Leica Elmar 50mm S
2021年9月9日Download here: http://gg.gg/vxus0
*Leica Elmar 50mm Software
*Leica Elmar 50mm 2.8 Serial NumbersIntroduction
If you are looking for a new, affordable 50mm Leica optic, then inevitablythe choice boils down to either the ƒ2.8 collapsible 50mm Elmar-M or the ƒ2.050mm Summicron-M.
Lens mount Leica Thread Mount. Focal length 50mm. Minimum Focus Distance 1m. Accessories 1x original front cap, 1x original case. Great condition. Focus type Manual Focus. Maximum aperture f/3.5. So since Leica started to ’reissue’ some old lens-designs, a 50mm Elmar (preferably 1:3.5 with modern glass) with the old but straight-line mount of the bayonet-Elmar would be more appealing than what they have ’reissued’ so far. Mnutzer, roger1987, Lukas F.
The LEICA ELMAR-M 50mm f/2.8 has no visible distortion. Shoot the M9, look at it at 100%, drop a ruler on it in Photoshop, and it’s flat. The ELMAR-M is a huge improvement over today’s newest SLR lenses like the Nikon 50mm f/1.4 AF-S which have noticeable barrel distortion. LEICA ELMAR-M 50mm f/2.8. LEICA I Elmar 50mm F3.5 Made in 1929 Product status D Serial Number: Body: 16655 Accessories: ・ Spool ・ Lens cap Operation: The operation has been confirmed. Shutter works fine. Shutter doesn’t work. Appearance: The camera body with signs of wear. Please look at the photos for.
Many users are attracted by the smaller size and ’retro’ styling ofthe Elmar-M, but worry about the lens being any good. Is it as sharp as the Summicron? Is it as mechanically robust?…Elmar vs. ’Cron
For a year I had both lenses - both the latest formulation Elmar-M and a 1993 version M Summicron (with focus tab & no built-in lens hood). Both were in mint condition and with mint glass etc. Observations follow:
*Sharpness at ƒ5.6-ƒ11 is difficult to tell apart. You have to go to extremely high magnification to see the Summicron’s benefits, making the Elmar-M more than sharp enough everyday use.
*Differences in contrast are easy to see however, withthe Summicron definitely more contrasty at all apertures. Whilethis is an advantage in the polluted, constantly overcast NorthernHemisphere, it isn’t so good in sun-blasted Australia.
*The Elmar-M doesn’t cope with flare so well when photographing into the sun or a strong backlight. Mind you, the ’Cron can flareunder these conditions as well, it’s just that it isn’t as bad.Mind you, neither lens is as flare resistant as the Noctilux orSummilux.
*The Elmar-M isn’t as weather resistant as the Summicron.I found this out the hard way when shooting outdoors in the rainand I noticed the lens interior had fogged up. Oops.
*Having to de-collapse the Elmar-M every time you prepare thelens for a photo is a pain. For the occasional snap-shot it’s okay, but if you are shooting a lot and stowing your camera each time, then the extend-the-lens-before-you-shoot make-sure-the-lens-clicks ritual can get on your nerves.
*Despite this, the Elmar-M barrel extension lock is surprisingly robust. Occasionally a tiny smear of Vaseline on the detent knobs at the rear of the lens barrel cylinder will help keep the mechanism smooth and reliable for hundreds of clicks.
*When collapsed the Elmar-M makes the M/lens combo robust and v.compact. With the lens body safely tucked into the camera’s lens cavity, there is less chance of damaging the lens barrel if you have a habit of banging your Leica about. However if you use the Elmar cylindrical Hood (strongly recommended to help keep fingers away from the glass), when collapsed the lens isn’t much shorter than the Summicron without a hood (or with a rubber hood rolled back).
*Oddly enough, the Summicron’s extra stop isn’t significant for outdoors work. Indoors however, even the ’Cron’s ƒ2.0 isn’t enough!
Mainly due to it’s compactness & lower contrast, in the end I decided to keep the Elmar-M and sold the ’Cron. I now use the Elmar-M to complement my 50mm M Summilux, with the ’Lux doing the bulkof my everyday 50mm work and the Elmar-M used for fun or knocking around.Links / Reviews
To read User Reviews of the Elmar-M, see the following link:
<photographyreview.com/…>
For general discussions of Elmar-M vs. Summicron, see the followinglinks:
*<Photo.net: #004u4x> (Apr 2003)
*<Greenspun.com: #0089eK>
*<Greenspun.com: #004HpW>50mm DR Summicron
Wondering which particular 50mm M lens is the ’best’?
Many imagine it’s the 50mm DR - see the following op.ed. piece by Seth Rosnerin LHSA Viewfinder Vol. 34, where he is convinced his 1960s DR 50mm Summicron (11118/11318) provides greater resolution and generally gives a ’better quality’ image than the latest 50mm Summicron (11819) formulation:
<lhsa.org/pdf/341newmusing.pdf> (PDF 140 KB)
(N.B. this link may be broken due to a change in web policy by the LHSA in March 2004.)
BTW Mr Rosner forgets to mention that you must set the DR to infinity when mounting and dismounting,otherwise it won’t mount properly or focus-couple accurately. Additionally, there are reports of incompatibility problems with some versions of the DR 50 whenused with the newer M6 TTL and M7. See Stephen Gandy’s detailed notes on his ’Leica M50/2 Dual Range Summicron’ page,as well as this May 2002 online discussion at <Photo.net: #003OvN>.
Before you get too misty-eyed about the DR, in May 2002Andrew Schankprovided the following reality-check: I had the 50 DR and it is an excellent lens for sure, but I didn’t find it to be as good as the current 50 [Summicron], especially when wide open. It flares easier as well, not having the benefits of multicaoating.
I find it interesting that certain lenses attain such cult status basically based on something written somewhere by someone I never heard of. The DR 50 is also very heavy, and prone to fogging like all of the older chrome lenses. Mine actually eventually had the internal coatings fail and was basically beyond economical repair.
So in answer to your question, I shot with both extensively and prefer the current 50 [Summicron] based on my results. If I had to chose between the two, I’d pick the current 50. By the way, the DR feature was more of an issue back then when the regular 50 only focused to about 40 inches. The current 50 focuses to 0.7 meters, about 24 inches, without fooling with goggles and stage two focusing cams, etc.
After reading the above remarks, in June 2002 Mr Rosner responded: […] Mr. Schrank correctly states that the 50 DR/Rigid is more flare-prone than the current 50 Summicron. It also carries its slight contrast advantage better into the corners of the image. The contrast difference virtually disappears at medium apertures. On the other hand, the DR/Rigid resolves better than the current lens on and off-axis and maintains or increases the resolution advantage as the lenses are stopped down.
The Rigid and the DR without the close-focus finder weigh only very slightly more than the chrome version of the current lens (made of brass rather than alloy and significantly stronger as a result).
I find Mr. Schrank’s reference to the DR’s cult status amusing. If there is such a thing as cult status, it is not achieved by something written somewhere by someone he has never heard of. It is achieved by recognition by professional and serious amateur photographers over a period of 46 years of heavy-duty use as the best all-around 50mm lens.Leica Elmar 50mm SoftwareVoigtländer Heliar 50mm ƒ3.5
Despite the rave reviews, you can forget about the VoigtländerHeliar 50mm ƒ3.5 collapsible lens. It is strictlya collector’s item at the moment and is only available with purchase of the101 Heliar Edition Bessa T camera body.Nevertheless Erwin Puts has done a glowing review of the 50/3.5 Heliar in comparision with the Leica Elmarit-M, seehere.
In June 2002Jeffery Smithnoted the following about his Heliar 50mm: The Heliar 50/3.5 is a phenomenally good lens if you can live with the slow speed. It is quirky and takes some getting used to (you can change the f-stop by rotating the lens hood). The optics of this lens are exceptional, and I feel that I am getting to the point that I can recognize which images I have shot with the Heliar based on their appearance. I have some test shots posted at:
1. <jeffery-nola.com/images/Heliar_1.jpg>
2. <jeffery-nola.com/images/Heliar_2.jpg>
3. <jeffery-nola.com/images/Heliar_3.jpg>
I find the images taken with the Heliar to be clear, sharp, and with no suggestion of light fall-off anywhere.Other 50mm lenses
In late Feb 2002 Cosina announced the LTM Color Skopar 50mm ƒ2.5 lens- a compact 7-element, 10 aperture blade ’high quality’ lens and maybe a good compromisebetween the quality of the 50mm Summicron and (lower) cost of the Elmar-M? Beforeyou get your hopes up however, early reports about the 50/2.5 aren’t very encouraging(see the following August 2002 online discussion at <Photo.net: #003Z6H>).
Speaking of collapsible lenses, here is something to think about. Maybe one day Leica should release as a separate M-mount lens the 50mm ƒ3.5 Anastigmat they used on the ’O’ yuppie-nostalgia model. Apparently this lens is very, very good - much better than the Elmar-M andyet just as compact. See the discussions at:
*<Greenspun.com: #007fZF>
*<Greenspun.com: #0099r4>
For more info on 50mm Leica lenses in general, See Stephen Gandy’s M lensguide at:
<cameraquest.com/mlenses.htm>
Also see this April 2004 summary of Leica 50mm lens featuresand differences byFeli di Giorgio at:
<LUG - v27/msg04820.html>
If you don’t wish to plough through my review and experiences… bottom line? I love this diminutive lens! It is a gem. Buy it.
History
The Elmar-M f2.8 50mm is the third version of a collapsible, Elmar-designated 50mm lens, the original being the Elmar 50mm f3.5 produced from 1926-1961 (which was based on the Elmax 50mm f3.5 (1921-1925), itself a variation of the Dr Max Berek-designed Anastigmat of 1924). For 35 years (1926-1961) Leica produced something like 380,000 Elmar 50mm f3.5s in both screw and bayonet, a remarkable testament to its sound optical design principals.
In 1957 Leica released the Elmar 50mm f2.8 – note ‘Elmar’ not ‘Elmar-M’ as some mistakenly appropriate it. Developments in optical computation and higher index glass manufacture gave significant performance improvements over f3.5 version, as well as a stop larger aperture. Around 65,000 were made in both screw and bayonet mount, until production dribbled to a halt about 1972. Then things Elmar went quiet…
Originally the Elmar-M 50mm f2.8 was introduced in 1994 to be sold with the M6J (‘Jubilee’ – to celebrate 40 years of the Leica M): just 1640 M6Js with their Elmar-Ms were produced (40 sets for each of the 40 years, plus 40). This brand new Elmar-M was a new computation with modern glass and coatings, providing improved and excellent optical properties. With its small size and light weight it attracted not unsurprising demand from fans who appreciated its ability to be collapsed into an M body, which encouraged Leica to begin individual lens production in 1996, which they continued until 2007.
Incidentally by Leica’s lens nomenclature a f2.8 lens should be designated ‘Elmarit’. With the collapsible f2.8 50mm lenses Leica departed from this policy, naming the collapsible f2.8s ‘Elmar’ to make a historic family link back to the redoubtable 1926 Elmar 50mm f3.5. I think, a nice touch.
So, potted history out of the way, in very simple terms, we have three Elmars: the original Elmar 50mm f3.5, then the Elmar 50mm f2.8 (v.1) and then v.2 (Elmar-M 50mm f2.8), which is the lens reviewed here.
Design & Use
In a word, it is dinky. Although compact when extended for use, the Elmar-M’s distance scale is easy to read, and its apertures, although not evenly spaced, being half stops from f2.8 to f8 and full stops from f8 to f16, no trouble to adjust. With a 90 degree turn from 0.7m to infinity, the focussing ring, free of any tabs, buttons or locks, is lightening fast and the helicoid exceptionally smooth. For such a small lens, everything is to hand. My black anodized version (code 11 831), made in 1995, weighs 170g. The chrome version (code 11 823) weighs 245g. Mechanically this is one sweet lens.
Unlike v.1, the v.2’s aperture scale does not rotate when focussing. Stormworks: build and rescue for mac. However, the lens barrel can rotate freely when the lens is collapsed. Therefore, before extending the barrel make sure the aperture index is positioned to align with the red bayonet marker. Then extend the barrel fully and turn it anti-clockwise (viewed from the top of the camera) to lock the lens in its extended position. The aperture index and the focussing index then will line up together properly. It goes without saying images will be totally out of focus if the lens is not fully extended and locked into position.
On some Elmar-Ms, with the lens extended and locked into position, the front part can be a little loose and easy to turn. This can be remedied by removing the lens from the camera and collapsing it fully. In the collapsed position you will see at the rear of the lens the locking mechanism’s three tiny bayonets. By carefully (and I do mean carefully!) inserting a jeweller’s 3mm flat-head screwdriver into the bayonet slots and twisting very slightly (again, I stress carefully… and slightly) so that the bayonets are forced outwards by no more than 0.25mm, the bayonet will lock in the extended position more firmly. If you are unsure do not attempt the above: I accept no responsibility for mishap or damage.
A warning about collapsing the lens. Leica state it is safe to collapse the lens into all Leica M bodies with the exception of the the M5 and Leica CL. I have no experience of this. Leica’s lens instruction booklet states that collapsing the lens into these bodies could damage their exposure meter photo cells, which are positioned in front of the shutter curtain. Leica recommend limiting the retraction of the lens by using 9.5mm Dymo tape stuck on the barrel.
Filter size is 39mm (Leitz designate them E39 x 0.5 thread pitch). Be careful with filter thread pitches, some cheap makes have thread pitches of 0.75. I use B+W or Heliopan filters for all of my lenses. I don’t ‘baby’ my Leica or optics, they’re out in all weather, and I would rather damage a filter than a front lens element.
Also, I do not use its dedicated hood (black, code 12 550 – silver, code 12 549). Some reviewers and users state otherwise, but I’ve never found flare a problem with the v.2. It is a simple design of four elements in three groups (the rear two cemented), using high-refractive glass, multi-coating and a modest aperture of f2.8. I do not find a hood necessary.
Piccadilly, London, England – 2014 (taken at f4)
Performance
Its optical performance is truly wonderful: contrasty and pin sharp, producing images with a glorious depth and snap. Colour reproduction is neutral and saturated, with no lateral colour fringes. At any aperture it out-resolves my two favourite black and white films, Neopan 400 and Fomapan 200. There is no visible distortion and vignetting wide open is barely visible: what little vignetting there is disappears by f5.6. It is distortion-free.
Wide open (f2.8) extreme corners are not up a modern Summicron’s (is any lens?), but stop the Elmar-M down to its optimum aperture (according to the Leica) of f.5.6 and images are flawless. I defy anybody to tell enlargements from the Elmar-M from any other 50mm. Definition and fine detail are exemplary.
Summary
The Elmar-M 50mm f2.8 is, perhaps, one of the best kept secrets of Leica lenses. Amongst its aficionados it is rated highly. If you have a M body and have no need of a fast 50mm lens with a f2 or f1.4 aperture (say, a Summicron or a Summilux) this unsung gem of a lens will suit you admirably. Given the Elmar-M’s simple Tessar 4-element, 3-group design, it is utterly incomparable and highly recommended.Leica Elmar 50mm 2.8 Serial Numbers
It is a stunner, with the ability to provide superlative images that are pretty much the equal of any 50mm lens, Leica or otherwise. It really is this good.
Download here: http://gg.gg/vxus0
https://diarynote-jp.indered.space
*Leica Elmar 50mm Software
*Leica Elmar 50mm 2.8 Serial NumbersIntroduction
If you are looking for a new, affordable 50mm Leica optic, then inevitablythe choice boils down to either the ƒ2.8 collapsible 50mm Elmar-M or the ƒ2.050mm Summicron-M.
Lens mount Leica Thread Mount. Focal length 50mm. Minimum Focus Distance 1m. Accessories 1x original front cap, 1x original case. Great condition. Focus type Manual Focus. Maximum aperture f/3.5. So since Leica started to ’reissue’ some old lens-designs, a 50mm Elmar (preferably 1:3.5 with modern glass) with the old but straight-line mount of the bayonet-Elmar would be more appealing than what they have ’reissued’ so far. Mnutzer, roger1987, Lukas F.
The LEICA ELMAR-M 50mm f/2.8 has no visible distortion. Shoot the M9, look at it at 100%, drop a ruler on it in Photoshop, and it’s flat. The ELMAR-M is a huge improvement over today’s newest SLR lenses like the Nikon 50mm f/1.4 AF-S which have noticeable barrel distortion. LEICA ELMAR-M 50mm f/2.8. LEICA I Elmar 50mm F3.5 Made in 1929 Product status D Serial Number: Body: 16655 Accessories: ・ Spool ・ Lens cap Operation: The operation has been confirmed. Shutter works fine. Shutter doesn’t work. Appearance: The camera body with signs of wear. Please look at the photos for.
Many users are attracted by the smaller size and ’retro’ styling ofthe Elmar-M, but worry about the lens being any good. Is it as sharp as the Summicron? Is it as mechanically robust?…Elmar vs. ’Cron
For a year I had both lenses - both the latest formulation Elmar-M and a 1993 version M Summicron (with focus tab & no built-in lens hood). Both were in mint condition and with mint glass etc. Observations follow:
*Sharpness at ƒ5.6-ƒ11 is difficult to tell apart. You have to go to extremely high magnification to see the Summicron’s benefits, making the Elmar-M more than sharp enough everyday use.
*Differences in contrast are easy to see however, withthe Summicron definitely more contrasty at all apertures. Whilethis is an advantage in the polluted, constantly overcast NorthernHemisphere, it isn’t so good in sun-blasted Australia.
*The Elmar-M doesn’t cope with flare so well when photographing into the sun or a strong backlight. Mind you, the ’Cron can flareunder these conditions as well, it’s just that it isn’t as bad.Mind you, neither lens is as flare resistant as the Noctilux orSummilux.
*The Elmar-M isn’t as weather resistant as the Summicron.I found this out the hard way when shooting outdoors in the rainand I noticed the lens interior had fogged up. Oops.
*Having to de-collapse the Elmar-M every time you prepare thelens for a photo is a pain. For the occasional snap-shot it’s okay, but if you are shooting a lot and stowing your camera each time, then the extend-the-lens-before-you-shoot make-sure-the-lens-clicks ritual can get on your nerves.
*Despite this, the Elmar-M barrel extension lock is surprisingly robust. Occasionally a tiny smear of Vaseline on the detent knobs at the rear of the lens barrel cylinder will help keep the mechanism smooth and reliable for hundreds of clicks.
*When collapsed the Elmar-M makes the M/lens combo robust and v.compact. With the lens body safely tucked into the camera’s lens cavity, there is less chance of damaging the lens barrel if you have a habit of banging your Leica about. However if you use the Elmar cylindrical Hood (strongly recommended to help keep fingers away from the glass), when collapsed the lens isn’t much shorter than the Summicron without a hood (or with a rubber hood rolled back).
*Oddly enough, the Summicron’s extra stop isn’t significant for outdoors work. Indoors however, even the ’Cron’s ƒ2.0 isn’t enough!
Mainly due to it’s compactness & lower contrast, in the end I decided to keep the Elmar-M and sold the ’Cron. I now use the Elmar-M to complement my 50mm M Summilux, with the ’Lux doing the bulkof my everyday 50mm work and the Elmar-M used for fun or knocking around.Links / Reviews
To read User Reviews of the Elmar-M, see the following link:
<photographyreview.com/…>
For general discussions of Elmar-M vs. Summicron, see the followinglinks:
*<Photo.net: #004u4x> (Apr 2003)
*<Greenspun.com: #0089eK>
*<Greenspun.com: #004HpW>50mm DR Summicron
Wondering which particular 50mm M lens is the ’best’?
Many imagine it’s the 50mm DR - see the following op.ed. piece by Seth Rosnerin LHSA Viewfinder Vol. 34, where he is convinced his 1960s DR 50mm Summicron (11118/11318) provides greater resolution and generally gives a ’better quality’ image than the latest 50mm Summicron (11819) formulation:
<lhsa.org/pdf/341newmusing.pdf> (PDF 140 KB)
(N.B. this link may be broken due to a change in web policy by the LHSA in March 2004.)
BTW Mr Rosner forgets to mention that you must set the DR to infinity when mounting and dismounting,otherwise it won’t mount properly or focus-couple accurately. Additionally, there are reports of incompatibility problems with some versions of the DR 50 whenused with the newer M6 TTL and M7. See Stephen Gandy’s detailed notes on his ’Leica M50/2 Dual Range Summicron’ page,as well as this May 2002 online discussion at <Photo.net: #003OvN>.
Before you get too misty-eyed about the DR, in May 2002Andrew Schankprovided the following reality-check: I had the 50 DR and it is an excellent lens for sure, but I didn’t find it to be as good as the current 50 [Summicron], especially when wide open. It flares easier as well, not having the benefits of multicaoating.
I find it interesting that certain lenses attain such cult status basically based on something written somewhere by someone I never heard of. The DR 50 is also very heavy, and prone to fogging like all of the older chrome lenses. Mine actually eventually had the internal coatings fail and was basically beyond economical repair.
So in answer to your question, I shot with both extensively and prefer the current 50 [Summicron] based on my results. If I had to chose between the two, I’d pick the current 50. By the way, the DR feature was more of an issue back then when the regular 50 only focused to about 40 inches. The current 50 focuses to 0.7 meters, about 24 inches, without fooling with goggles and stage two focusing cams, etc.
After reading the above remarks, in June 2002 Mr Rosner responded: […] Mr. Schrank correctly states that the 50 DR/Rigid is more flare-prone than the current 50 Summicron. It also carries its slight contrast advantage better into the corners of the image. The contrast difference virtually disappears at medium apertures. On the other hand, the DR/Rigid resolves better than the current lens on and off-axis and maintains or increases the resolution advantage as the lenses are stopped down.
The Rigid and the DR without the close-focus finder weigh only very slightly more than the chrome version of the current lens (made of brass rather than alloy and significantly stronger as a result).
I find Mr. Schrank’s reference to the DR’s cult status amusing. If there is such a thing as cult status, it is not achieved by something written somewhere by someone he has never heard of. It is achieved by recognition by professional and serious amateur photographers over a period of 46 years of heavy-duty use as the best all-around 50mm lens.Leica Elmar 50mm SoftwareVoigtländer Heliar 50mm ƒ3.5
Despite the rave reviews, you can forget about the VoigtländerHeliar 50mm ƒ3.5 collapsible lens. It is strictlya collector’s item at the moment and is only available with purchase of the101 Heliar Edition Bessa T camera body.Nevertheless Erwin Puts has done a glowing review of the 50/3.5 Heliar in comparision with the Leica Elmarit-M, seehere.
In June 2002Jeffery Smithnoted the following about his Heliar 50mm: The Heliar 50/3.5 is a phenomenally good lens if you can live with the slow speed. It is quirky and takes some getting used to (you can change the f-stop by rotating the lens hood). The optics of this lens are exceptional, and I feel that I am getting to the point that I can recognize which images I have shot with the Heliar based on their appearance. I have some test shots posted at:
1. <jeffery-nola.com/images/Heliar_1.jpg>
2. <jeffery-nola.com/images/Heliar_2.jpg>
3. <jeffery-nola.com/images/Heliar_3.jpg>
I find the images taken with the Heliar to be clear, sharp, and with no suggestion of light fall-off anywhere.Other 50mm lenses
In late Feb 2002 Cosina announced the LTM Color Skopar 50mm ƒ2.5 lens- a compact 7-element, 10 aperture blade ’high quality’ lens and maybe a good compromisebetween the quality of the 50mm Summicron and (lower) cost of the Elmar-M? Beforeyou get your hopes up however, early reports about the 50/2.5 aren’t very encouraging(see the following August 2002 online discussion at <Photo.net: #003Z6H>).
Speaking of collapsible lenses, here is something to think about. Maybe one day Leica should release as a separate M-mount lens the 50mm ƒ3.5 Anastigmat they used on the ’O’ yuppie-nostalgia model. Apparently this lens is very, very good - much better than the Elmar-M andyet just as compact. See the discussions at:
*<Greenspun.com: #007fZF>
*<Greenspun.com: #0099r4>
For more info on 50mm Leica lenses in general, See Stephen Gandy’s M lensguide at:
<cameraquest.com/mlenses.htm>
Also see this April 2004 summary of Leica 50mm lens featuresand differences byFeli di Giorgio at:
<LUG - v27/msg04820.html>
If you don’t wish to plough through my review and experiences… bottom line? I love this diminutive lens! It is a gem. Buy it.
History
The Elmar-M f2.8 50mm is the third version of a collapsible, Elmar-designated 50mm lens, the original being the Elmar 50mm f3.5 produced from 1926-1961 (which was based on the Elmax 50mm f3.5 (1921-1925), itself a variation of the Dr Max Berek-designed Anastigmat of 1924). For 35 years (1926-1961) Leica produced something like 380,000 Elmar 50mm f3.5s in both screw and bayonet, a remarkable testament to its sound optical design principals.
In 1957 Leica released the Elmar 50mm f2.8 – note ‘Elmar’ not ‘Elmar-M’ as some mistakenly appropriate it. Developments in optical computation and higher index glass manufacture gave significant performance improvements over f3.5 version, as well as a stop larger aperture. Around 65,000 were made in both screw and bayonet mount, until production dribbled to a halt about 1972. Then things Elmar went quiet…
Originally the Elmar-M 50mm f2.8 was introduced in 1994 to be sold with the M6J (‘Jubilee’ – to celebrate 40 years of the Leica M): just 1640 M6Js with their Elmar-Ms were produced (40 sets for each of the 40 years, plus 40). This brand new Elmar-M was a new computation with modern glass and coatings, providing improved and excellent optical properties. With its small size and light weight it attracted not unsurprising demand from fans who appreciated its ability to be collapsed into an M body, which encouraged Leica to begin individual lens production in 1996, which they continued until 2007.
Incidentally by Leica’s lens nomenclature a f2.8 lens should be designated ‘Elmarit’. With the collapsible f2.8 50mm lenses Leica departed from this policy, naming the collapsible f2.8s ‘Elmar’ to make a historic family link back to the redoubtable 1926 Elmar 50mm f3.5. I think, a nice touch.
So, potted history out of the way, in very simple terms, we have three Elmars: the original Elmar 50mm f3.5, then the Elmar 50mm f2.8 (v.1) and then v.2 (Elmar-M 50mm f2.8), which is the lens reviewed here.
Design & Use
In a word, it is dinky. Although compact when extended for use, the Elmar-M’s distance scale is easy to read, and its apertures, although not evenly spaced, being half stops from f2.8 to f8 and full stops from f8 to f16, no trouble to adjust. With a 90 degree turn from 0.7m to infinity, the focussing ring, free of any tabs, buttons or locks, is lightening fast and the helicoid exceptionally smooth. For such a small lens, everything is to hand. My black anodized version (code 11 831), made in 1995, weighs 170g. The chrome version (code 11 823) weighs 245g. Mechanically this is one sweet lens.
Unlike v.1, the v.2’s aperture scale does not rotate when focussing. Stormworks: build and rescue for mac. However, the lens barrel can rotate freely when the lens is collapsed. Therefore, before extending the barrel make sure the aperture index is positioned to align with the red bayonet marker. Then extend the barrel fully and turn it anti-clockwise (viewed from the top of the camera) to lock the lens in its extended position. The aperture index and the focussing index then will line up together properly. It goes without saying images will be totally out of focus if the lens is not fully extended and locked into position.
On some Elmar-Ms, with the lens extended and locked into position, the front part can be a little loose and easy to turn. This can be remedied by removing the lens from the camera and collapsing it fully. In the collapsed position you will see at the rear of the lens the locking mechanism’s three tiny bayonets. By carefully (and I do mean carefully!) inserting a jeweller’s 3mm flat-head screwdriver into the bayonet slots and twisting very slightly (again, I stress carefully… and slightly) so that the bayonets are forced outwards by no more than 0.25mm, the bayonet will lock in the extended position more firmly. If you are unsure do not attempt the above: I accept no responsibility for mishap or damage.
A warning about collapsing the lens. Leica state it is safe to collapse the lens into all Leica M bodies with the exception of the the M5 and Leica CL. I have no experience of this. Leica’s lens instruction booklet states that collapsing the lens into these bodies could damage their exposure meter photo cells, which are positioned in front of the shutter curtain. Leica recommend limiting the retraction of the lens by using 9.5mm Dymo tape stuck on the barrel.
Filter size is 39mm (Leitz designate them E39 x 0.5 thread pitch). Be careful with filter thread pitches, some cheap makes have thread pitches of 0.75. I use B+W or Heliopan filters for all of my lenses. I don’t ‘baby’ my Leica or optics, they’re out in all weather, and I would rather damage a filter than a front lens element.
Also, I do not use its dedicated hood (black, code 12 550 – silver, code 12 549). Some reviewers and users state otherwise, but I’ve never found flare a problem with the v.2. It is a simple design of four elements in three groups (the rear two cemented), using high-refractive glass, multi-coating and a modest aperture of f2.8. I do not find a hood necessary.
Piccadilly, London, England – 2014 (taken at f4)
Performance
Its optical performance is truly wonderful: contrasty and pin sharp, producing images with a glorious depth and snap. Colour reproduction is neutral and saturated, with no lateral colour fringes. At any aperture it out-resolves my two favourite black and white films, Neopan 400 and Fomapan 200. There is no visible distortion and vignetting wide open is barely visible: what little vignetting there is disappears by f5.6. It is distortion-free.
Wide open (f2.8) extreme corners are not up a modern Summicron’s (is any lens?), but stop the Elmar-M down to its optimum aperture (according to the Leica) of f.5.6 and images are flawless. I defy anybody to tell enlargements from the Elmar-M from any other 50mm. Definition and fine detail are exemplary.
Summary
The Elmar-M 50mm f2.8 is, perhaps, one of the best kept secrets of Leica lenses. Amongst its aficionados it is rated highly. If you have a M body and have no need of a fast 50mm lens with a f2 or f1.4 aperture (say, a Summicron or a Summilux) this unsung gem of a lens will suit you admirably. Given the Elmar-M’s simple Tessar 4-element, 3-group design, it is utterly incomparable and highly recommended.Leica Elmar 50mm 2.8 Serial Numbers
It is a stunner, with the ability to provide superlative images that are pretty much the equal of any 50mm lens, Leica or otherwise. It really is this good.
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