alun Posted October 18, 2008 Share #1 Posted October 18, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) I'm looking for a *value* 28/2.8 lens. I have looked at various copies of just about all versions (I think) of the Elmarit but I haveseen a very good price on a ZM Biogon 28/2.8. Can anyone comment on the respective ergonomics of these lenses (as opposed to optics). My impression is that the Leica is a more ergonomically designed lens with a more useable focusing tab than the Biogon (which as far as I can see simply has a raised 'hump' in the focus ring rather than a full tab. Any comments on ergonomic performance would be welcome. cheers alun severn Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted October 18, 2008 Posted October 18, 2008 Hi alun, Take a look here Elmarit 28/2.8 vs ZM Biogon 28/2.8: Ergonomics. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Photon42 Posted October 19, 2008 Share #2 Posted October 19, 2008 I just know the Elmarit 28 and the Biogon 35. Assuming the Bio 28 is the same in ergonomics, I'd say the Elmarit is a bit better made, very small, but still easy to handle due to the nice focussing tab. The lens in fact so small, that it might be difficult to find a piece which doesn't rotate, when you mount the lens. The Leica lens cap is a traditional one and fits very well. The Biogon cap is a nightmare. The 35 Biogon seems virtually flare-free, and so seems the Elmarit 28. So lens shade isn't mandatory. The Elmarit 28 is coded, the Biogons require self-coding. Not everybody likes it, but my Biogon 35 did very well with it. Hope it gives you a start. Regards Ivo Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lars_bergquist Posted October 20, 2008 Share #3 Posted October 20, 2008 A permanent self-coding entails (1) obtaining a lens which brings up the right finder frames; (2) detaching the bayonet and having coding recesses milled by an independent operator, such as Jon Millich in Brooklyn; (3) re-attaching the bayonet, and (4) coding the recesses with white and black enamel paint such as Humbrol. This will take some time and cost some money (and a little bit of risk) which should be parts of your calculation. The de- and re-assembly should be done be an expert mechanic. I went through this for a Zeiss ZM 18mm. Total elapsed time: some eight weeks. But that was for a lens which has no counterpart in the Leica M lineup. Zeiss lenses are definitely top class, optically and mechanically. But they are not 'plug and play' at present. The old man from the Age of Screwdriver Photography Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alun Posted October 20, 2008 Author Share #4 Posted October 20, 2008 Thanks for comments so far. If I have understood correctly, the ZM Biogon 28mm will *not* bring up the 28mm framelines on M6/M7?? I certainly had not realised that to be the case. regards Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Photon42 Posted October 20, 2008 Share #5 Posted October 20, 2008 Thanks for comments so far. If I have understood correctly, the ZM Biogon 28mm will *not* bring up the 28mm framelines on M6/M7?? I certainly had not realised that to be the case. regards The Biogon would certainly show the proper framelines (28 and 90). Although I've no 28 copy to verify this, I've got a Zeiss documentation confirming that. Probs with "incorrect" framelines show with the Leica M8 + Zeiss lenses with focal length of 24mm or shorter. Please check the respective information here for details. The complete coding of my Biogon took me approx three weeks. Milich actually offers now ready made flanges, so no need going back and forth. Regards Ivo Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alun Posted October 21, 2008 Author Share #6 Posted October 21, 2008 Thanks for the replies. I just thought you might like to know that with some digging I have just found what I really wanted all along -- a version 4 Elmarit 28/2.8, with caps, hood and a Leica filter offered for the special "today only" price of GBP 649.00. I couldn't refuse. I know many regard this lens as not just the best of the pre-asph 28/2.8s but also possibly *the* best, but frankly it is the styling, size and ergonomics that appeal to me -- it is very close to the version 4 Summicron 35/2 that is my standard lens. Anyway, I hope I like it -- £650+ is still a lot of money to pay for a 12-15 year-old lens!! cheers, alun Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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