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tri-elmar generations


Scott Root

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I wish to purchase the latest tri-elmar (not newest wide-angle tri-elmar) and wonder if there are two or three generations of the tri-elmar? In other words, what am I to look for and ask for if I am looking for a most recent tri-elmar and what year did they begin to produce the most up-to-date tri-elmar?

 

Scott

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To my knowledge, there are two generations of 28-35-50 Tri-Elmar. The first has a flare at the front of the lens barrel (so does not really need a hood). The second does not have a flared lens barrel, but has depth of field markings and, it's said, revised click stops for the focal length selection. Optically, I believe they are identical.

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Yes, there are two generations of that Tri-Elmar: The first one with the wider front barrel (E55 instead of second version's E49 ) produced from 1998 to 2000, the second one from 2000 to now. There hasn't been any modification of the optical characteristics, but a mechanical improvement, because some lenses of the first version were a little bit "sticky" in changing the frame lines, when the user changed the focal length.

Greetings

H.

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As Mark explain,

Old Tri-Elmar 28-35-50 (Nr. 11890) were produced until year 2000 - No Deep of field marks, no lens hood needed

New Tri-Elmar 28-35-50 (Nr.11625) delivered from year 2000 - Deep of filed marks printed, lens hood recomended

You will find attached a picture of both lenses

 

Daniel

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Another thing to know - I bought a used first gen Tri, and the click stops are very definite - they might have made that change part way thorugh.....also, the first gen is much cheaper (comparing used prices on both) and for me, is actually better - I use it only occasionally and like not having a separate hood to keep track of.

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  • 2 months later...

How are other opinions about gen.1 vs gen.2 ?

 

I could get a like new, coded Tri-Elm. version 2 for 2400 € (with guarantee) while I see version 1 used for around 1700 EUro on ebay.

 

Is there anybody else who would prefer the first version because of the built in hood?

 

On the other side the DOF-markings are not a bad thing to have IMO.

 

And maybe there are really some mechnical improvements.

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The old Tri is my most used lens and I love it. Changing the focal length is a bit rough the 28 mm needs to go past the click to bring the correct frame up. The distance ring has also a not so smooth point, but one gets used to it very quickly.

I have hand coded the lens and I really like to see which focal length I used

Regards

Volker

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I own the second version of the 'normal' Tri-Elmar, and it is by far my most-used lens.

 

As mentioned by several people, the lens was changed only for mechanical reasons, so buy the one you can find. I don't use the DoF engravings often, but when you want them, they're nice to have.

 

The later version is to my knowledge the only Leica lens that doesn't ship with lens hood; but I recommend purchasing and using the hood.

 

--HC

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Thanks for the feedback.

I have picked up the 2nd version and can check it out over the weekend.

 

The idea of 28-35-50 in one compact lens is very appealing to me.

When being outsinde it sounds like a ideal walk-around combo.

If you have the "risk" low light will be included, just bring one fast lens in addition.

 

I am afraid that I will keep the lens....

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