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28-70mm f/3.5-4.5 Vario-Elmar R


sfage

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I have an opportunity to buy a 28-70mm f/3.5-4.5 Vario-Elmar R but I have heard some "not so good" things about it.

 

Example: "This is probably the most disappointing lens in the whole Leica range. Photographs lack that "Leica look and feel". I used mine for 6 months then sold it. I expected more seeing as how the Japanese made 80-200 is such a gem. But I guess if the basic design is not right its a dog regardless of whos name is on it."

 

"Pincushion distortion at 70mm. Noticeable in archictectural photography only"

 

Would someone care to comment?

 

I'd "like" it to work out for me but if it won't, it won't.

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Hi-

 

I had one these years back and sold it. As long as you stay away from the extremes it's good from about 35mm to 60mm. Using it at 28 and 70 gets a little funky. I did like the sharpness and color however.

 

Best,

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I was given this lens when I bought my R7 in late '90s. The lens is more or less as the previous posts describe it.

 

However, Leica claims that at 50mm the lens performs like a prime and it almost does. I would call it "a 50mm slow lens with some acceptable zoom capabilities on either side."

 

By the way, would you mind posting the price of the lens you found? I am interested in selling mine.

 

Paul

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If this is the same lens that was packaged in the 'Safari' and later sold separately, it's conjecture that Leica people were 'turned off' as it was made by Sigma of Japan. They did not view it in a favorable light simply for that reason. I have never used one so no 'hands on' experience or results. The last 35-70 f 4 was designed by Leica and manufactured in Japan. It is so good people wonder why Leica did not designate it as aspherical due to having one aspherical lens.

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There were two versions? One German and a later Japanese Sigma that uses 60mm filters and has the same outward appearance as the 35/70 4.0. I have the Sigma design9made) 28/70 and the later 35/70 4.0.

 

They are decent lenses that resemble the primes of the era color /sharpness wise. The 28/70 has considerable barrell at the wide end and considerable pincushion at the tele end. It is neutral around 42 mm.

 

Mine are not bad lenses, but not great ones either. The good zooms are the 28/90, 35/70 2.8 ( rare & expensive), 70/180, 21/35 .

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