Jump to content

28-90mm Vario Asph Elmarit-R f:2.8-4.5


Posto 6

Recommended Posts

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I have decided to buy one of these lenses for my DMR. Is anyone aware of any weak points as far as components and possible damage are concerned (I am looking at used ones)?

 

Also, is there any way of converting these for use with my SL2 Mot?

Link to post
Share on other sites

x

Jaap, I think we are talking of the "new" 28-90, which is a very different animal indeed from the 28-70.

 

I have one (bought "ex-demo" from a Leica main dealer). It is my main "travel" lens, and its performance is excellent. In my opinion it loses out to the primes only in terms of maximum aperture.

 

It is quite a heavy and bulky lens, given the available aperture, and compared with other manufacturers' efforts. But that is clearly what Leica deemed necessary to obtain the desired image quality.

 

I don't know that there are any commonly occuring faults at all; the zoom mechanism is quite complex, and the movement of the elements even changes direction throughout the zoom range. Don't be alarmed if the stiffness of the zoom ring varies throughout the range, and according to the zoom direction. Several people have commented on this, and it appears to be perfectly normal.

 

Edit: They go for quite a lot of money when you can get one. Ff... sold one for about £1800, and I think the elitemeetgreet London dealer sold one for £1500 or so recently.

Link to post
Share on other sites

In that case disregard my comment, I have no opinion on the lens, not having used it.:) All technical data are on Thorsten's site:

 

http://www.overgaard.dk/pdf/Vario-Elmarit-R_28-90_mm_ASPH_Technical_Data_en.pdf

 

I owned a 28-90 until I sold my R9/DMR. While I did not test it against the 35-70 f/4, I felt it was the best all-purpose lens available for the DMR, not just with respect to the greater zoom range but with respect to image quality. As I recall, there is some distortion at the wide end but the vitality of the lens (very good contrast and color) produces excellent digital files. The only better lens (probably) is the 35-70mm f/2.8 which is scarce as hens teeth.

 

--Gib

Link to post
Share on other sites

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I owned one for a while and it is superb. The only problem was a little dark viewfinder in the long focal length region.

 

I discussed this lens with Erwin Puts a while ago and he claimed it is as good as the 2.8/35-70.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Great lens! Good resolution from edge to edge at all focal lengths and apertures. They just don't make lenses like this anymore!

 

I recently converted mine to a Sony Alpha mount using a Leitax adaptor for use on the Sony Alpha 850. BYTW not a straightforward conversion due to the spring which links the aperture ring and controls the aperture blades.....nonetheless I managed it with no hiccups.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Its the lens I have on most of the time for general use with my DMR. I find it incredibly sharp, especially when used with a tripod. It is heavy though but the whole outfit is very stable because of its inertia!

 

Graeme

Link to post
Share on other sites

Could not say if it can work on a Leicaflex SL, but I second all the good comments of our friends on this forum. I used to have one until it was stolen with my R9/DMR, and it is true that it was an excellent all-purpose lens. The "dark" side of the 90mm at 4.5 did not interfere very much with the stgimometer while focusing, and the color on the DMR files were really wonderful.

The only weak point of this lens (in my opinion) was the distortion on the 28mm side, which was quite obvious in architectural photography.

Otherwise I remember it was a very nice piece of lens to handle.

 

Hope this helps

Gérard

Link to post
Share on other sites

Does anyone know if it is possible to convert this lens to 3-cam for use on my Leicaflex SL2s?

 

The ROM contacts prevent the lens being used on pre 'R series' cameras. In theory the lens can probably be modified to triple cam but then you'd have to sacrifice the ROM contacts.

 

dunk

Link to post
Share on other sites

Just got mine yesterday (finally!)- wonderful handling and surprisingly good performance!

 

Very happy- and a bargain compared to the current crop of overpriced used M-lenses available in the marketplace!

Link to post
Share on other sites

Ff..... have just got one in @ £1700 or so; not cheap!

 

I saw the list ... When new they were well over £2K and they are one of the very best zoom lenses ever designed ... I'd never part with mine ... Always hoping there just might a FF 'solution' available one day other than what is available now ie something with a bit more automation ... and maybe with some input from Solms.

 

dunk

Link to post
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...