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Leica Elmar 50mm f28

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mattj

Active Member
What do you guys think of 50mm Elmar 2.8? I have M6 (.85) with 35mm 2.0 and it's a great combo but I'm looking for something small that would allow me to pocket my camera. I would have already pick it up but the idea of buying 4 element 2.8 lens when all those fast optics are available out there kind of makes me feel uneasy. After all I got into rangefinders because of fast and sharp lenses...

Matt
 
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msc

Matt: I have an Elmar 50/2,8 and give it the same use as you plan.... to carr= y my camera when I do not really plan to take photos. I have great photos I would have never done without it , as I would=B4n= t have carried any camera. Also I think it is a very sharp lense ........ EXCEPT at f/2,8.
 
S

sdmjr

Matt, Instead of buying another lens, why not get a Leica Mini, or some other very compact camera? I suggest the Mini, because I have one and I ALWAYS have it with me in my back pocket. The optics of the Mini are great. Good Luck & Happy Snaps, Sal
 
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mattj

Active Member
Hey Sal,

I have a Contax T3 (ooops I said Contax) which I like but I just want to limit having all these cameras. I want to have a rangefinder body that fits in my pocket or pouch and a spare lens somewhere. I'm just sick and tired of bulk. I shoot Hassy xpan (30, 45, 90) on daily bases and I'm just trying to make sure I'm not doubling up on lenses and if I am I want optics to be at least faster.

Matt
http:\brunerdog.tripod.com
 
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uj78

Active Member
> I got one in LTM and thing it's wonderful. I have read reports of it being > used as an enlarging lens it is so well corrected.
 
G

gjames52

Well-Known Member
Matt

Go for it. Many of the most commonly used lenses are f2.8 such as Zeiss 80mm Planar used with Hasselblad and Rollie. I have also used f2.8 lenses with ISO 25 64 & 100 film for many years without regret.
 
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wrb2

Member
Matt,

Fast and small to me speaks to handling speed as well as lens speed and size.

Myself, I do not find moving from 35 to 50 enough of a change to make it worth having one. With an M6, you might look to a Cosina Voigtlander 75mm f2.5. With the right adapter, you have the right frame line, a small, sharp lens that will not cost you an arm and a leg.

I just up to 90mm or 85mm myself, but then I am a frugal speed freak who loves f2 lenses. 2.5 is a bit slow for me, but then the size is 2/3 of the stuff I carry. The 75 fits in a pocket, much like a 90mm f4 (old or C).

As you seem to like wide stuff (at least in MF), you might look at the 21mm or even the 15mm. You are into external viewfinder land with them, which might be an issue for you, don’t know your style.

Take a look at
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, Cosina Voigtlander has some very good lenses these days, not quite as expensive as Leica and every bit as good as a generation ago no asp stuff.

Hopes this helps.

B2 (;->
 
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mattj

Active Member
Bill,

right now I have Hassy Xpan with 30, 45 and 90. I have an M6 with 35mm and Bessa L with 15mm. As point and shoots I use Contax T3 and Ricoh GR21. Long time ago I shot exclusively with BessaR and M6 but traded it for Contax G system which I loved but couldn't stand the battery dependence. I will get the 75mm from Cosina or 90mm from Leica. Plus somewhere in the future I will be tosting coins between 25mm from cosina and Leicas 24mm. But as of now I just want to keep something in my pocket that is as compact as possible.

Matt
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W

wrb2

Member
Matt,

My R1 took a dive off a TV two years ago, I still am not over the loss.

I just question the speed of pulling out the lens and twisting, then ......

What about the 28/3.5 Color Skopar? Without the lens hood it looks about the same size. Your shots (great site by the way) just say you see things in a wide-angle sort of way. It might avoid the 24/25 question, it's coupled so you can focus and not worry.

I have a feeling that Cosina is coming out with another medium telephoto lens this fall. I would hang loose, might be a 'cron killer in quality and price.

B2 (;->
 
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mnutzer

New Member
@Matt,
you like the small Elmar 2,8 – 50 but prefer the high aperture of the Summicron 2,0 – 50?
Ever thought to get a combination? Try a Summicron 2,0 – 50 with collapsible mount, Code SOOIC / 11116. From 1954 – 1957 there have been built about 58,000 units, so it is not very difficult getting a clean one.

Regards
Hans-Bernd
 
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mattj

Active Member
Thank you guys for your help. I've been using Elmar 50mm lens non stop for the past month and a half and it's really great. It is sharp and I find it very warm. And because of .85 magnification on my camera I really use it more than 35mm. Plus you can't beat the size. Can't wait for the winter time to just slip my Leica into my jacket pocket since now it's riding in my backpack.

Matt
http:\brunerdog.tripod.com
 
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