New 50 'lux question.....

[BigSteveG]

For those in the know....
What are the specific differences (besides filter size and built-hood), between the 43mm and 46mm variations? weight? handling? cosmetis? any known or acknoledged issues w/ either variation?
Thanks for any answers....I'm getting close to it....

 

[peter_n]

I think the major difference is that the 46mm focuses closest to 0.7M but the 43mm only goes to 1.0M. Maybe the coating is better on the 46mm. I have a 43 and highly recommend it. Whichever you choose you will love the lens.

 

[maddoc]

I heard the same, the E46 allows closer focussing to 0.7 m and has improved coating. I have the E46 and like the lens.

 

[BigSteveG]

Thanks. Most of the 43's I'm finding are beaters.

 

[colinh]

http://www.leica-camera.us/photography/m_system/lenses/466.html

will give you "Leica M Lenses, Their Soul and Secrets" by Erwin Puts. Which tells you a lot about different versions of M lenses.

(Haven't checked what it has to say about the lenses you're interested in)

Remember that Puts waffles a bit sometimes, but also that it's been translated into English.

colin

 

[JNewell]

The focusing helix on the E46 is also considerably steeper, so it goes from infinity to .7m in something like (I am going on memory here) 90 degrees, as opposed to more like 135 degrees or more for the E43. Focusing is faster but arguably harder to touch up for fine adjustments. I have an E46 and previously had an E43 and on the whole I prefer the E46.