the elmar 50mm 2.8.

[colker]

i like the size, weight... perfect for walking around everywhere. 2.8 is as good as it gets.
now, how does this lens compare to a summicron 50/2.0?
how much should i expect to pay for one as a user? not beat up, not hazy, foggy peice of memorabilia but as a one and only lens for a Leica?

Thanks

Flavio Colker

 

[furcafe]

Are you referring to the "new," recently discontinued, version? There have been several threads on the topic of that lens (try searching the archives, using Google, not the forum's rickety engine), e.g.,

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69301

 

[MCTuomey]

i owned the modern elmar and really liked it. sold it to fund other gear and now regret having done so. a nice way of rendering, modern and vintage at the same time somehow. nice "pop" to its images, 3D, zeiss-like (did i just say that?).

 

[visiondr]

It's the best 50 mm lens that has ever been or ever will be. It is the ne plus ultra of 50 mm lenses. If you can't win a Pulitzer with this baby, you are not a photographer. In fact, you should sell all your gear and take up water colour painting.

 

[raid]

My first version Elmar is sharp. I really like it.

 

[cmogi10]

I'm seriously considering trading my 50/2 for for a modern 50/2.8.
I don't know though, The sonnar has always been my go to 50. The summicron is just such a nice compliment because it's so sharp and "perfect".
The size and pictures I've seen from the new elmar make me want to do a swap. That and it can collapse on the M8 which makes it a really practical lens for just daily life.

 

[J J Kapsberger]

It's the best 50 mm lens that has ever been or ever will be. It is the ne plus ultra of 50 mm lenses. If you can't win a Pulitzer with this baby, you are not a photographer. In fact, you should sell all your gear and take up water colour painting.

The art supply store down the street has a clearance sale on. Send me a list; I'll stop in on my way home from work tomorrow for you.

Elmar 50, both versions: fabulous portrait lenses.

 

[thomasw_]

I picked up an Elmar just before they were discontinued; an awesome portrait and reportage lens. It is a wonderful complimentary 50mm with an asph lux.

 

[maddoc]

I had one (the new version) and while optically interesting, I didn't like the handling. Flimsy focus ring, without mounted hood not easy to pull it out, and with mounted hood nearly same size as an Rigid Summicron but one stop slower....

 

[J J Kapsberger]

...It is a wonderful complimentary 50mm with an asph lux.

In fact I'm tempted to say that if you don't need speed, it's (to my eye) as nice a portrait lens as the 50 Summilux Asph.

 

[mark-b]

I have the 50mm F2.8 Elmar in silver finish; coded for the M8. Compared to the 50mm Summicron F2.0, I prefer the Elmar's bokeh and slightly lesser contrast.

I'm glad I bought the Elmar before they discontinued it.

 

[peter_n]

WRT the OP's question, I think a good price would be $500-600. I had two and sold one recently for $550. Great travel lens. Pic below is from Puerta del Sol in Madrid.

 

[Rafael]

Great travel lens.

Agreed, in packing for an upcoming trip, this was the first lens I put in the bag.

 

[visiondr]

The art supply store down the street has a clearance sale on. Send me a list; I'll stop in on my way home from work tomorrow for you.

Ha!
Ironically, it is the only 50mm lens I haven't used to produce a published photograph with... yet.

 

[Calzone]

I really like this lens. I got mine last December just before they were discontinued.

I was able to negociate the price because Leica had a $300.00 rebate. I took a price quote from B&H to Adorama to buy my Elmar for $650.00 used. The condition was as if new, complete with box, case, papers, hood, caps...

So essentially I bought a like new Elmar for $650.00.

Good luck.

Cal