tonality - a bit of a "punch" to the contrast. I did put a bunch of shots done with it on Flickr last year. If you tag "Zeiss ZM Biogon 35mm f2.8" they should pop up, as well as a lot of other users shots.
 
larmarv916 said:
Ok..lets get down to what is historically always Leica's problem. In spite of owns the company...SALES Price !! AT 2300 Euro's right now that would be, based on a 1.28 exchange rate 2944 USD. That is insanely higher than the Zeiss 18mm lens. Which is about 1100 USD or even less. This is another example of Leica's internal culture that has made sales a ever declining trend.

...

All the Best....Laurance
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Same as the American automobile industry. Only that they are down the drain already.

Cheers,
Uwe
 
Iam more worried that Leica is finding a new way to bleed red ink. I have a 25 Zeiss that is stunning. I will expect that if possible to buy a 18mm Zeiss next. the same is that no matter who the target audience is worldwide. This is just another example of error of executive judgement. That is also why there is no value added for owning a M8 or M8.2..as I see it. Long term survivability is all about increasing total sales..this lens will not help the balance sheets at Solms. What is not a step up is a step down..money spent with no return on investment..equals a loss. The 16-18-21 lens would on a subjective basis not cutting the mustard...either Yes it's not my problem but watching step out in front of a oncoming train is not accpetable either.
 
Dude, come on! In Leica terms I'm sure this lens will sell well. You'd rather Leica sell only focal lengths no other manufacturer sells?

larmarv916 said:
Iam more worried that Leica is finding a new way to bleed red ink. I have a 25 Zeiss that is stunning. I will expect that if possible to buy a 18mm Zeiss next. the same is that no matter who the target audience is worldwide. This is just another example of error of executive judgement. That is also why there is no value added for owning a M8 or M8.2..as I see it. Long term survivability is all about increasing total sales..this lens will not help the balance sheets at Solms. What is not a step up is a step down..money spent with no return on investment..equals a loss. The 16-18-21 lens would on a subjective basis not cutting the mustard...either Yes it's not my problem but watching step out in front of a oncoming train is not accpetable either.
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