Leica Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm f/4 ASPH on M8?

C

Cranialpush

Member
Local time
3:39 PM
Joined
Jul 4, 2005
Messages
44
Location
Bucks, UK
View My Gallery
Has anyone had any experience with the Tri-Elmar-M on the M8? I'm thinking of treating myself to one to experiment with but have heard little from those owning an M8.

How do they perform? Worth the dosh? Example pics?

CS.
 
I bought my 16-18-21 mm 4,0 Tri Elmar together with my M8 (deal), because when you have a 1,3 crop camera you need a super wide lense to compensate for this. I regard the WATE, as it is called, together with the M8 as one of the very best wide angle/camera combo's on the market (together with Canon 1Ds II and the new 16-35 mm 2,8L II).

+
Resolution. Among the sharpest I have.
Low vignetting and CA.
Weight/compactness.
Excellent wide angle, even at 1,3 crop M8.

-
When using the filter holder/filter you have no sun shade.
Filter is far larger than the front lense glas and vulnarable to finger touches.
Front lense glas protrudes out of the lense barrel when at 16 mm; can easily be damaged.
Expensive! (Make a 'deal': Buy it together with the M8)
 
What framelines does it bring up. I am asking this because if I get one I would like to be able to see the 24mm framelines when I am shooting at 21mm.
 
I'd love one, but it was too rich for my blood in the beginning, and now I read it's going up to almost $6K in the US and the Frankenfinder is included (gee, you don't think that's a ploy to force people to buy that monstrosity, now do you 🙄 ). I'll have to settle for the C/V 15 and 21, which weigh together about what the WATE weighs, (and cost less than the box the WATE comes in 🙄 ) Maybe someday a used one....
 
Just a quick (non intended gloating note) that I received mine last Tuesday and from the little I've managed to play with it, it's just superb, I'm in love!

:angel:

Must confess it was really far too rich for my blood but with the impending price increase I took the plunge and I'm not sorry I did; I'm confident I'll still have this lens in 20 years. The engineering and workmanship is just to die for.

Pictures soon I hope!

CS.
 
Rayt said:
What framelines does it bring up. I am asking this because if I get one I would like to be able to see the 24mm framelines when I am shooting at 21mm.
Click to expand...

It comes with it's own external finder. I have no clue as to which framelines will show in the VF.
 
I imagine it must bring up the 28/90 pair, because a 9cm bayonet adaptor is the one that, when coded and placed on a 15mm C/V, brings up the WATE menu.
 
28/90 framelines correct.

Get yourself an IR filter holder from John Milich & 49mm Leica IR filter for it and it's a superb lens combo. The Leica 67mm filter assembly really is a monstrosity by comparison.

Stunning lens. I'm glad I got mine but in reality you can get great results from the CV WA primes too, at the expense of some convenience.

The CV 12 complements the WATE for when you want to really go wide in the traditional sense.
 
Tri - Elmar, my take with photos

Tri - Elmar, my take with photos

The attached photos were taken with the M8, Tri Elmar 21,24,28 ( digital ) mounted.
What I like about the lens. Smooth focus ring, solid Leica Quality. Very sharp picture results. Dynamic color rendering.
What I am not too happy with. The necessity to focus in the camera and then frame the picture in the attached viewfinder. It’s a time restraint annoyance. I’m not sure the middle focal length ( 24mm )is necessary. I never used it on this shoot. I keep going from 21mm, to 28mm. There is very little difference from the middle (24mm ) to the low and high. By the way each time you shift, it is necessary to turn a knob on the mounted finder to match the lens setting.
I have not tried it on the M7 yet. The difference my be more dramatic in 16,18,21, mm ranges.
What I hate. This beautifully constructed Leica lens comes with a cheap plastic lens cover. It looks like something you would see on a toy camera. To make maters worse, it keeps sliding off the lens with the slightest touch. It works better if you attach it up side down.
Finally what is very cool. The viewfinder has a built in bubble level and it is very easy to see and use even with glasses.
I’m I happy with the lens, YES, but then I’m a big sucker for all things Leica. I just can’t help it. Bill
http://www.pbase.com/leicalight/tri_elmar_16-18-21
 
GrahamWelland said:
28/90 framelines correct.
Click to expand...

I've got the Elmarit 21mm ASPH, and I wish it brought up the 24mm framelines instead of the 28. If it did, so much easier to visualize more accurately the actual 21mm frame without an external viewfinder. Right now still a hit-or-miss adventure.
 
I was hoping the WATE would bring up the 35/24 frame lines on the M8 so I can just mount a 21mm finder on the body and use the on camera finder for the 21mm position and the external for the 16mm position. Oh well....
 
1243916327_2d8e27719f_b.jpg



WATE on M8, but I wonder if it is so much better than the CV15 Heliar...
 
summilux said:
1243916327_2d8e27719f_b.jpg



WATE on M8, but I wonder if it is so much better than the CV15 Heliar...
Click to expand...
Indeed! Here are some similar 15mm Heliar images for comparison:
 

Attachments

  • 002 Vienna (Large).jpg
    002 Vienna (Large).jpg
    72 KB · Views: 0
  • 014 Twin Towers Vienna (Large).jpg
    014 Twin Towers Vienna (Large).jpg
    81.3 KB · Views: 0
  • 006 Twin Towers Vienna (Large).jpg
    006 Twin Towers Vienna (Large).jpg
    63.2 KB · Views: 0
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom