tele-elmarit 90mm (fat version)

[twopointeight]

Is the older tele-elmarit 90mm (fat) a good match with the sensor in the M9? I currently have an M8.2, but will likely get an M9 in 2012. I can buy this lens at at a fair price, but wondering how it will render with the M9 sensor/ Anybody use this combo?

[Ben Z]

I have one of those, as well as a later "thin" T-E and a pre-ASPH Summicron. All of them do great on my M9. Fortunately these happen to be within the more stringent focus-adjustment tolerance the digital sensor requires. That's probably the main issue as to why any lens will or won't perform to its full potential on an M9. So my advice is to get the M9 first, make sure the rangefinder is adjusted correctly (mine was way off from the factory), and then test the lens before you buy or within the grace period for returns. Having a lens readjusted is possible, but costs around $100.

[ayewing]

I have a "thin" Tele- Elmarit and find that it works well with the M-9. Ben Z makes a good point about the importance of the adjustment of the rangefinder and/or the lens being spot on. I bought my T-E fairly cheaply second hand and it was only after it had been serviced that it showed what a good lens it is.

[1joel1]

I've had the lens as well. I can tell you from experience that the early chrome version is quite a bit sharper and contrastier (sp) than the black version. The chrome one used a different element (lanthanum, I believe) than the later black ones. They only made the chrome ones for the first year and it is difficult and pricier to get the rarer and better chrome version.

Hope this helps,

Joel

[luuca]

Is the older tele-elmarit 90mm (fat) a good match with the sensor in the M9? I currently have an M8.2, but will likely get an M9 in 2012. I can buy this lens at at a fair price, but wondering how it will render with the M9 sensor/ Anybody use this combo?

yes. it is.

http://i1176.photobucket.com/albums/x322/alliluca/90%20fat/fat-1.jpg

http://i1176.photobucket.com/albums/x322/alliluca/tele-elmarit%2090%20fat/surf.jpg


http://i1176.photobucket.com/albums/x322/alliluca/tele-elmarit%2090%20fat/palazzo.jpg

http://i1176.photobucket.com/albums/x322/alliluca/tele-elmarit%2090%20fat/barbun.jpg

[JMQ]

I have the T-E "fat" version (5 elements) in black, and use it w/ the M9. There are no issues whatsoever in metering or focus. Check the elements for fungus or haze before you buy.

[hendriphile]

Great work, Luuca, I especially like the surf shot for its atmosphere. Almost looks like it was made with MF.

[twopointeight]

Thanks for your responses and posting photos. I'll see the lens tomorrow and try it out. I don't mind if its not super sharp. In fact, hoping that it renders more like 1968 than 2012.

[Nick De Marco]

I had the fat elmarit. It was nice, and I liked it for size. At f4 and smaller I think it is fine, but I wanted something faster. Traded it yesterday for a used Summicron-M (last pre-asph version). Meant I had to part with the Fat-Elmarit and pay about £560, but I am very pleased. Seems much sharper and nice (but not overly sharp) at f2. It's not that much bigger either, and has the advantage of a built in hood. Used it was half the price of a used ash lens, which is clearly better for f2, but not so much to bother me.

As I intend to use it as a portrait lens, and as you need faster speeds on a tele lens, I found the extra stop very, very useful.