Questions on late Elmar 2.8 50mm

[gdi]

I just received a latest version Elmar Collapsible and I have a couple of questions.

Is it normal for the barrel when extended to lock in several possible orientations? I have to be careful when extending and locking to ensure that the aperture index mark will be positioned at the top (or 12 o'clock) position. Depending on the rotation of the collapsed barrel, it is possible to lock it in other positions. I don't remember my summicron working this way.

Second, the lens came with a rather large clip on vented hood "12858H" and a cap for reversing - no original tube hood or cap. Any suggestions for a replacement cap to fit directly on the lens without a hood? What size would it take for a slip on (a pinch cap should be 39mm). The original replacement is quite expensive plastic (14285).

Thanks

 

[sepiareverb]

Once you get the lens extended and aligned properly it is easy to keep it working that way. The 1/5 or so turn counter-clockwise just till the lens will collapse is enough of a turn. As long as the lens isn't rotated while collapsed it will align properly each time.

I had a few mishaps with it at first also, but never even think of it anymore.

The proper hood is tiny, and I question it's usefulness. Plus it makes the lens much less compact when collapsed. That said, I do have it on all the time.

Best spacial rendering of any of the 50's I've shot.

 

[Rafael]

The correct hood for this lens is 12550.

This is definitely one of my all-time favourite 50mm lenses. According to the lens comparison published in LFI a while back, it has the best close-up performance of any of the latest generation 50mm lenses from Leica (excluding the new Noctilux of course).

 

[awilder]

Regarding the clip-on hood, I would avoid attaching it to the lens or you'll mar it's finish. That hood was probably sent as a courtesy since the seller may have not realized it wasn't a correct match for that lens. As was mentioned previously, sell it and buy the correct screw-in hood and cap if desired. BTW, I once compared it's close up performance to the flagship 50/1.4 ASPH and the Elmar-M gave better performance. I suspect the Summicron would do about as well as the Elmar-M but I doubt any better.

 

[silvalis]

My chrome elmar has a 12549 hood. It's a little metal tube.

 

[gdi]

Thanks for all the great info! I am glad to hear the locking is functioning normally.

I am thinking of going "hoodless" with this lens to keep it as small as possible. I need to find a front cap for it - I think a plain Kalt or such if I can find one small enough.

I am anxious to try it out properly, but the quick tests I have done confirm that it should be a great performer.

 

[Calzone]

The tube hood is not very deep. If you choose to go hoodless consider using a UV or Skylight filter as a partial compromise. BTW a skylight kinda warms up the colors a bit.

How flare free is this lense? Anyone.

Cal

 

[visiondr]

I haven't found any flare or veiling glare in photos taken with this lens. I could be, though, that I haven't taxed it too much and always shoot with the hood and no filter. That's just my experience.

I'll echo sepia's comments on the almost preternatural spatial rendering this lens has. Stunning.

 

[vieri]

The lens will lock in various position according to where you start your locking turn (if that make sense). I have one from the previous generation, without hood, but I couldn't get it to flare yet and - as has been said - I like to use it without hood anyway to keep the whole package as compact as possible.

shot wide open or thereabouts, M2, Arista Premium 100 @ 100 ISO (aka Plus-X), 510-Pyro, Coolscan 5000.

 

[marke]

I'm with Vieri. I have the late version, and I have found it to be very flare resistant. I keep the hood off also. It's a great lens.

And Vieri: good choice on the film. 😉 I use the 400 a lot, and have found the 100 to be very fine grained.

 

[vieri]

I'm with Vieri. I have the late version, and I have found it to be very flare resistant. I keep the hood off also. It's a great lens.

And Vieri: good choice on the film. 😉 I use the 400 a lot, and have found the 100 to be very fine grained.

Hey Mark, good to see you 😀 I also use the 400 a lot, I went trough 30 rolls in a couple of months and am very pleased with it - the 100 I used a little less (light or lack thereof is the culprit) but I really like them both in 510-Pyro; just Tri-X & Plus-X look alike, for quite a bit less money (make rolling your own redundant!) 😉