M8/9 owners: New 28mm Elmarit vs. Older models

[eleskin]

I have the Canadian 28mm Elmarit from 1980 and have used it well with my M6. I have owned the M8 since 2007, and am planning on the M9 later this year.

I am just wondering, which version of the 28mm Elmarit is best matched with the new M8/9 digital technology. I have noticed you can get some flare, and contrast can be lower. Those of you who have used the older 28's on Digital m's, I would be interested in your impressions of the new lens. If it is to my advantage to have one, I may consider it in that if I sell my other lens, the new one will not cost that much.

I do like the more compact nature of the lens ( Mine - the Elmarit from 1980-has the huge lens shade) not intruding in the field of view in the viewfinder. So what other good things will I see with this lens as opposed to the older design I have?

 

[eleskin]

I have version 2 Canadian 1970,s

I have version 2 Canadian 1970,s

It seems I made a mistake. The 28mm I have is the second version made in Canada in the 1970's. Knowing this, I would say the new one would be different in performance.

 

[sepiareverb]

The 28/2.0 is my main lens on film and often used on my M8. I also use a 28/2.8 V2, mostly for shooting Kodachrome but occasionally on the M8:

Here is the 28/2.8 V2

Here is the 28/2.0:

both jpegs directly from the card with no post production.

The V2 is a tad softer overall.

 

[jaapv]

I cannot say I am very impressed by these shots. They are not very sharp and lack all contrast.

 

[Spotlight]

This is a sample of my Elmarit ASPH 2.8.😉

 

[Ben Z]

I own a 4th-generation (E46 filter) Elmarit. It is tack-sharp, contrasty, and virtually flare-free. I've used the Elmarit-ASPH and found its only advantage is the small size. But it's a significant advantage (and the 4th-gen is the smallest of the pre-ASPH Leica Elmarits). If the price was even (and typically they are, used) I would not hesitate to go with the ASPH. I happened to pick up my Elmarit for half the usual price because the previous owner believed the internet babble that "Leica coatings are so hard you don't need a [image degrading] UV for protection" and ended up with a 2mm-long hairline scratch in the front and a 50% hit on resale value.