Now there is a lens

[jaapv]

I just got my Summilux 24 in and I'm deeply impressed. Not only is it the best built Leica lens I have ever seen, and I've seen quite a few😉, it turns out to be a lot more handy on the M8 than I anticipated,quite sleek for its specifications really and the optical quality is superb. I only had time to grab a few shots in failing light as I drove home from work,no pretense of photographic excellence from my side, but those are enough to start a long love affair. Razor sharp plane of focus wide open and a out of focus rendering that is poured from the cream bottle. This lens is worth every Euro of its admittedly exorbitant price.

And a 100% crop. I might add that the plane of focus is exactly where I put it; to the millimeter...

 

[figfoto]

I find the 24mm focal length the most useful lens on the M8. I have the 2.8 elmarit version and very happy with it, but the 1.4 from what I can see from your post is really nice.

 

[robklurfield]

Jaap, beautiful shots. Enjoy the lens in good health. I, too, have the 28 2.8. Got to save up for the 24 now.

Say, how do I get that M3-style top plate engraving on my M8?

 

[jaapv]

Ask Leica and pay your pound of flesh...😉

 

[robklurfield]

How much does a pound of flesh go for these days?

 

[jaapv]

I'm not sure - it was done some time ago as part of crash repair by Solms. I would guess a few hundred dollars.

 

[Harry Lime]

Nice.

How much of the viewfinder does it block?

 

[jaapv]

That is a hard one to answer. Not as much as I expected, about the same as the old Tri-Elmar with the 24 hood fitted I would guess. At any rate not so much that I really notice, but then I have been shooting rangefinders for a long, long time, so I may have some immunity.

 

[noimmunity]

Looks to my eyes like it has lower contrast and more of the magic of older lenses.

 

[Damaso]

Excellent results, I look forward to seeing more...

 

[thinkfloyd]

the horse shot is gorgeous!!! too bad i'd have to pay 10x what my life is worth to get ahold of one of these 😀

 

[ali_baba]

i'm starting to wonder if i should try and play with one of these.
i sprung for the 21 for stage work, but now am thinking i would like to be able to frame in the viewfiner!

 

[Steve Ash]

Jaap,

congratulation to your new lens. If it wouldn't be that close to my summicron 28 I would also go for it. I am thinking of getting the 21 instead. Luckily it is not so easy to get so there is some time for savings.

My favourite one of your shots is #2.

Regards
Steve

 

[raid]

Congrats, Jaap. As usual, your photos are great looking.

 

[Ben Z]

Congratulations on the new acquisition! My dream is to happen on a cosmetically-challenged 24 Elmarit-ASPH for ~$1500. (Not much chance of the dream coming true, I know 🙁)

 

[msbel]

the horse shot is truly a gem. nice work regardless of lens! (still, far as the new 1.4 lenses, "i'll take it - wrap it up"...oops, must have dozed off into a dream for a sec.)

 

[peter_n]

Congratulations on the new acquisition! My dream is to happen on a cosmetically-challenged 24 Elmarit-ASPH for ~$1500. (Not much chance of the dream coming true, I know 🙁)

One sold on eBay for $1700 the other day...

 

[Ben Z]

One sold on eBay for $1700 the other day...

I limit myself to uncomplicated, small-ticket items on eBay. Used cameras and lenses I only buy from established merchants with a no-hassle return policy, like KEH. I know there are great bargains on eBay but I don't have the stomach for risking getting the rotten apple from the barrel. Like Clint Eastwood said, "A man's got to know his limitations." 😀