90mm Tele-elmarit

[phovsho]

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Howdy

I've been looking at a few second hand tele-elmarits. Was wondering what folks think og this lens. My intention was to use it on film primarily, though will stick it on the M8 once and a while. I like the relative size, plus the fact that I found a couple of "90% new examples" around the USD 500 +/- $50. My questions are:

 

1. what are thoughts on the performance of this lens? I understand it has low contrast and less sharp than some of the newer lens, but very compact and nice bokeh (opinion?)

 

2. anything I should look out for and test for?

 

3. any advantages of "made in Germany"? currently looking at four examples, of which only one is German made, the others being Canadian.

 

4. any advantages of the later body shape over the early fatter style?

 

My other longish lens is the 75 lux.

 

Best

 

M

[lct]

Depends on the size ('fat' or 'thin') and the vintage.

Mine is a 'thin' one from 1979 (# 2968***). Tiny lens originally sold with a rubber hood but can be used with the regular clip-on metal hood for 90mm and 135mm M lenses as well. A bit soft at f/2.8. Plenty sharp at f/5.6 and 8. Smooth bokeh. Very good for travels and portrait IMHO. But prone to flare so a good hood is mandatory.

See: http://tinyurl.com/rv7w/LeicaM_9028ThinTE_Gilc.pdf

[philipotto]

Murray,

Have you seen the three that are listed in the Buy & Sell Section?

 

P

[lct]

...I am still having trouble identifying which is the FAT and which is the THIN. Does anyone have an image/example of each?...

Thin above. Fat here:

[pleeson]

I have the skinny one, love its compact form. Had a 90mm Summicron, sold it as was way too heavy for me.

[pcdikran]

...which one is the better one- the fat (5lenses) or the thin one (4 lenses)?