Tessar or tessar like Leica Lens

[nightfly]

I really like the Zeiss Tessar lens on my Yashica T4. It's slow but it does a really nice job with out of focus areas and is really sharp in the center.

Are there any Tessar or Tessar like lenses for Leica M or I guess screw with M-mount adapters in the 35-75 range? Is the Elmar like the Tessar design? Something around a 50 would be perfect as I like it for people and my Summicron covers as a 35.

[ferider]

The Elmar 50/3.5 is very closely related to the Tessar, see attached diagrams.

You could also try the several Russian variants (Industar), some of the more modern
ones having better coating.

Very occasionally I have seen LTM mount Zeiss Tessar lenses, those
exist too, but are expensive and hard to find.

There are other Tessar variants available, too, like the Canon 50/2.8 LTM.

If you want something faster but similar, you might consider the modern CV 50/2 Heliar.

Roland.

[Avotius]

The Elmar 50 is a great lens to choose. I did a little write up about it here: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38778

[nightfly]

Avotius, those are some wonderful photos.

You should post in the Street thread. You may have sold me on the lens with those although I'm not too keen on a collapsible lens because they seem a little fiddly, the results speak for themselves.

[Avotius]

The aperture thing is a little fiddly, basically set it to your fav setting and try to leave it alone. Also protecting the front element can be tricky. If those things are not your cup of tea, the voigtlander 50 2.5 is an interesting lens that can be had cheap (if you can find one) it also has an odd character, maybe not tessar but still unique.

[leica M2 fan]

They are superb, I especially like the one of "old street and houses". The view looking down is perfect and the kid with his leg raised is an outstanding catch. I don't remember seeing them before but glad I did now.

[brachal]

The Elmar is very close to the Tessar. Many of the FSU lenses (50mm Fed, I-22, I-50, I-61, I-61LD -- the I stands for Industar) are tessar designs. I love the 50mm Fed, although the ergonomics are a bit rough. The I-61LD can be had for crazy-low prices, often with a working camera still attached and is a really, really good lens.

[Avotius]

They are superb, I especially like the one of "old street and houses". The view looking down is perfect and the kid with his leg raised is an outstanding catch. I don't remember seeing them before but glad I did now.

Thanks! You didnt by any chance happen to catch my other threds that I permiated with pics did you? The couple about the Zeiss planar, the cv 35 PII, Ricoh GRD, and the GSN Yashinon? Oh and the Hasselblad.

In fact its almost time that I post another thread like this. I will soon, more about the Zeiss Planar and CV 35 PII, I am testing different films and will have results back in about a week.

[leica M2 fan]

Thanks! You didnt by any chance happen to catch my other threds that I permiated with pics did you? The couple about the Zeiss planar, the cv 35 PII, Ricoh GRD, and the GSN Yashinon? Oh and the Hasselblad.

In fact its almost time that I post another thread like this. I will soon, more about the Zeiss Planar and CV 35 PII, I am testing different films and will have results back in about a week.

I was surprised when I clicked on your link that I had not seen these, your work with the XP2 is stunning, Believe me, I have tried with that film and do not get those rich blacks that you get! BTW,every one of your photos in the above mentioned link are outstanding, not just the richness but the subject matter. Can't wait to see your new offerings. Thanks so much.

[Captain]

There was a company in Japan that would convert the lens from the T4/5 into LTM and M mounts.

[ferider]

Something apparently was wrong with my lens diagrams. I changed the post above so you can see them now.

[raid]

I regret having sold my Canon 50mm/2.8. It was a Tessar design lens in LTM, and as Roland has pointed out, there are few such lenses.

[ampguy]

I've been using an I-22, and an I-50 recently. The key to success with these is pulling the tube out completely.

Also, some LTM to M adapters get in the way of letting the infinity focus lock, though it's close enough for hyperfocal focus, it would be nice to get the whole range.

I previously used these with film and was shocked when a whole roll came out unfocused. I recently tried them again and they focus great, as long as the barrel is pulled out with a slight twist to lock in the extended position.

I don't see anything different in the Leica branded ones vs the Industar ones.

From image 74 on here, are I-50 photos from the RD1:

http://matsumura.smugmug.com/gallery/4546483_JxkLA#267868632

[ampguy]

Yes, when it does flare, and I don't think a hood would help in my case, it really goes! Does anyone know if the VALOO hoods (or if there replicas?) would work on an I-22 or I-50?

BTW, not so pretty, but very convenient are aspirin or tylenol bottle caps for twist on lens caps, though I have one nice aluminum cap.

[Bingley]

A good clean Elmar 50/3.5 is a wonderful little lens. I've got a coated version (circa 1947) and love what it can do -- very sharp, but also very pleasant oof areas too.

[nightfly]

Not sure I want to deal with the flakiness of the Russian lenses. I love the feel of Leica's and even CV's stuff. If it's stiff or loose and generally futzy, odds are I won't use it.

Seems like what I'd really want is a non-collapsable Elmarit with the front element a little inset like on my 35mm Summicron as I don't generally use a hood or a filter.

I had a Canon 1.8 once but I didn't really care for it's rendition.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

[FPjohn]

Not sure I want to deal with the flakiness of the Russian lenses. I love the feel of Leica's and even CV's stuff. If it's stiff or loose and generally futzy, odds are I won't use it.

Seems like what I'd really want is a non-collapsable Elmarit with the front element a little inset like on my 35mm Summicron as I don't generally use a hood or a filter.

I had a Canon 1.8 once but I didn't really care for it's rendition.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

The Canon F2.8 50mm, as previously mentioned, exactly fits your description. See my atavar left.

yours
FPJ

[ferider]

I had a Canon 1.8 once but I didn't really care for it's rendition.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

The 1.8 is Planar based. The 2.8 is a Tessar variant. Best,

Roland.

[brachal]

I have 7 LTM Soviet lenses, and have never had a problem with one that couldn't be honestly attributed to the age of the lens and fixed by a routine CLA. Most of the FSU gear people complain about is 20 to 50 years old, but if it's a little "flakey" the whole Soviet Optical Industry gets slammed. A 50 year old Leica lens (not knocking Leica; I love Leica) does not get the same treatement.

[KoNickon]

The lens on the T4 is labeled a Tessar, but I have no idea whether it's a true Tessar-type design or not. Classically, Tessars didn't get wider than about 40mm. Has anyone seen a block diagram of this lens? I will say that it's a superb lens, whatever the design might be.

[Ronald M]

3.5 Elmar- beautiful lens. Just not fast. Pop for a late coated red scale and be sure it is clean inside.

2.8 version is still nice.

2.8 new one is like very sharp like the new glass, but retains some of the older qualities.

[Brian Sweeney]

There is at least 1 Carl Zeiss Jena "T" 50/2.8 Tessar in Leica Thread Mount.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1045/1089262722_20aaa82ee3_o.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1149/1089262522_7ffd94b875_o.jpg

And I got the collimation good enough to use close-up and wide-open.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1130/1089262668_b98f821a96_o.jpg
And far away.

This lens used to be in M42 mount for an SLR, it's been moved to the focus mount from an I-61. The I61L/D optics module is now on my Nikon RF.

[tomasis]

woah I didn't know that Industar 22 has Tessar design. How this is different compared to old elmar 3.5? I have elmar 2.8 but I cannot use this because it is full of haze. It will have cla when I can afford. :P

[ferider]

This lens used to be in M42 mount for an SLR, it's been moved to the focus mount from an I-61. The I61L/D optics module is now on my Nikon RF.

Here somebody did something similar to you but including RF coupling, Brian: 350033282078
Here is a "real" LTM 28/8 Tessar: 180213311966
Here a 135/4.5: 280123425723
and finally a 75/3.5 (!): 370032778294

Cheers,

Roland.

[Brian Sweeney]

Roland- My lens is RF coupled as well. Their's looks nicer, but mine cost about $254 less...

Isn't the the I61L/D is a Tessar formula lens made with low dispersion glass? It's very sharp on my Nikon S3. And RF coupled of course...

It is made in LTM mount.

[xayraa33]

The I-61 l/d is the best bang for the buck in a sharp LTM Tessar design lens.

[Rob-F]

I don't believe anyone mentioned this point: The f/2.8 Elmar, in Leica M mount, does not have the "fiddly" aperture adjustment of the f/3.5. It also takes 39mm screw-in filters, and the vented hood--in short, the same accessories as the Summicrons.

I have a feeling I have seem the 3.5 Elmar in M mount, and that it also takes the 39mm filters and the clip-on hoods. Not 100% sure, but pretty sure.

[xayraa33]

I don't believe anyone mentioned this point: The f/2.8 Elmar, in Leica M mount, does not have the "fiddly" aperture adjustment of the f/3.5. It also takes 39mm screw-in filters, and the vented hood--in short, the same accessories as the Summicrons.

I have a feeling I have seem the 3.5 Elmar in M mount, and that it also takes the 39mm filters and the clip-on hoods. Not 100% sure, but pretty sure.

yep, the 50/f3.5 M Elmar has the same set up as the original M 50/f2.8 Elmar and it is one fine lens.

[noimmunity]

I didn't see this thread until now...must be memes or something in the air... (I started a similar thread a few days ago, also starting with a post about the Tessar on the Yashica T5D).