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Older Tele-Elmaits 6-bit codeable?


grober

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Leica's press release last month about 6-bit coding for the M lenses suggests that Tele-Elmarit-M 90mm lenses (Catalog # 11800) could be sent in for retrofit. The Leica release stated that this lens was delivered from 1973-1989. However, by pawing through my stash of older Leica catalogs, specifically #37 and #40 from the years 1964 and 1967 respectively, I also noticed the same catalog number for this tiny tele.

 

So I'm perplexed about sending in my older, skinny, Canadian-made Tele-Elmarit for the coding. Can anyone direct me to a serial number list of Leica glass so I can figure out when my Tele-Elmarit was made? I'd hate to send it in only to be told, "Sorry; the lens is too old."

 

Thanks!

 

-g

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Bill L: Yeah, I've wondered myself whether the 90 cropped as a "120" will be long enough.

 

I've generally used my 135 more than any other single telephoto on my .72x Ms, and I'm not sure I won't miss that little bit of extra 'reach'.

 

Grober: Leica made two rather different 90mm lenses called the Tele-Elmarit, one from 1964 -1973 (So-called 'fat' version, no "-M" in the name) and the other (so-called 'thin' version, or Tele-Elmarit-M) from 1973-1989.

 

According to Leica's list - ONLY the later version is supported as regards the 6-bit zebra coding.

 

Any lens serial number later than 2 556 501 is 1973 or later.

 

Leica Objektiv Serienummer og produktionsår -Leica Lenses serial number and production year

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I'm getting mixed messages here about the 90mm on an M8 - Andy seems to be saying that a 120 FoV is not long enough, William seems to be saying "why would you need one as long as that?". Am I right?

 

I never felt the need to go beyond 90 up to now, so the 120 will provide me with a new view with my Elmarit-M.

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Actually what William seems to be saying is that a .72x viewfinder cannot handle the framing or focusing of a 135.

 

Whereas the truth is that a .72x viewfinder CAN handle the framing and focusing of a 135 very well - but some photographers can't.

 

I don't happen to have that problem - all these were shot with a 135 on various .72x cameras (M4, M4-2, M4-P, M6). Great wildlife lens, BTW.

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J.W.,

 

Just curious, but what do you plan to do with a 120mm viewpoint on an M camera? They don't come in .85. Suggest you wait on information on the Digital M viewfinder before you spend your $$$.:cool:

 

William,

 

I actually had two Leica 90mm lenses but sold the Apo-Summicron because I thought it would fetch more money on eBay than the Tele-Elmarit. (It did.) With the M8, my primary tele will be the superb 75mm Apo-Summicron which I bought late last year. The little 90mm Tele-Elmarit, although a bit slow, has never disappointed me. It will become my "long" tele, given the 1.3x factor rumored to be in the M8. (I also just sold my older but still perfect and much-loved 135mm Tele-Elmar.)

 

The M8 is compelling if only because of the miserable decline in the availability of quality but still affordable labs in my area.

 

The M8 together with my other film body will afford me the most flexibility. I don't shoot with glasses on so most any viewfinder in the first edition of the M8 should be fine for me.

 

-g

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For serial number dates see Home Page

 

Bob,

 

THANK YOU!

 

Looks like my thin Tele-Elmarit was made in 1974 so it looks like I'm included. Off it goes to Leica for surgery on its rear. (No proctology pun intended.)

 

I'll let y'all know when I get the lens back.

 

Thanks to all for your help on this question. AGAIN the value of this forum is proven.

 

-g

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