28 mm Elmarit and Summicron versions

[7enderbender]

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Ok, I’m usually pretty good with this kind of stuff, but I’m now on day two of trying to map out all the different versions of these two 28mm lenses with their respective specs and product numbers. 
 

I recently bought a chrome M10-R and a chrome 50 1.4 (11892). Looking to add a 28mm to complete the kit. 
 

Kind of leaning towards the Elmarit because of the smaller size. I like shooting wide open but with a wide angle that’s not as significant, so 2.8 should be fine. but for both lenses I see different versions and I’m looking to decipher which are a) made in Germany b) have a filter size of 46 c) are made from brass (if any). Already clear that none are available on chrome sans some extremely rare and expensive limited runs. 
Not looking to spend more than between $1500 and $2500 and that rules out the latest version (3?) of the Summicron. A good copy of version one or two may be ok, but I struggle identifying those. 
I believe version 3 of the Elmarit is the one with 46mm diameter, but it looks like some are made in Canada and such. 
 

Is there a site that lists all the lenses and variants with that kind of detail?
 

 

Edited July 19, 2024 by 7enderbender

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[Danner]

My Elmarit ASPH (v1) is a sparkling sharp lens, and has 39mm filter threads.  Highly recommended.

Haven't shot the Summicron or earlier versions.  However, the ASPH models are known to be better than the earlier Leica 28mm lenses.  The non-ASPH models have weaker performance.  An exception may be the Super Angulon lenses (might not have been a 28mm S-A) built by Zeiss in the early days.

Edited July 19, 2024 by Danner

[jankap]

vor 3 Stunden schrieb 7enderbender:

Is there a site that lists all the lenses and variants with that kind of detail?

Higher in this thread - at the start of Leica Forum - you can find the switch Leica Wiki. 

Edited July 19, 2024 by jankap

[AndreasG]

vor 1 Stunde schrieb Danner:

My Elmarit ASPH (v1) is a sparkling sharp lens, and has 39mm filter threads.  Highly recommended.

100% consent!

Edited July 19, 2024 by AndreasG

[Tessar.]

You can get the ZM 28mm Biogon in silver...  and the new VMII 28mm Skopar both are excellent performers, the Skopar is tiny.

Re. the Leicas.  Apart from the larger size I prefer the output of the Summicron over the Elmarit.  But both MK1 and 2 Elmarit ASPH versions are great too.  You can't really go wrong.  Just check that the front of the MK1 Elmarit and Summicron aren't loose from users mounting and unmounting the lens holding the hood.  

Another thing to note is the MK2 Elmarit ASPH with hood mounted is the same length as the Summicron without hood,

[Mute-on]

Before you buy anything (I own and would highly recommend the 28 Elmarit-M ASPH II), just test that you can comfortably see the 28 framelines. As a recent glasses wearer I have found that the 28 framelines in my M262 are effectively outside my field of view (I can see one edge at a time if I pivot around the viewfinder).

A second consideration is viewfinder obstruction. All of the Leica 28 lenses other than the 28 Elmarit-M ASPH and the Summaron will obstruct the viewfinder to some extent, with or without a lens hood. If you remove the lens hood from the Elmarit and Summaron there is no obstruction, and only minor obstruction using the lens hood with the Elmarit. I don’t own a Summaron so I can’t confirm the extent of obstruction with its square lens hood installed.

Good luck. 

[Tessar.]

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28 minutes ago, Mute-on said:

Before you buy anything (I own and would highly recommend the 28 Elmarit-M ASPH II), just test that you can comfortably see the 28 framelines. As a recent glasses wearer I have found that the 28 framelines in my M262 are effectively outside my field of view (I can see one edge at a time if I pivot around the viewfinder).

A second consideration is viewfinder obstruction. All of the Leica 28 lenses other than the 28 Elmarit-M ASPH and the Summaron will obstruct the viewfinder to some extent, with or without a lens hood. If you remove the lens hood from the Elmarit and Summaron there is no obstruction, and only minor obstruction using the lens hood with the Elmarit. I don’t own a Summaron so I can’t confirm the extent of obstruction with its square lens hood installed.

Good luck. 

The Summaron with hood does intrude a bit, but it doesn't really need a hood as the front element is pretty recessed into the front of the lens.