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I cannot Decide on Which 28mm for my M8 ??


cidereye

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Looking to buy a "used" 28mm lens for my revisit to another M8 I've just purchased but I just cannot decide on which of these to buy.

 

It's between a Zeiss ZM 28mm f/2.8 and the Elmarit 28mm f/2.8 (Canadian built pre-ASPH circa 1980 serial starting in the 3040*** range, so a series III I think??)

 

Both come with their respective hood and are around the same price. I've seen examples of shots taken with both and like both so help - Anybody use these have a few opinions that will help me decide ? I'm tempted to buy the Elmarit (even though it's a bit longer than the Zeiss and will no doubt block a small part of the VF) but so many say good things about the Zeiss 28mm.

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The quality of the leica lens is not inferior, and if you decide to sell the lens in the future, probably the leica will sell better. I had that elmarit in the past, it was a very fine lens.

 

Ciao Gabriele

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I've not used either of these lenses but I have used a version 4 (46mm filter) 28 Elmarit, a 28 Elmarit ASPH and a 28 Summicron. Obviously, I like the rendering of the Summicron best. The type 4 Elmarit was a very close second. Most people couldn't tell the difference between photos taken with either of these lenses, their signatures are that close. Both are the same size and both block the finder a little but its not a big deal. The type 3 is reputed to be cut from the same cloth with the exception of the rounder front element and the resolution in the corners at 2.8-4. Current prices run about $3k for a used cron, $1.5k for the type 4, $1.2k for the type 3.

 

Then there's the 28 ASPH. Its small, sharp and slightly contrasty. Sometimes I like that look but most of the time I like a "softer" rendering. Glow or crunch, it is a matter of taste.

 

The 21 Biogon is the only Zeiss lens in my kit. I like this lens but it has a different look. Compared to my Leica lenses, the Biogon renders colors with a different palette. Its like my Crons and Elmarits have a Kodachrome look and the Biogon has an Ektachrome look. Nothing wrong with the look, but it is noticeably different.

 

Now I know I've just split hairs but I would look for a 28 Elmarit type 4 on a M9/M8 or go with a type 3 on a M8 because you'll never miss the corner resolution if your kit is mostly Leica lenses. Otherwise a new Biogon is a good bet.

 

Tom

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Thanks for that Tom, yes that was a good description about the colour rendering difference between the Elmarit/Biogon. I prefer the Kodachrome I think when it comes down to it for my colour work these days. The price is so good on the type 3 I'm going to have to go for it I think.

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I bought my first ever Rangefinder yesterday, a black M8.

 

Today I will buy my first lens. I was going to settle on the 35mm Summarit f/2.5, but I think I will take my foot off the gas in terms of my expenditure just now and buy a used CV 28mm Ultron f/2 (and pick up the Summarit or faster at a later time).

 

It's reasonably priced and in very good condition. I've heard about the focus shift problems, but I guess it's still a cheaper option, albeit a potential gamble and will give me plenty of time to still adjust to this new experience.

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Neil,

 

from my experience it is always better to buy what you really want to instead of some compromise solution. Mid-term you will end up spending more money if you buy the CV now and then sell it later and go for a Leica lens.

 

On the Summarit-M 35mm: My first lens on the M8 was the Elmarit ASPH 28mm, but in the end I sold it after getting the Summarit 35mm and doing a couple of weeks of shooting with both lenses. I just love the Summarit-M 35mm. It's a fantastic lens, and it seems I am more of a "35mm person". In my mind you can't go wrong with the Summarit, and they can be found for very reasonable prices on the used market.

 

Since settling on the Summarit I also got myself a Summilux 50mm pre-ASPH and am currently on the lookout for a decent Summicron 90mm. I guess this whole lens-buying-business is kind of infectuous...

 

Whatever you chose as your first lens, have fun shooting with it! The M8 is a fabuous camera.

 

Regards,

Thorsten

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Thanks for the advice Thorsten.

 

I love shooting 16mm-50mm on full-frame, so am not too worried about buying more than one lens and shooting in certain styles. I decided that I will pause for the 35mm, simply because I really like that length on both DX and full-frame and that purchase will be the one I *really* want. Had I bought the Summarit today I'd have been quite a bit more out of pocket than I wanted to be at this stage, so I will save a little and decide between that or the Summilux or Summicron further down the line.

 

I've managed to take one shot using my newly purchase VC 28mm Ultron f/2. This is literally my first go, so those looking for samples probably shouldn't take mine as the basis to go on as I'm completely new to rangefinder shooting and on a steep learning curve. :)

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Neil,

 

from my experience it is always better to buy what you really want to instead of some compromise solution. Mid-term you will end up spending more money if you buy the CV now and then sell it later and go for a Leica lens.

 

That's the truest thing that can be said about lenses for the M and great advice. ;)

 

Been there, done that myself and just wished I'd not wasted so much time and bought what I *really* wanted to begin with.

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I bought my first ever Rangefinder yesterday, a black M8.

 

Today I will buy my first lens. I was going to settle on the 35mm Summarit f/2.5, ...

 

I bought a used Summarit-M 35/2.5 for an M8. It's wonderful. Whatever that mystical thing is that people call the Leica look, this lens delivers it. It will be a long time, maybe never, that I can see any important reason to get a more expensive Leica lens.

 

I have previous experience with the Zeiss 28/2.8 and 50/2. They are great lenses. Sharper than the Summarit. But the color gradations on the Summarit are too seductive.

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I bought a used Summarit-M 35/2.5 for an M8. It's wonderful. Whatever that mystical thing is that people call the Leica look, this lens delivers it. It will be a long time, maybe never, that I can see any important reason to get a more expensive Leica lens.

 

I have previous experience with the Zeiss 28/2.8 and 50/2. They are great lenses. Sharper than the Summarit. But the color gradations on the Summarit are too seductive.

 

Thanks for the feedback.

 

From what I've gathered from talking to lots of people about this lens, it's highly underrated and it's likely going to be the one I consider first when I get around to buying a 35mm. I guess it just comes down to what I can afford at the time I want it.

 

Do you have any examples of your work with it? I'm always interested in looking at photos. :)

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an example, "blue bin," from my current elmarit 28, v.4 (the one before the aspheric) can be seen here: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/other/112892-m8-photography-25.html.

i used to shoot with the 3rd version, which was really nice as well.

differences in image rendering are subtle. physical sizes are different as are filter sizes.

the elmarit 28 aspheric is a very nice, compact lens, said to be a bit more contrasty. and even more compact is the cv 28/3.5 which, while not leica or zeiss, is very nice, and very affordable.

i'd love to shoot with the summicron 28 asph some day.

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