50mm f/2.8 on the M9

[sharookh]

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I am so confused (happens often)!

 

Can I use my 50mm f/2.8 Elmar (collapsible) on the M9? I believe the 90mm can be used. No mention of the 50mm tho'.

 

Anyone try this and lived to tell the tale???

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[knallfrosch]

Had same question.

so checked with CS in Solms recently.

CS made a minor length modification on mine(S/N 3964007)

Unmodified lenses may cause damage when inserted collapsed.

Depends also from S/N.

90mm Macro fits without harm.

[farnz]

I've used a 50/2.8 Elmar extensively on my M8 and the main advice I can give is that the lens must be extended when attaching or detaching it from the camera.

 

Once attached it can extended or retracted without a problem but during attachment and detachment there are only millimeters between the rear of the retracted lens tube and chamber so there is a risk of touching the chamber walls and damaging the anti-reflective paint. I believe that the chamber and tolerances are the same on the M9.

 

Pete.

[Leicakillen]

I asked CS in Solms and they said - "we cannot say so you have to send it in - some lenses can be collapsed some not and needs minor modification". However I measured mine and tried very carefully and it worked without problem. I think that a ring on the tube can damage the rangefinder roll - but I am not sure. So - be careful.

 

/Anders

[sharookh]

Had same question.

so checked with CS in Solms recently.

CS made a minor length modification on mine(S/N 3964007)

Unmodified lenses may cause damage when inserted collapsed.

Depends also from S/N.

90mm Macro fits without harm.

 

I would have thought the 90mm would retract deeper than the 50mm. What about those lenses manufactured after 1994? I recall reading somehwere on the net that these lnses could be used on the M8. Infact there was an article in LFI where a wedding photographer shot almost exclusively with the M8/50mm elmar set up.

[marknorton]

Here's a link to a thread where I showed that, with an M8 and my 50mm Elmar, there was no problem. However, as Pete points out, the clearance is small so it is best to only mount/dismount the lens with the barrel extended. Otherwise, you might just end up scratching the interior of the lens throat. I use the Elmar on the M9 without problems.

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m8-forum/95761-safe-collapse-50mm-elmar.html#post1004269

[stunsworth]

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Infact there was an article in LFI where a wedding photographer shot almost exclusively with the M8/50mm elmar set up.

 

I think that was Brett from this forum - id = bybrett - who shot an entire wedding with a 50mm Elmar.

 

I've briefly tried an Elmar on my M8, and it's a cracking lens.

[sharookh]

I think that was Brett from this forum - id = bybrett - who shot an entire wedding with a 50mm Elmar.

 

Absolutely right. And his images were absolute top notch.

 

Brett, incase you get a chance to look at this thread, your experiences would be most welcome.

 

Mark, coming from you, I'd take that as good advice and example.

[sharookh]

However, as Pete points out, the clearance is small so it is best to only mount/dismount the lens with the barrel extended.

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m8-forum/95761-safe-collapse-50mm-elmar.html#post1004269

 

Mark -

 

Are the insides of the M9 similar / identical to the M8? Were you able to "dissect" one as yet?

[farnz]

Absolutely right. And his images were absolute top notch.

...

Mark, coming from you, I'd take that as good advice and example.

... but not from me?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's okay, Sharookh, I know what you meant, I'm not offended and I'm only gently pulling your leg.

 

Pete.

[marknorton]

No more dismantling of expensive cameras! Leica are probably breathing a sigh of relief. The M8 I dismantled finally threw in the towel with some sort of electronic failure. It's dead and it's not worth spending any money on it to fix it.

 

As for the M9, if anything, they had to create space in the lens throat. However, you should measure your own lens against the measurements I gave in the thread and, especially if the lens barrel diameter is larger, avoid collapsing the lens. My Elmar can be collapsed on an M9 without problems.

[knallfrosch]

I would have thought the 90mm would retract deeper than the 50mm.

 

the 90mm collapsed does not retract beyond the rear end of the lens body. My modified 50mm does (~17,6mm).

[sharookh]

... but not from me?

 

Ouch, Pete!! Apologies for the oversight! Should have been more attentive!!

[farnz]

Ouch, Pete!! Apologies for the oversight! Should have been more attentive!!

It's okay, Sharookh, as I explained I was only gently pulling your leg.

 

Pete.

[justin_obryan]

I am interested in this issue as well. Does anybody know what serial numbers are OK for use with the M9 without modification?

[mongrelnomad]

The most recent 6-bit 50 Elmar is one of my most used lenses on my M9 - it always travels collapsed.

 

8.5 months of constant (daily?) use and no problems at all...

[bybrett]

I think that was Brett from this forum - id = bybrett - who shot an entire wedding with a 50mm Elmar.

 

I've briefly tried an Elmar on my M8, and it's a cracking lens.

 

Yep, I've shot 16 weddings with this lens - f2.8 is a great aperture for weddings and the creamy look is more appropriate in my opinion than most ASPH lenses.

 

I'm experimenting with Noctilux now whilst I have the chance and still carry the Elmar in my pocket... it focusses closer and more quickly.

 

Also a perfect travel lens.

 

BTW no problem with M8 or M9 with Elmar-M.

[bybrett]

Absolutely right. And his images were absolute top notch.

 

Brett, incase you get a chance to look at this thread, your experiences would be most welcome.

 

Mark, coming from you, I'd take that as good advice and example.

 

Thanks for the shout, see above, cheers, Brett.

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[lars_bergquist]

Brett, have you ever tried the first model bayonet Elmar? At 2.8, the bride may very well love it.

 

The old man from the Age Before Most Everything

[}{B]

BTW no problem with M8 or M9 with Elmar-M.

 

I'm assuming that this comment refers to the lens after it has been mounted and that it should always be extended to mount/dismount.

 

If some of the Elmar M lenses require modification, depending upon serial number, before they can be safely used does anyone have the range of numbers for the lenses that require this?