MarkP Posted October 17, 2011 Share #1  Posted October 17, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) I have the opportunity of buying a black 2.8/50mm Elmarit-M (sn 3917xxx, circa 2001) for approx. AUD 800 (~USD 800) with 3 months store warranty. The glass is immaculate, mechanicals (incl aperture blades, barrel locking when extended, and fit on M9 mount) seem perfect, and body 9/10. It's in my possession for 14 days to decide.  I'm tempted as it's a compact and light lens, very different to my other 50's (1.0/50 Noctilux, 1.4/50 Summilux ASPH, 1.5/50 ZM C-Sonnar). However, I have had no experience with it 'till tonight. Using it for the first time tonight on a walk where I live just near the Harbour was a delight: light and very quick & easy to focus accurately. The lens seems to draw differently to my other 50's (although I've not done a formal comparison yet): not as 'crisp' and with more muted colours than the Summilux ASPH, flare control seems OK,but I think one needs to work on highlight control.  I'd greatly appreciate peoples thoughts on this lens, both the price and it's capabilities & characteristics?    Sydney Harbour this evening, from Double Bay and Rose Bay M9 2.8/50 Elmarit-M LR3 ummodified raw to jpeg   Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!     Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!     ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/164271-advice-on-2850-elmarit-m-collapsible/?do=findComment&comment=1819128'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted October 17, 2011 Posted October 17, 2011 Hi MarkP, Take a look here Advice on 2.8/50 Elmarit-M Collapsible. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
budrichard Posted October 17, 2011 Share #2 Â Posted October 17, 2011 I've had one for a number of years. I first did qualitative comparison shots with a 50mm Summicron 60's vintage I have, using Kodachrome. No discernible difference with both lenses wide open under 5X mag. But I just never use it as compactness doesn't really mean anything to me because I almost always have at least one M7 with Motor M and I prefer my 35mm Lux ASPH and/or 75 Summicron. I would suppose the ideal usage if size and weight were a primary factor for me would be with my M6 with Leicavit but I don't really care for the Leicavit also. So if you want a smaller form factor and weight with your M9, go for it. So if you just want it, why not? 800USD seems to be the going price.-Dick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ldhrads Posted October 17, 2011 Share #3 Â Posted October 17, 2011 I like mine, I have a few 50's, Noctilux 0.95, Summicron 2.0, and the Collapsible Elmar M 2.8, and an ancient 3.5 collapsible. I used the collapsible 2.8 on a few trips and it's a joy. Focuses instantly, draws nicely, but differently than the others, and for a Leica lens, it's a bargain. So in my mind why not? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted October 17, 2011 Share #4 Â Posted October 17, 2011 Great lens indeed. I don't find it less crisp nor contrasty than my Summilux asph at medium and small apertures (with Capture One) and its bokeh is always smooth contrary to the latter's. It is not prone to flare either. It is just a bit soft on edges and corners at f/2.8 but it is plenty sharp at f/4 and on with a high contrast. Much higher than the previous Elmar in fact, which can be a problem due to blown highlights for digital users. Excellent results at close distance as well. Definitely a keeper. http://tinyurl.com/6h47oxl http://tinyurl.com/69qkq4k http://tinyurl.com/3t4463u Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard Posted October 17, 2011 Share #5 Â Posted October 17, 2011 Great lens indeed. I don't find it less crisp nor contrasty than my Summilux asph at medium and small apertures ... Â +1, mine is sharp as hell. Colors are probably a little more vivid with the Summilux asph, but it is not a big difference. Â Andy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
honcho Posted October 17, 2011 Share #6 Â Posted October 17, 2011 Â ......I'd greatly appreciate peoples thoughts on this lens, both the price and it's capabilities & characteristics? Â Â Some opinions here: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/customer-forum/198693-50mm-elmar-m-thread.html Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivar B Posted October 17, 2011 Share #7 Â Posted October 17, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) It is a very nice lens, and if it is 6-Bit coded the price seems fair but if it is not, it may be on the high side. I use mine as a compact alternative to Lux 50, and I am very pleased with it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobey bilek Posted October 18, 2011 Share #8 Â Posted October 18, 2011 Return it if you can see a difference berween it and `Lux ASPH at 5.6. Take the same pic at the same time. Do not compare two different scenes. Â It is a fine lens. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted October 18, 2011 Author Share #9 Â Posted October 18, 2011 Thank you all for your comments. It's clearly overall a very well regarded lens and seems like a good lightweight option to the Summilux ASPH. Â On closer inspection I've found some fogging on one of the inner lens elements which probably explains what I thought were issues with 'crispness', colour, and highlight. Â I'll return it to the dealer within the 14 day trial and either refund and keep on looking, or reassess it after a CLA. Â Mark Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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