the chase for a 90

L

lscaglio

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Hello!
I want a 90 mm and I can't decide between these two: Tele-elmarit 90/2,8 and Elmarit 90/2,8.
Will you help me?

Thanks
Luca
 
Hi Luca,

they are both great lenses. If I were you I would pick based on condition and price (stay away from coating defects, haze, fungus, etc). If you really want small/compact, the Tele Elmarit is better. If you really want sharp, the classic Elmarit is.

Best,

Roland.

EDIT: I was referring to the classic lenses. The new Tele Elmarit (46) is outstanding but more expensive. The older Tele Elmarit and Elmarit should cost around US 250-300.
 
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Luca, you're talking about 3 lenses, not two.

My advice is to look for a pre-ASPH 90/2. With some luck and patience, you can get one at under $700. The extra stop can be handy.
 
i'll toss in and say u should get the nikkor 85mm f2 instead. Gem of a lens at a fraction of the leica's price! So sharp i only use mine sparingly and often with a softar infront .
 
Lots of them

Lots of them

90s are everywhere. Hardly a week passes without virtually every model of Leitz 90 coming up for sale on the internet.

Want to be really confused? Toss the M-Hexanon 90/2.8 into the mix. :eek:
 
You can find more info here http://www.kbcamera.com/elmarit90mm.htm . I have a 90/2.8 Fat Tele-Elmarit and like it for it's small size. I don't do a lot of no/low light shooting so it does me well and I use faster film if needed. The newer model maybe sharper and a little larger. I have handle an older 90/2 and wondered why anyone who values RFs for their compactness would mount such a monster on an M. That is only a personal comment and as I said I have not found the need for speed in what I photograph. If I needed the additional lens speed regularly then there would be no choice.

Bob
 
Luca:

You will hear many varied responses of course, but I would like to offer another which you jsut cannot go wrong with.

The Elmar-C 90mm that came with the CL/CLE.

It is a dynamite performer in every way and very well built. Furthermore, you can find a CLA'd version for $250 more or less...usually less.

IF you have no problem with f4....I never have and I suggest researching it. You will not be disappointed.

Best
D
 
I've used the Elmarit v1 since 1968 and actually like it in many ways over my 90 apo asph summicron. The v1 is sharp, good contrast, small compared to the summicron, resists flare, beautiful oof and performs better at close range than the apo asph summicron.
 
The 90/2,8 Tele-Elmarit is a nice little compact lens. But check it carefully before comitting yourself. They were prone to having the balsam in the lens mount going bad.This shows as white specks around the glass edge. Once this has started. it will slowly degrade the glass by fogging. It is mostly seen on early ones, the later Canadian ones are fine.
The Elmarit 90/2,8 is a another good lens. Main problem with this one is the aperture blades. The can stick and also cut into each other. When you look at the lens from the front, you can see the blades, right up at the front of the lens. What happens is that the aperture ring gets stiff with age and if you try to force it, the blades bend and jam. It is one of the most spectacular aperture blade assembly you can see, Lot's of blades!
The fat 90/2,8 Tele-Elmarit is semi rare, but it is very good. It is a 5 element design and is a bit sharper at 2,8 than the small compact 90/2,8 tele-Elmarit. The latter was designed as a portrait lens and has a bit softer rendition wide-open.
The Pre-Asph 90/2 is a mediocre lens! Heresy I know, but I would put up the Version II Elmarit (collapsing hood) as a better lens. The first version of the 90/2 in compact shape (1990) stinks! The collapsible shade slides back and covers the aperture ring! Dont know how many shots I lost by turning the shade, rather than the ring. In the end I drilled and tapped holes in the barrel and locked the shade in extended position permanently.
If speed is not a problem for you-dont overlook the 90/4 Elmar. I have a thing about these lenses, particularly in the collapsible M-mount. It has to be one of the most solidly built lenses ever made! Not a bad performer and looks better than anything else in the 9o range!
The VC 90/3,5 Apo-Lanthar is another slower but extremely good lens. It is actually a true Apochromatic lens. It has the advantage of being a more modern design than either of the Version i of the Elmarit and Tele-Elmarit.
 
If you look closely in the first and thord shots you'll see individual hairs. The old v1 is a serious fine piece of glass. I've owned three over 39 years and never had any issues. I would like to see how the CV version performs though. If it's like the Noktons and Ultrons it's a killer.
 
A sample from a fat Tele-Elmarit shot at F4, I think.

Bob
 
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lscaglio said:
x-ray compliment for the beatifull pictures!!!
Will someone post some Elmar C pictures?
Grazie
Luca
Click to expand...
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=37105&ppuser=1085

and

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=37104&ppuser=1085

were both made with the first version M-Rokkor 90/4, which is identical to the Elmar-C except for having a 40.5mm filter fitting instead of a Series mount.

It's an excellent lens as long as you don't need extreme low-light capabilities. Generally retails for $200-$300US.
 
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