Tri Elmar and framelines

[Chuck A]

I have a question about the tri elmar. On a Leica M, when you change the focal length on the lens does it activate the appropriate framelines?

I assume that on a Bessa you would have to do it yourelf.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

I played with a Tri-Elmar one day... and yes, when you turn the focal lengths ring, the appropriate framelines come up automatically.

Are you in the market for one?

 

[jaapv]

Yes it does. Some of the first ones can be a bit sticky, not changing the framelines all the time but usually it means the have not been used for some time, turning the ring back and forth a few times will usually clear it. Tri-Elmars are wonderful lenses, having the ease of use of a zoom on a rangefinder with the optical quality of the last generation of Leica lenses. It is my no.1 lens on the M6. Not to mention that they will be exactly the right lens for the M8Dig.
Obviously they wont change framelines on a Bessa, no provision being made for that.The downside to these lenses (at least the first generation) is that the focussing is not very nice. Stiff and short throw.

 

[Chuck A]

Well, not immediately. I am trying to decide on buying an R-D1 or a Leica M. I might get one after that purchase.

 

[Tim]

Following on from Jaap's comments.....

The 2nd generation Tri- is a better lens for focussing and general smoothness, as well as having a couple of other niceties like a depth of field scale. There were some initial complaints about mechanical issues when the lens first came out, these all seem to be fixed now.
It really is a great lens, the only downside is the f4 speed, but for me, as a hiking lens it is seriously brilliant. In spite of what the Leica doomsayers say, within it's range it is at least the equal of the other current Leica lenses, and better than the older ones. (Our friend Mr Puts has a write up on the Tri- somewhere on his site, lemme just go and find the link...... ahhh, here: http://www.imx.nl/photosite/leica/mseries/testm/trielmar.html )

Using a Tri- on a Bessa: One of my mates borrowed mine for a day and put it on his R2, his comments where it was a pain.... apparently, he was always forgetting to change the framelines...... I can see how this would be really easy....
Of course, ymmv.

But on an M it's wonderful!

 

[Ben Z]

I borrowed a 2nd version Tri Elmar for a trip. In theory it's a great travel lens. I did not find f/4 at all limiting, however both at 28mm and 35mm there was unacceptible (to me) intrusion into the viewfinder.

 

[Chuck A]

That was another concern that I had. I will have to look at one and see how much of the window it blocks. I really don't like a lens that blocks the finder.

 

[E.G.Keep]

Tri-Elmar Frames.

Tri-Elmar Frames.

I have the latest Tri-Elmar but continue to experience some problems
with frame selection, particularly at the 28MM focal length.

Leica admitted this with earlier lens but, I understand, claime to have solved
the trouble with current version.

Otherwise, nothing but praise for this lens. Rarely find the f4 limiting.