24mm on a M8

[dejected]

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hi guys, i'm thinking of going wider on my M8.

 

and i hope my next purchase is a 24mm but i'm not entirely sure if i would get the Elmarit ASPH because at F2.8 it's a tad too slow for night walkabouts even when at 320ISO.

 

what do you guys think? My budget is around that of an Elmarit but i'm very much open to other choices if there are any ...

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[rob_w]

I have the 24mm Elmarit asph and it is a superb lens for a lot of reasons. On this forum it has always been one of the lenses ranked highly among 'favourites'.

 

At f2.8 I do find it slower than I would like for some night shots. You have to work with that limitation and it can be done. Unless you are well-heeled, the nearest option is the 28/2.0 which gives you an extra stop but is not as wide.

 

Bear in mind, in terms of going wide, it is only EFOV 32mm on an M8 -- the equivalent of a 'generous' 35mm perspective. So not really wide.

 

Cheers

 

Robert

[misha]

does anyone have a viewfinder shot of the 24 lux on m8? how much of the viewfinder does it cover?

 

p.s. i am thinking of selling my elmarit + 50 pre-asph lux and 75 cron to finance the 24 lux.

 

 

thanks

misha

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MISHA FRIEDMAN

[brill64]

does anyone have a viewfinder shot of the 24 lux on m8? how much of the viewfinder does it cover?

 

p.s. i am thinking of selling my elmarit + 50 pre-asph lux and 75 cron to finance the 24 lux.

 

 

thanks

misha

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MISHA FRIEDMAN

 

..go to your dealer and try a 24 on your m8. you need to be really super sure you'd trade up those three lenses for the sake of one and the couple of extra stops it may give.

[misha]

..go to your dealer and try a 24 on your m8. you need to be really super sure you'd trade up those three lenses for the sake of one and the couple of extra stops it may give.

 

i did. b&h. they had one sealed in the box and wouldnt open it up for me.

"buy and return it - sure. open in store - of course, not" was what they said

 

p.s. i am not really thinking 3 for 1 but just unloading some of the stuff i almost never use 50 and 75. for now, 24/2.8 is my main lens on m8.

 

misha

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MISHA FRIEDMAN

[luigi bertolotti]

24 (Elmarit) was the best surprise I had with M8 : I was almost at the point to buy a new 28 when, for pure chance, found a nice used 24 - coded and chrome: well, really a discovery : a focal that can be used as a normal lens in lot of situations, and a superb performer as for image quality; only warning : you speak of "going wider"... my finding has been that you "do not go wide" with the 24... of course, is obviously wider than 35... ... but I have not the feel to use a "WIDE" when shoot with it, and less again when look at the pic (unless you make portraiture under 1,5 mtr from face)... now I tend to consider it someway as I considered 35 on film... an "all around" with a "good FOV". 24 is great also for the trivial reason that is full-finder on M8.

Personally, wouldn't it be for the reason that someday is probable I'll have a M9, I could even think of selling my Elmarit 21 asph (obviously close to 24, even if it IS a wide) and change it for a 18... but I think that M9 could change again the perspective...

[jaapv]

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does anyone have a viewfinder shot of the 24 lux on m8? how much of the viewfinder does it cover?

 

p.s. i am thinking of selling my elmarit + 50 pre-asph lux and 75 cron to finance the 24 lux.

 

 

thanks

misha

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MISHA FRIEDMAN

I do not find that it intrudes too badly. There is a thread on the subject somewhere in the forum.

[ezc203]

Dejected -

 

I am in a similar situation, been searching for something wider than the 35mm on my M8. And right now I'm consider two options:

 

1) 24mm Elmarit, or;

2) 25mm Biogon 2,8 and 21mm Biogon 2,8

 

I have had the chance to try on both (or all three rather, but for the sake of this I'm only comparing the 25mm Biogon to the 24mm Elmarit) at Fotocare NYC and read a ton of reviews on the lenses. And here is my conclusion:

 

The 24mm Elmarit is a Leica classic, and one of the best lenses Leica makes. The f/2,8 is not a huge concern for me, personally, because I find it more than sufficient for speed (this may be very different for you depending on your use). That said the 25mm Biogon is a GORGEOUS lens, which is just as good if not better than the 24mm Elmarit. The only difference between the two that I can see myself is that the BIogon seem to have more of a red/orange/yellow hue and the Elmarit a green/turq/blue hue. Personally, I like the warmer colors on the Biogon. (I'm not sure if I'm right here, but is this what people are referring to when they discuss the "Leica Signature" on images? In which case, I would say the Biogon also has a very distinct Zeiss Signature). So in terms of quality of the image produced, I would say the Biogon/Elmarit are tied. However, there is the problem of superficial reasons (which are perfectly legit, and why it's taking me a while to decide). On the one hand, you get a Leica. This may be extremely naive and superficial, but in my mind that's a plus-5 for the Elmarit. I'm a Leica sucker like that. However, on the flip side, the for two-thirds the price you get TWO lenses: 25mm, a little tighter than you want, and a 21mm, a lot wider, making it more versatile.

 

In terms of cosmetics, I like my Leica lenses black and my Ziess lenses silver. The red dot fits better on the black lenses (gives it a Sith look) and the blue Zeiss dot compliments the silver finishing (more of a Jedi look).

 

Finally, another problem with the Zeiss lenses is that if you want 6-bit coding (and it is recommended) you'll have to send the lenses in to a servicing company to have them coded. A little extra cost and incovenience.

 

So to conclude, I am currently leaning towards the 21mm&25mm Biogon combo over the 24mm Elmarit. Not only for monetary reasons, but also because in terms of quality I do NOT believe they are lacking.

 

This is just my opinion after a 2-hour session with the lenses and reading reviews, hopefully it was helpful. Good luck with your decision, whichever you pick it will be an excellent choice.

 

All the best,

 

...

[Jeff S]

does anyone have a viewfinder shot of the 24 lux on m8? how much of the viewfinder does it cover?

 

p.s. i am thinking of selling my elmarit + 50 pre-asph lux and 75 cron to finance the 24 lux.

 

 

thanks

misha

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MISHA FRIEDMAN

 

Sean Reid reviews the 24 lux and comments on actual percentage of viewfinder intrusion, with and without the hood. Since this is a paid site, I can't quote results here. But, I will say that, for him, it was more than he liked. I'd recommend subscribing, but I've already done that on the forum...again...and again...

 

Even so, the best advice has already been offered...find a dealer and see for yourself, since only you can decide based on how your eye sees the frame (with glasses or not).

 

Jeff

[kdemas]

I use a ZM 25mm on my M8s and have had great luck with it. A terrific walk around street lens. Not fast though.

 

Kent

[dejected]

At f2.8 I do find it slower than I would like for some night shots. You have to work with that limitation and it can be done. Unless you are well-heeled, the nearest option is the 28/2.0 which gives you an extra stop but is not as wide.

 

Hi Robert, i've already a 28mm Ultron F2.0 but during my trip to the Alishan mountain in Taipei recently. i felt it wasn't wide enough thats why i'm considering for a 24mm hopefully just wide enough for my M8 but yet not too wide for my M6 and M7

 

24 (Elmarit) was the best surprise I had with M8

Hi luigi bertolotti, thanks for your view on the Elmarit 24.

 

In terms of cosmetics, I like my Leica lenses black and my Ziess lenses silver. The red dot fits better on the black lenses (gives it a Sith look) and the blue Zeiss dot compliments the silver finishing (more of a Jedi look).

 

Finally, another problem with the Zeiss lenses is that if you want 6-bit coding (and it is recommended) you'll have to send the lenses in to a servicing company to have them coded. A little extra cost and incovenience.

 

So to conclude, I am currently leaning towards the 21mm&25mm Biogon combo over the 24mm Elmarit. Not only for monetary reasons, but also because in terms of quality I do NOT believe they are lacking.

hey there ezc203!

 

Comparing the prices between the Biogon and Elmarit was a shocking ratio of 1:3 or perhaps more. It definitely sounds like a great ideal to get 2 biogons and have remaining change. BUT the problem is that i tend to bring most of my gears out and usually end up with a sore shoulder.

 

Now, i just need some negative feedbacks before i turn on leica and go biogon, because i too is very much a sucker for leica

 

oh yes, MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!!!

[noah_addis]

The 24 Elmarit was my favorite lens on the M8. I traded it for a 24 'Lux because for my work very low light performance was important, but I regretted the trade and the purchase of the 'Lux, which was big and heavy.

 

I had faster lenses (28 'Cron, 35 'Lux) but the 24 Elmarit was always my main M8 lens. Definitely go for it, you won't be disappointed:D

[Photon42]

[...]

p.s. i am thinking of selling my elmarit + 50 pre-asph lux and 75 cron to finance the 24 lux.

 

Misha,

 

I would not do this. You've already got three very nice lenses. Keep them.

 

Rgds

Ivo

[danyves]

Quote:

Originally Posted by misha View Post

[...]

p.s. i am thinking of selling my elmarit + 50 pre-asph lux and 75 cron to finance the 24 lux.

 

 

Misha,

 

I would not do this. You've already got three very nice lenses. Keep them.

 

Rgds

Ivo

 

Yes it is not good management to sell acquired lens to buy another one, anmd then miss the lens sold.

 

One should buy a new lens only to add to your existing lens kit.

 

And the Elmarit 2.8/24 is more than enough, no need for the expensive 24 Lux, especially if one cannot afford it without selling nice lenses. That is neither sound nor reasonable. In low light with the Elmarit 2.8/24mm one can use 640 ISO, even 1250 ISO with no problems with the firmware 2.004.

 

Disclaimer : the Elmarit 2./8/24mm has become nearly my only lens on the M8. In few occasion I do use the 28 Cron, or either the 35 Cron or 35 Lux.

 

I do have looking to your photographs for MSF. The one took inside a room could well have been done with the Elmarit 2.8/24mm.

 

Do buy one second hand at reasonable price in good conditions.

[danyves]

A few exemples ;

 

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Elmarit 2.8/24mm Firmware date 2007

 

ISO 1250

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elmarit 2.8/24mm ISO 1250 Firmware 2.004

[misha]

Misha,

 

I would not do this. You've already got three very nice lenses. Keep them.

 

Rgds

Ivo

 

they are but i hardly use 50 & 75. its really about optimizing than anything else.

 

misha

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MISHA FRIEDMAN

[misha]

The 24 Elmarit was my favorite lens on the M8. I traded it for a 24 'Lux because for my work very low light performance was important, but I regretted the trade and the purchase of the 'Lux, which was big and heavy.

 

I had faster lenses (28 'Cron, 35 'Lux) but the 24 Elmarit was always my main M8 lens. Definitely go for it, you won't be disappointed:D

 

interesting about the lux. big, heavy should not be what this is all about )

 

misha

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MISHA FRIEDMAN

[misha]

Quote:

Originally Posted by misha View Post

[...]

p.s. i am thinking of selling my elmarit + 50 pre-asph lux and 75 cron to finance the 24 lux.

 

 

 

 

Yes it is not good management to sell acquired lens to buy another one, anmd then miss the lens sold.

 

One should buy a new lens only to add to your existing lens kit.

 

And the Elmarit 2.8/24 is more than enough, no need for the expensive 24 Lux, especially if one cannot afford it without selling nice lenses. That is neither sound nor reasonable. In low light with the Elmarit 2.8/24mm one can use 640 ISO, even 1250 ISO with no problems with the firmware 2.004.

 

Disclaimer : the Elmarit 2./8/24mm has become nearly my only lens on the M8. In few occasion I do use the 28 Cron, or either the 35 Cron or 35 Lux.

 

I do have looking to your photographs for MSF. The one took inside a room could well have been done with the Elmarit 2.8/24mm.

 

Do buy one second hand at reasonable price in good conditions.

 

why is narrowing down your tools (after three years with m8) bad managment?

 

that shot (i think) you are referring too was done with 24/2.8. i really like the elmarit but its about 2-3 stops behind of what i'd expect from 'all around one-lens' set up i can expect in 2010. I cant help but salivate at friends shooting with canon Mark IIIs and 24/1.4. not only is their ccd 1-2 stops cleaner (more usable), but also their lens is two stops faster than our great elmarit.

 

misha

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MISHA FRIEDMAN

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[innerimager]

The 24 Elmarit was my favorite lens on the M8. I traded it for a 24 'Lux because for my work very low light performance was important, but I regretted the trade and the purchase of the 'Lux, which was big and heavy.

 

I had faster lenses (28 'Cron, 35 'Lux) but the 24 Elmarit was always my main M8 lens. Definitely go for it, you won't be disappointed:D

 

What Noah says. I found the 24 elmarit to be a great lens on my M8, it lived on one of my 2 bodies. They went to fund an M9, and this lens is not getting the use it needs, the 28 cron takes over for this FL range. By all mean get the 24 elmarit for your M8, although I've read great things about the 24/3.5 as well. But if you can find a silver 24/elmarit, ...heaven, as it's machined to a rare perfection even by Leica standards......Peter

[sfokevin]

Danyves... You might lay off the Leica and put a little money towards a bigger TV for the living room...