Membedeep
Member
Has anyone used the LTM 2.8/50 Elmar? I am curious of what this lens is capable, beside what Ken Rockwell says. I have it and I wonder is it worth keeping it and use it. Thanks!
Dralowid
Michael
You may find that more people use the M version (Not Elmar-M which is another story altogether). I don't think the LTM 2.8 version is too common.
Michael
Michael
Erik van Straten
Veteran
You may find that more people use the M version .
The M version and the LTM version are exactly the same, except for the way they are connected to the camera.
Erik.
Pete B
Well-known
Pete B
Well-known
Hibbs
R.I.P. Charlie
I have no experience with this lens but I ran into Tom A. a few months back and he had high praise for the last version. In fact, he even suggested that it was discontinued because it was eroding the sale of the Summicron. It was that good.
If I had not bought the Planar 50/2, I'd seriously consider this lens.
~ Hibbs
If I had not bought the Planar 50/2, I'd seriously consider this lens.
~ Hibbs
WJJ3
Well-known
Would like to bring this thread back to life because this is a great lens that doesn't get much attention. After owning the f3.5 Elmar, and mulling whether to get a collapsible Summicron instead, I settled on the 5cm f2.8 Elmar in LTM, and I really enjoy it. It ticks all the boxes for me, and I hope others who are shooting this lens (M or LTM) will add some photos here.


Trying to scale focus close up. Need more practice!

Uncluttered shooting: scale focus on my 1f.
Sunlight hitting the orange filter and front element of the Elmar. Need to use a hood...

A couple shameless string light bokeh shots wide open


My tenpura rice bowl shot close up using the SOOKY-M on my M3.



Trying to scale focus close up. Need more practice!

Uncluttered shooting: scale focus on my 1f.

Sunlight hitting the orange filter and front element of the Elmar. Need to use a hood...

A couple shameless string light bokeh shots wide open


My tenpura rice bowl shot close up using the SOOKY-M on my M3.

WJJ3
Well-known
smaller aperture, scale focus on my 1f, Delta 400

13Promet
Well-known
Except that wide open is way too soft for me, I like the way it renders from f/5.6 on.
Basically, I consider it an f/4 lens.
I've had two clean samples, bayonet version, and the behavior was exactly the same.
Basically, I consider it an f/4 lens.
I've had two clean samples, bayonet version, and the behavior was exactly the same.
WJJ3
Well-known
Except that wide open is way too soft for me, I like the way it renders from f/5.6 on.
Basically, I consider it an f/4 lens.
I've had two clean samples, bayonet version, and the behavior was exactly the same.
It's definitely not the sharpest tool in the shed wide open, and I agree, middle and smaller apertures are great. f4-5.6 still allows for some subject separation at near distances, eg. people photos etc.
f5.6ish

Erik van Straten
Veteran
Leica M2, Elmar 50mm f/2.8 v1, Tmax400.
Erik.
Erik.

02Pilot
Malcontent
I've been interested in this lens on and off for a few years. The samples look nice, but based on what I'm reading, it's not likely to be a big advance on my 50/3.5 Elmar (except for ease of setting the aperture). GAS averted...(for now).
Erik van Straten
Veteran
it's not likely to be a big advance on my 50/3.5 Elmar
It is certainly no big advance on the M-version of the 50mm f/3.5 because that lens is even better. Much more rare however.
Leica M2, Elmar 50mm f/3.5 M-version, Tmax400.
Erik.

02Pilot
Malcontent
Mine is the older LTM version. Technically inferior, perhaps, but I have no complaints.
ferider
Veteran
Except that wide open is way too soft for me, I like the way it renders from f/5.6 on.
Basically, I consider it an f/4 lens.
I've had two clean samples, bayonet version, and the behavior was exactly the same.
Not my experience.
When I had a clean 50/2.8 LTM copy ....



Roland.
WJJ3
Well-known
Leica M2, Elmar 50mm f/2.8 v1, Tmax400.
Erik.
![]()
Not my experience.
When I had a clean 50/2.8 LTM copy ....
Roland.
Nice photos here. I really like the OOFA with this lens, and despite the lack of a sexy large aperture, shallow depth of field and subject isolation effects are easily possible.
jbielikowski
Jan Bielikowski
I used to have the M-mount version, really liked it.
I have a 30x40cm darkroom print of this picture on the wall, it's a ISO 100, 1/15th second shot and it looks great. For people it's also great because wide open the DOF is just enough to have the person in focus but nicely separated from background.

I have a 30x40cm darkroom print of this picture on the wall, it's a ISO 100, 1/15th second shot and it looks great. For people it's also great because wide open the DOF is just enough to have the person in focus but nicely separated from background.
WJJ3
Well-known
Elmar 5cm f2.8 LTM, smaller apertures, Tri-X


nickthetasmaniac
Veteran
It is certainly no big advance on the M-version of the 50mm f/3.5 because that lens is even better. Much more rare however.
Leica M2, Elmar 50mm f/3.5 M-version, Tmax400.
Erik.
![]()
This is lovely Erik
WJJ3
Well-known
Ok, since I have never tried this version of the Elmar
but vaguely remember sone complaints in the ergonomics ... What was it ??
Hello! So far I have heard complaints that it's not sharp enough wide open, and about the lens turning when you try to change the aperture
Personally I like the performance at f2.8, and the changing aperture - turning lens thing doesn't really bother me
I think this lens has so much more going for it than against it!
Share:
-
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.