Which M 28mm Elmarit?

[borismach]

Want to get a M-28mm. Need some advice from you guys on which to choose.
Thanks in advance.
Cheerz
🙂 bm

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Third version works with metered Leica bodies (M5, M6 types, M7 and M8), because it has a redesigned rear element that will not block the meter. These lenses have a filter size of 49mm. The two previous versions (also made in Canada) have long rear elements and can be used in unmetered bodies (M3 and M2, with viewfinder, M4 and its types, and possibly M5).

Of course, the latest Elmarit version (46ø) is hailed as the best... or so they say. It does have a nice lens hood with a cut-out corner (which the previous version doesn't have), but for practical purposes, they're the same in terms of FOV and DOF.

Have fun shopping! 🙂

 

[Sputty]

Recently acquired a v.3. While it is a bit on the big side, and obscures a good chunk of the VF with the hood on, it is a stellar performer. I've been in awe of the quality of the photos I'm taking with it, and the price was right. I payed about $500 for it.

 

[venchka]

There is a current version for sale at the Texas Photo Forum.

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=62255

I'm only the messenger. It's not my lens.

 

[borismach]

Thanks for all the quick responses.
FYI, I plan to use it on a M6 for color film, and possibly on a CL as backup camera. I presume 28 elmarit starting from ver 3 can be used on CL as well. Am I correct?
🙂 bm

 

[borismach]

Thanks for all the quick responses.
FYI, I plan to use it on a M6 for color film, and possibly on a CL as backup camera. I presume 28 elmarit starting from ver 3 can be used on CL as well. Am I correct?
🙂 bm

 

[lic4]

I recently bought a M-Hexanon 28mm, as I heard it's optically the same as the ver 4 Elmarit. We'll see. (I haven't really used it much yet.) It might be worth checking out if you are looking for a cheaper alternative; mine is extremely well built--as strong as Leica lenses I've used.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

I also have an Hexanon, but in 35mm (f2). Has nothing to envy to the Leica types and on top of it, it looks good on a camera! 🙂

Now, the 28mm kind is a bit hard to find. However, it's worth keeping! 🙂

 

[palec]

Of course, the latest Elmarit version (46ø) is hailed as the best... or so they say. It does have a nice lens hood with a cut-out corner (which the previous version doesn't have), but for practical purposes, they're the same in terms of FOV and DOF.

The latest 28mm Elmarit is ASPH. and has E39 filter size, same as for example Summicron 35 and 50. It's also very compact but still protrudes into viewfinder. In my opinion the previous Elmarits are just too big to be used with viewfinder, but never tried them. You can use it on CL as I do, but the 40/90 framelines are bit annoying and guessing the frame does not always work.

 

[venchka]

The OP asked about Leitz 28mm

The OP asked about Leitz 28mm

I wasn't going to mention the 28mm/2.8 M-Hexanon first. 😀 Since it has been mentioned, let me add my feelings. Great lens and not terribly expensive. Many folks like the 28mm M Rokkor as well.

Both lenses shown on the M5.

 

[Tom A]

My personal favourite of the 28f2,8's is a 1981 version III, but with the later hood with the cut-out for the finder. The two previous versions were not as good, the version I in particular was a bit weak wide open.
I did have the version IV for some years and it is probably the best of the 2,8's. The reason I disposed of that one was that I found myself going back to my III version all the time and I also had too many 28's.
My version III was boughgt new in -81 and I used it in Paris for a year and it has a certain sentimental value.
I did try the 28f2.8 ASPH and if I had to buy a new 28 (and it had to be a Leica) I would consider that one.
I did have the 28f2 Summicron, but I never warmed up to it. I found that I preferred my 28/1,9 VC when I needed that speed.
Also look at the ZM 28f2.8 - it has a nicer tonality in bl/w than the Elmarit's, but I dont know what it is like in color.
For small and compact, though a bit slow - nothing beats the VC 28f3.5. In bl/w it is one of the best lenses, period, that I have used. It is so good that I have stocked up on it -have three at the moment!

 

[Michiel Fokkema]

Hi,

I recently sold my v2 and bought a v4. The v4 is sooo much better than the v2. The asph. should even be better but I can' see how, the v4 is perfect already in my book. V2 is oke, but not more than that.

Cheers,

Michiel Fokkema

 

[maddoc]

I had the vs. 3 Elmarit with the later cut-out-hood. The lens is a little bit prone to flare but otherwise quite sharp. Sold it because I like the SA-M 21mm more and have also the 35mm pre-ASPH `lux.

 

[mfogiel]

I've started off with the verIII Elmarit and swapped it for the latest ASPH for better sharpness and above all compact size. It is a good lens, but not as good as my 25 or 35 Biogons, alas I needed a smaller lens than the Zeiss 28, for use on the Bessa R4A. What I like about it, is the lens hood with the snap on cap, which is very practical in daily use.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Palec, you're right... I just am too used to thinking about the previous as if it were the latest. Big oopsie 🙁

 

[KEH]

The new 28/2.8 Elmarit Asph is pretty much glued to my M8. Great price, great performance (Parliament Hill in Ottawa):

Small and light to boot.

Cheers,
Kirk