New Elmar-M 3,8/24 or old Elmarit -M2,8 24 asph? Verdict after a few years?

[RexGig0]

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I have not used the Elmarit 24mm, but, will share these thoughts. With my 24MP M10 and M Type 246 cameras, the Elmar-M 24mm f/3.8 ASPH has had two effects. The first is that I now like using 24mm, after having long been uninterested in anything between 21mm and 28mm. The second effect has been to almost totally relegate my 28mm Elmarit and Summaron lenses to the shelf, and diminish the frequency I use 21mm. I continue to use 35mm more than any other focal length, on M cameras, with 50mm being the second-most-used.

Adding the 24mm lens does not seem to have affected my use of the 35mm focal length. If anything, I use 35mm more frequently, because I am simply less likely to bring a 28mm lens with me.

The clarity of the Elmar-M 24mm ASPH is amazing. The term “a veil has been lifted” comes to mind. The Elmar-M does, however, still have some amount of Leica character. It is “modern,” in good ways, but it still feels like I am using a true Leica lens.

In early 2022, I had been wondering whether to buy an M10 Monochrom, or, a pre-owned, well-preserved Noctilux f/0.95 lens. First, I decided to eliminate the camera, remain committed to the M 246 for monochrome shooting, and concentrate on researching the lens option. After much viewing of sample images, on-line, and looking at the size and weight specifications of the Noctilux f/0.95, I decided that my Summilux-M 50mm ASPH would continue its dominance. That freed the funds to explore other lens options, so, I bought an APO Summicron-M 75mm ASPH, and an Elmar-M 24mm ASPH, both pre-owned but pristine, at about the same time. The Elmar-M 24mm ASPH made such an impression on me, that I soon bought a spare, pre-owned, in similarly beautiful condition.

Yes, I bought a second, spare Elmar-M 24mm ASPH. This lens is that good, plus, with no more being made, I reckoned that it might be difficult to find replacements, in good condition, in the future. The best insurance policy, for a lens, is a second one, carefully stored and protected. Plus, there are times I will use two M cameras, while shooting, one M10 for color, and one Monochrom 246. Occasionally, when I do this, I will want to use the same focal length on each camera. 

Using a 24mm lens does require more care, to hold the camera level, to prevent perspective distortion, than when using a 28mm lens.

Edited September 17, 2023 by RexGig0

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[RexGig0]

I should specify that the 28mm Elmarit-M lens, discussed in my above reply, is the Version III, a pre-ASPH design. I have not used either ASPH version of the Elmarit-M 28mm. (Rather than edit a post, to which others have already reacted, I am posting this clarification separately.)

I am grateful to tappan, Olaf_ZG, and marekti, for your prompt supportive reactions. 🙂

[Robert Blanko]

I bought a 24/3.8 Elmar some months ago (second hand, as it was already discontinued) mainly for landscape and city walks as a secondary lens and I‘m still quite happy with the Elmar.

Excellent sharpness and microcontrast. This is one of the lenses where you can zoom in to 200% or even 400% and it still looks surprisingly decent.

Corner sharpness seems to be better than with my 28 Elmarit (the current version).

I use the Elmar on an M10R.

 

Edited September 18, 2023 by Robert Blanko
M10R added

[yanidel]

I have owned the 24mm Elmarit for 13 years and no use it on my M10. After owning about 20 M lenses over the years, this is one of the four I kept.

Great colors and clarity, and love the odd look and ergonomics (smooth focus). The original hood is a bit too big but it is not really needed. I use it with the external 24mm viewfinder, tried it with the Visoflex but did not really like it.

F2.8 is handy to get some background blur if subject is within one meter, it also helps at night. 

And finally, it also got the advantage to be one of the best lenses for the Leica M8 (close to 35mm fov equivalent), my backup camera. 

Edited September 19, 2023 by yanidel