3 element 90mm

[gogopix]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I know there were at least two "3-element" designs of the 90mm. Elmar (f4?) I believe. I was supposed to be sharper and better contrast than 4 element.

 

Can someone describe how to recognize these 3 element designs (One LTM and one M I believe)

 

Regards and Thanks

Victor

[wizard]

Victor,

 

the was just one optical design of the 3-element Elmar 90mm, but the lens was made in two mounts, M and LTM. Serial numbers start from 1912xxx, I believe. The lens has even spacings between aperture settings (and has half stop clicks as well), as opposed to the older 4-element Elmar 90mm, where spacings between aperture settings become smaller on stopping down.

 

Performance wise, this lens is indeed better than the old 4-element formula. I like this lens a lot even today, as it is very lightweight, small and optically superb.

 

Andy

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[luigi bertolotti]

The 3 elements is easily recognizable for is styled differently from the various 4 elements Elmars (that in LTM had a number of variants in finish, filter thread etc...).

 

They aren't rare, pictures are easy to retrieve... for instance, you can find pictures of them at Willkommen im LeicaShop - Startseite de that has some of them for sale.

 

Is a very pleasant , compact, sharp lens : still excellent around 5,6 to 11 : my personal feeling is that it loses definition when stopped down hard (it closes to 32) to achieve DOF... more than other lenses...in this sense the Elmar C for CL is better (and is also cheaper... but can have problems of focusing on M bodies... the problem of CL lenses RF cam on M bodies has been extensively discussed in the Forum)

[jc_braconi]

You can see # 6, LTM & # 8, BM are 3 elements Elmar's (E39Filter)

you can easily compare with the others Elmars 4/90.

 

Astonishing rendering lens !

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[luigi bertolotti]

You can see # 6, LTM & # 8, BM are 3 elements Elmar's (E39Filter)

you can easily compare with the others Elmars 4/90.

 

Astonishing rendering lens !

 

JC, I CANNOT believe You haven't a Fat...

[jc_braconi]

JC, I CANNOT believe You haven't a Fat...

 

It is in this 1930 era, large Leica leather case with camera and other lens & accessories.

you get it !

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[gogopix]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

many thanks for the response. I am finding the tele-elmar 135 a really wonderful trekking lens and hope to add a 90.!

 

regards

Victor

[luigi bertolotti]

It is in this 1930 era, large Leica leather case with camera and other lens & accessories.

you get it !

 

YUP ! Mine is much less fine, and maybe a little older again (coupled, but no s/n...)