50mm f/2.8 on the M9

[jaapv]

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Actually I am happy to mount and dismount collapsed and nothing has happened in three years. I am prepared to accept it might damage the finish of the camera mouth. But then, a bit of flat black paint is not too hard to apply....

[bybrett]

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?

 

It's good practice but not essential. I'm talking about the Elmar-M ie the last version.

[bybrett]

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

 

No - I would like to see some results though, thanks.

[biglouis]

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.

 

Brett

 

I think I've exchanged email with you about the 50/2.8 which is also one of my favourite lens, although I use it mainly for landscape work.

 

Incidentally, second hand prices for this lens, especially the last version which is 6-bitted is nothing short of criminally low!

 

I think one of the virtues of using it on the M8 is the crop factor, which turns it into a sort-of marginal telephoto.

 

So, I am intrigued to see how it performs on the M9. Do you have any examples you can share which demonstrates this?

 

LouisB

[doublep]

For what it's worth, here's a shot taken this morning with an M9 and 50mm Elmar-M @ f2.8.

 

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[250swb]

Actually I am happy to mount and dismount collapsed and nothing has happened in three years. I am prepared to accept it might damage the finish of the camera mouth. But then, a bit of flat black paint is not too hard to apply....

 

Same here. When I first got my M9 I used a vernier to check the depth of the body against the collapsed lens and with that evidence have never mounted it in the extended position. As they say, 'an inch is as good as a mile', but in this case its a few millimeters gap and thats as good as a kilometer, and thats enough.

 

Steve

[jaapv]

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My main gripe with this lens is that it feels un-leica like sloppy, both the focussing and the aperture ring.

[michali]

My main gripe with this lens is that it feels un-leica like sloppy, both the focussing and the aperture ring.

 

I bought a used Elmar f2.8 in mint condition and I love this lens, makes for a wonderfully compact kit on the M9.

 

And I thought it was my copy only which felt sloppy, I'm in full agreement with Jaap.

 

In fact my 1938 50mm f2.0 Summar feels better built.

[UliWer]

My main gripe with this lens is that it feels un-leica like sloppy, both the focussing and the aperture ring.

 

I just wanted to disagree about this and to ask wether there might be a difference between the black and the chrome version, but I tried first: Yes, you are right. When I compare the feeling of aperture ring of my chrome model of the last 2.8/50 Elmar to the earlier bayonet versions (3.5 and 2.8), the last version feels sloppy.

 

Back to the collapsing question: in an earlier thread about this topic there have been some measurements: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/102865-screwmount-elmar-50mm-m9.html#post1084360

 

I dont have any evidence, that any of the collapsible 50mm lenses (I don't know the collapsible 4/90 Elmar) will touch the edges in front of the shutter. Though it is not impossible that the the rear end of the lens touches the sides of the "throat" if you mount or dismount it collapsed.

[johannespiritu]

I wrote to Leica and this is what they told me:

 

"You can use the Elmar 50 mm on the Leica M ( Typ 240 ). The can be collapse for transportation.

 

Please send a mail when you have more question.

 

Mit freundlichen Grüßen/best regards

 

Leica Camera AG/Customer Care - Support"

[cvsfffm]

I have the old Elmar 50, 2.8 on my M9. Its a lovely lens and I never had an issue when mounting it collapsed or not.

[sblutter]

I wish mine would 'lock in' a little tighter when extending for use. Disengages sometimes when using f: ring.

 

Much looser than older Elmar & Summi collapsibles.

 

That said, a wonderful walk-around lens.

[jaapv]

That is a matter of adjusting the three little locking springs. Don't try to do this yourself - they are extremely easy to break.