LTM Elmar 35mm F3.5

[ckli]

Hi,

A lot has been said about the Elmar 50mm, but couldn't find much info on the Elmar 35mm. If you have any experience on this lens, please post some comments.

I am currently using a Summitar on a IIIc body, there's nothing wrong with the Summitar, just want to make the package (lens + body) smaller and I like the 35mm FOV.

Thanks!

Regards,
CK

[earleygallery]

You will need a viewfinder as well don't forget. I've not used the Elmar 35 but I've seen images and - I think I'm right in saying - stopped down to 5.6/8 it produces nice sharp images.

You could also consider the VC Skopar which is an excellent lens, or their 25mm 'snapshot' lens which comes with a viewfinder.

[doubice]

I will second James' observation. The 35mm Elmar was a good lens for its times (mid-1930's to late 1940's). If you want to stick with a Leitz optic, the LTM 3.5/35mm Summaron would be a better choice.

I don't have much personal experience with the Voigtlander/Cosina 35mm lenses (own a 15mm Heliar only) but, from reports read everywhere they are superb. If the outfit's originality is not important, the VC lenses would probably be a better choice than the 35mm Summaron and definitely better than the 35mm Elmar.

Best,

Jan

[maxspbr]

I use an Elmar 35mm very old - those in nickel. I like the results very much!

Not great photos (the problem is the photographer, not the lens!) I posted here, but shows the Elmar at f 4.5: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-...ound-35mm.html

Regards,

Martin

[bill]

I shall tell you a tale.

When I got my IIIc a couple of years ago, it came with a 3.5cm Elmar and no external viewfinder. I used it this way for a couple of rolls. The lens was "tired" and in time I replaced it with a 3.5 Summaron that was in far better condition. About 6 months ago I bought another Elmar, from Aperture in London. This one is clean, clear and well-sorted. It now lives with a 9cm Elmar in my IID "carry-kit" as below:

IID kit.jpg

In comparison, this is a TINY lens. It is no bigger on the camera than a collapsed 5cm Elmar. This picture shows it alongside my Summaron and a 50mm Colour-Skopar:

P1000081.jpg

In terms of handling, it is quick and positive to focus. It requires an external viewfinder, it is true (in the top picture, the small black case on the top row is the Helios one) and the aperture is set, like the 5cm, with your thumbnail, but that is a small price to pay for compact size and more than passable results.

Ah yes, results. Bear in mind I use this lens stopped down, since I use it outdoors with ISO400 film, so most exposures are in the f6.3 - f9 area, but I am happy with what I get. Here is a recent example:



If you follow this link:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/...9b0a7d39e2.jpg

You can see a big version of the same shot. You can see the snowflakes, and the texture of the church walls.

I have other 35s, most notably the 2.5 Colour-Skopar Pancake I which is a sharp and stellar performer by any standards, but sometimes it isn't about perfection. Sometimes it's about the joy of using something jewel-like and well made that turns in a pleasing performance in spite of being (just) old enough to be my grandfather.

Regards,

Bill

[ckli]

Hi,

Thanks everyone for their inputs.

Hi Bill... really like your kit and that's what I have in mind. So I'll start to do some serious shopping on an Elmar 35cm.

Regards,
CK

[storybrown]

Martin,

Those are nice shots, esp #2. You say it's in downtown Sao Paulo, but when I was in Sao Paulo some years ago, it seemed liked there were a dozen or so downtowns in Sao Paulo, and everywhere else between them was on=the-way-to-downtown or almost downtown.

[L39UK]

Have you thought about using a Canon 35mm F2 lens.It is very small and compact and is more like a small SLR lens because it has no lever and infinity catch like other 35mm lenses.
It has a fine reputation for build quality and its performance has been compared as equal to the 35mm f2 screw Summicron,hence its name the "Japanese Summicron".
If you use this lens you will not want to part with it, it is a "keeper".You can just pop it into your pocket, it is such a small lens and its always there ready for use.Many prefer it permanently mounted on the Leica,ready for instant use,especially in "street photography" instead of the 50mm.

[maxspbr]

Originally Posted by storybrown

Martin,

Those are nice shots, esp #2. You say it's in downtown Sao Paulo, but when I was in Sao Paulo some years ago, it seemed liked there were a dozen or so downtowns in Sao Paulo, and everywhere else between them was on=the-way-to-downtown or almost downtown.

Storybrown,

Thanks for the fine words about this photos!

São Paulo is a very large city, so there are several parts with importance. But the "trully" downtown is the old part of the city: Sé Square, Republica Square, etc.

Two blocks away from the place of these shots there are the church and the school where São Paulo was born, in 1554. A very interesting place! Usually I only take photos in this area of São Paulo.

Martin