Jump to content

50 Elmar f/2.8 New Style


barnack

Recommended Posts

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Do any members have this lens? If so, what is your impression of it?

 

Just bought one, can't wait to have it in my greedy hands that will probably be end of next week. After that will try it and tell my impressions.

I've got mine on eBay with box, papers, pouch, hood and all the stuff. It is a 1994 silver version.

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • Replies 52
  • Created
  • Last Reply

I have a small gallery of samples here: Elmar-M - a set on Flickr

 

The f/2.8 is the only reason this lens doesn't spend more time on my M8--I like to shoot wide open at f/2 (Summicron 35mm, 50mm, and 90mm) or f/1.2 (CV 35mm). To get faster speeds. And for deeper OOF areas.

 

At f/4 and f/5.6 this lens is way sharp. It's probably trouble to say it, but it "looks" a bit sharper than my 50mm Summicron at f/4 and f/5.6. That could just be the contrast, though.

 

The focus ring is different, as noted--I grip the ring differently than with my other lenses and have no trouble with it. It's a slower spin than the Summicron.

 

Nobody commented on the build, so I will. . . .

 

The process of removing the old-style metal Leica cap, extending the lens, spinning to lock it, shooting, and then unlocking/collapsing the lens before re-capping is *very* satisfying.

 

The machining of the lens is precise and all actions are smooth. Feels good in the hands and on the camera. It's just . . . perfect.

 

When I bought the lens I thought it would be really annoying to have to "prepare" it for use. Not so. It's one of the best parts of using this lens. :D

 

Nobody commented on the price really, so I'll do that, too. . . .

 

At B&H the 50mm Summicron is about $1800. In other places, the 50mm Elmar-M looks to be running about $1000, used. (At KEH it looks like $600 is the going rate for an EX condition lens.)

 

Pricing feels pretty good to me, based on the capabilities and it being "genuine" Leica glass.

 

Good luck!

Will

Link to post
Share on other sites

Got mine last week, last version, coded etc. Most of my recent posts here in the forum have been from it. Very sharp as a portrait lens even wide open. A bit of a problem (reported elsewhere) with infinity focus but otherwise a perfect Leica 50.

 

LouisB

Link to post
Share on other sites

Elmar arrived. Silver, coded, like new. I must say it's a wonderful little lens to use. Focusing is fast, it is sharp up to the edges at 2.8, bokeh is smooth and creamy, as Brett says.

I'll try to post some pictures as soon as I will have the time to take some more.

Just waiting for the uv/ir filter from Leica.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Elmar arrived. Silver, coded, like new. I must say it's a wonderful little lens to use. Focusing is fast, it is sharp up to the edges at 2.8, bokeh is smooth and creamy, as Brett says.

I'll try to post some pictures as soon as I will have the time to take some more.

Just waiting for the uv/ir filter from Leica.

 

Look forward to seeing your images. Here's a tip, if you have a 90mm Macro-Elmar-M the lens hood works a treat for the 50 Elmar-M on M8 without cutoff.

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 2 years later...

Lens cap question...

I am trying to find original or nearest to metal cap for collapsible Elmar M 50mm.

There seem to be abundance of Summarit accessories so I was wondering does metal lens cap for 35/50mm Summarits fit on Elmar directly or over the Lenshood (12550).

Advice appreciated.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Don't forget the 14268-plastic-cap which I prefer to the metal ones.

I have one on my Summilux 35/1.4 pre-asph. It is not made for the Elmar 50 but does fit on the lens itself. On the lens hoods # 12549 & 12550 as well but better not push it too deeply otherwise it might be difficult to remove.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...