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Tri Elmar 28-35-50 opinions


Firefly

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I can see that working with basically a coloured disc rotating underneath the bayonet... The mind boggles, but I would imagine that Leica would want that to work on their film bodies too.

 

A rotating disk may work, but I think it it would need to be with either black or white pits above the sensor.  If there were 2 codes allocated to a new MATE, then in principle you could have 28/90, 50/75 and 35/135 available depending on the code and frame position.  Then, a MATE with a wider range of focal lengths *may* be feasible, assuming the right types of glass are available. It would make a new lens more complex than the current MATE from a mechanical point of view, so it wouldn't be cheap to manufacture.  

The other thought that's just popped into my head is that the compact size of the MATE is probably due to the special high refractive index glass used in its construction.  A new design may have to be bigger, so blocking the viewfinder to an unacceptable degree.

Still, it's nice to dream.

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Well, I was kinda close.  I'm pretty sure Hoya owns Schneider.

 

I did fine a bit of (cheap) cigar ash in my sample, however. :)

 

Different Schneider. The forerunner of Schneider Kreutznach <sp>

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Different Schneider. The forerunner of Schneider Kreutznach <sp>

 

Ah.  I was unaware there was more than one.

 

edit:

 

Actually, on reflection I think I was even more confused than usual.  I think I was actually recalling either Schindler owning B and H or perhaps the other way around.  German company ownership is not commonly something I meditate on over a beer. :)

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Well, 20 days after having dropped my MATE V2 off at Leica Mayfair, it's back from being coded...I'm looking forward to going out for a walk and test it.  It's a shame the weather is dull and uninteresting.

 

If anyone is interested, it cost €284.  

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  • 4 months later...

Anyone have experience with the MATE on a Monochrom v.1?

 

 

I have an E49 MATE which gets used regularly on my Monochrom v1. Very nice!

Just remember there is no such thing a s a bad lens on the Monochrom but the older lenses, including the MATE, just take that sharp edge of Monochrome files.

 

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This has been a useful thread, relative to a purchase of a Tri-Elmar 28 to 50; except for any discussion of one reported flaw: flare, especially at 50mm. Does any one find tendency to flare a major problem? Does poor flare control characterize all such Tri-Elmars, or is it a matter of sample variation? If the latter, can it be repaired? Thank you for any information. Tom

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This has been a useful thread, relative to a purchase of a Tri-Elmar 28 to 50; except for any discussion of one reported flaw: flare, especially at 50mm. Does any one find tendency to flare a major problem? Does poor flare control characterize all such Tri-Elmars, or is it a matter of sample variation? If the latter, can it be repaired? Thank you for any information. Tom

 

 

IT does flare too easily at 50mm (I am bothered by it) and there is a fair bit of barrel distortion at 28mm (unsuitable for architectural but fine for more general photography).

 

I think these are inherent faults of the lens design.  

 

Having said that I still really like my E49 MATE.

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Yes, the Tri-Elmar can be prone to flare. I never was bothered by it, it is part of photographic technique to avoid (or use ;)) flare.

 

The hood didn't help? Any thoughts of its use with a Monochrom?

 

IT does flare too easily at 50mm (I am bothered by it) and there is a fair bit of barrel distortion at 28mm (unsuitable for architectural but fine for more general photography).

 

I think these are inherent faults of the lens design.  

 

Having said that I still really like my E49 MATE.

 

Hmmm...still worthy of modern digital sensors? Any corner smearing?

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Unfortunately, little help from the hood regarding flaring. The lens is prone to flare, but flare can, as jaapv allude to, be used artistically. Or it can be avoided if/when you are aware of this. Live view generally shows the flaring, which make M240-type of bodies better suited than e.g. M9.

 

I really like the MATE on the Monochrome, I have posted some images on the M246 image thread. MM1 should behave similarly (I have used both of the monochromes) with the caveat about the live view.

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Unfortunately, little help from the hood regarding flaring. The lens is prone to flare, but flare can, as jaapv allude to, be used artistically. Or it can be avoided if/when you are aware of this. Live view generally shows the flaring, which make M240-type of bodies better suited than e.g. M9.

 

I really like the MATE on the Monochrome, I have posted some images on the M246 image thread. MM1 should behave similarly (I have used both of the monochromes) with the caveat about the live view.

For some owners, flare with the MATE has been a deal-breaker. The hood does help a little, so does a spare hand operating like an extended lens hood petal. On balance the lens has many advantages and works best of all on the M-240 with live-view.

 

The TE28 setting has always been a weak point but is still useful for general personal photography. A companion Leica Q also works well if carrying two bodies is acceptable. But TE35 and TE50 give top class results making it a fine travel lens companion.

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My 28-35-50/4 v1 works fine on M240, M8.2, Sony A7s mod & Fuji X-E2. Never got significant smearing or color shifts so far. Only con is flare at 50mm mainly but this is a known problem that is easy to avoid with an EVF. I like much the built-in shade of v1 for its compactness and never used an accessory hood with this lens.  

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Some lenses exhibit flare more than others.

 

Flare is not caused by the lens. It is caused by the photographer.

 

If you shoot into a light source or shoot with a bright light source hitting or close to hitting the front element from the side you deserve everything you get. It's been that way since lenses were invented.

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