New 28 Elmarit ASPH construction query

[Mute-on]

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I am now in a position to buy a new Leica 28 Elmarit, for which I've been planning since about 2007, when I bought my 0.58 MP.

 

My question is whether the 2016 update 28 Elmarit has a revised construction to avoid the loose front barrel problem that the first version (and Summicron) suffered from?

 

Many thanks in advance

 

J

 

 

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[Mute-on]

Ok, perhaps I should put this differently in view of the relative lack of experience with the new lenses ... 

 

Is is the potential loosening of the front group issue a significant concern, or limited to a few cases?

 

I ask because I have the option of a new 2016 28 Elmarit ASPH at around AUD $3,000, or a near mint previous 28 Elmarit ASPH at around AUD $2,000.

 

Is the improved performance and potentially improved construction of the new version worth the 50% premium?

 

I shoot film at present, but may move to digital M in a few years.

 

Many thanks, all

 

J

[wattsy]

I think you might be confusing the reputation of the old 28 Summicron 11604 (the version prior to the new screw in hood model) with the previous version of the 28 Elmarit ASPH. The Summicron is well known for the grub screws holding the front of the lens coming loose. The previous version of the Elmarit ASPH (2008-2015) has no history of spontaneously falling apart.

[Ecar]

There have indeed been several such reports. The Summicron appears to be the most affected.

FWIW, both my pre-2016 Elmarit and Summicron never suffered from this problem.

In real-life usage, I think the difference in performance between old and new would be marginal at best (particularly on film).

I'd save the hard-earned cash and go with the previous version - if issues arise over time, they can be fixed for much less than the price difference. But that's just me.

[Mute-on]

Thanks for your comments Ecar. It is clear that the loosening issue manifest more frequently in Summicrons than Elmarits, but there is scant information to indicate the extent of the issue with Elmarits. Frankly, I'd rather not be subject to a problematic and frustrating experience if I have the choice.

 

As you say, the difference between old and new might well be marginal on film. I am mindful that by the time can access a digital M, the difference may be noticeable and worthwhile. I'd rather buy once if this is the case. 

 

Nevertheless, a 50% premium is significant, as is the $,1000, even in AUD

 

I'd welcome further input in any event. 

 

Cheers

 

J

[lct]

Heard rumors according to which the previous 28/2.8 asph would be more performant on digital Ms than the current one which would do better on the SL. Rumors would come from Reid Reviews if i understand well. Enough for me keep the previous Elmarit asph which works fine on my M8.2, M240 and Sony A7s mod. I prefer its clip-on hood as well. FWIW. 

[fotomas]

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I have the old version of the Elmarit 28 ASPH since 2006. A marvelous lens. And until today I have not be aware, that something is getting loose there (knock on wood).
I use filters a lot and so I prefer also the clip-on hood, even in spit of it's sometimes a bit fiddly handling.
Don't know the new screw-on hood. But I guess if you have screw it on and of every time you use a filter this could be really annoying. Maybe someone with the new one can report how this works.

 

By the way: here I have an example from this lens with film:

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/171090-die-perfektion-der-m/page-56?do=findComment&comment=2327570

[steppenw0lf]

I would like to compare MTFs for the old and new Elmarit. I find only the old data sheet. Does anybody have access to the new one ? Or did Leica mention anywhere that the glass is identical (probably not) and that is the reason for the missing data sheet ?

Anyway strange that there is such a mistery - or did I simply miss the link ?    

(I have the link for the new Summicron 28, but not for the new Elmarit 28 and the new Summicron 35. The wiki does also not contain these new lenses.)

 

Yes, maybe also this comment: I never had a Leica lens that had a loose part - are you sure that you are not following a bad joke ? (Maybe after really bad treatment a lens could break, but are you planning that ? And if so, why ? )

 

To me this sounds like some people in perfect health, but who consult their doctor at least twice a month, just in case they might "unexpectedly" develop an illness ...  

 

And Ecar, can you please tell how many such reports you found ? (Where ?) And how many lenses were affected ? 

[lct]

I would like to compare MTFs for the old and new Elmarit. I find only the old data sheet. Does anybody have access to the new one ? [...]

 

Suffice it to ask

LeicaM_2828a_v1_specs.pdf

LeicaM_2828a_v2_specs.pdf

[ralphh]

I just got the new 28 Elmarit ASPH.

 

I was flipping through the manual and started read "The 28mm Summicron-M is notable for excellent picture quality".  WTF?  Those Leica b*stards put a summicron manual in my elmarit box just to make me feel bad for not spending enough money!! 

[fotomas]

You should feel lucky. You got a Summicron-manuel for a Elmarit price!

[ralphh]

I'd have rather had the summicron lens in the box by accident

[Ecar]

 

And Ecar, can you please tell how many such reports you found ? (Where ?) And how many lenses were affected ? 

 

Since I never actually looked for reports on this issue, I didn't count nor kept track of them, I'm afraid. But, from memory, the issue has been popping up on a regular (if not very frequent) basis on this forum and on RFF over the last few years. Searching on the forums or googling something like "Elmarit [summicron] 28 loose" should give you a better sense of how many there were.