Elmarit 28 ASPH On Film?

[photogdave]

So the Rockwell review got me thinking...;)
I'm considering grabbing this lens because I can get a good deal and the rebate makes it even sweeter. But I can't find many user reviews/opinions about shooting this lens on film. Everyone seems to be using it on the M8!
Any film shooters out there have an opinion to give me? I know that even with this deal the Voigtlander Ultron 28 f/2 is still about half the price, and I'm a big Voigtlander fan. But I like the size of the Leica better and I'm considering it more for an outdoor/landscape lens so I'm not bothered about the extra stop really.
Whadda ya say film users? !

[tmfabian]

i've used it quite a bit on my m7, it's pretty swank. If you're a voigtlander fan you can compromise and give a cookie to that part of your brain by picking up the voigtlander 28mm viewfinder to slap on top.

The big thing about this lens...and the reason I bought it over the zeiss 28/2.8 is its size...this thing is itty bitty.

As far as performance goes, it is definitely a very very sharp lens. Focusing is very smooth. The only "flaw" i have with it is that the f-stop clicks are a little too free, but they are also very smooth/even so that aspect is a bit of a toss-up. I think you'll like it, and if you buy it you won't regret it.

[Erik L]

what kind of deal can you get? ive been considering the Zeiss Biogon 28. ive seen them go for fair prices. considering that i cant find what i want (the minolta 28/3.5 or nikkor 28/3.5)

[DwF]

Ken Rockwell seemed to like it (see thread from a day or two ago). He tested it on an M film body rather than the M8 because he considers that to be a "transitional half frame digital product" :)

Seriously though I recall reading that it does fine with the larger 35mm format.

david

[photogdave]

Thanks for the quick replies!
Thomas: I tried the Zeiss too but I don't really like the focus bump or the style of the hood. Thanks for mentioning the aperture ring - I'll check it out.
Erik: One of my local shops has one in stock at the old price, prior to the increase. I have some credit there from selling some gear and the $300 mail-in rebate sweetens the deal.
DWF: I read the Rockwell report but I always like to hear what my RFF friens have to say. I trust you people the most!

[martin-f5]

I used it some days ago on my M7 and it's a realy funny lense,
very well built quality and the sharpness is realy outstanding.
Great to use and a real bargain.

If you have the money buy it!

these are test samples on a ugly Fomapan 100 at very bad light...

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=66873&d=1232191170

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=66874&d=1232191222

[Krosya]

Unless you have to have the small size or ASPH - Hexanon 28/2.8 is a fantastic lens. And cheaper too.

[Double Negative]

It's very sharp and very small. :)

[rocheung]

So the Rockwell review got me thinking...;)
I'm considering grabbing this lens because I can get a good deal and the rebate makes it even sweeter. But I can't find many user reviews/opinions about shooting this lens on film. Everyone seems to be using it on the M8!
Any film shooters out there have an opinion to give me? I know that even with this deal the Voigtlander Ultron 28 f/2 is still about half the price, and I'm a big Voigtlander fan. But I like the size of the Leica better and I'm considering it more for an outdoor/landscape lens so I'm not bothered about the extra stop really.
Whadda ya say film users? !


I think the Voig Untron 28/2 is over 1/3 price of the leica 28/2.8 ASPH

[sepiareverb]

As I said in the other thread- the 28/2.8 ASPH is the best value Leica lens I think. Top notch quality at near Summarit pricing. If the small size works for you- don't pass it up.

[35mmdelux]

I read the 28 ASPH is the smallest lens Leica ever built. Ive owned two 28 EM ASPH. I think because of size they are great street shooter lens. The construction is heavy duty. You can find them pre-owned almost new for $1100-$1300. Bargain.

[photogdave]

Unless you have to have the small size or ASPH - Hexanon 28/2.8 is a fantastic lens. And cheaper too.
I've used the Hex and agree with you that it is a really good lens. But with the rebate I can get the Leica for close to the same price as the new Hex the store has in stock. Plus I prefer the hood on the Leica.

[J J Kapsberger]

It's a very punchy lens and with selective focus it'll render a very convincing 3D effect, which I very much like. It's been described here as having too much contrast (compared especially with older Leica lenses); I'm in no position to comment on such a comparison, but per se I haven't found contrast to be a problem.

One member criticized the lens's bokeh. However, the problem in the example he offered was not due to the lens's bokeh but instead due to indiscriminate sharpening or an artifact created by Flickr (which does tend to screw up images now and then). I very much like the 28 Elmarit-M Asph's bokeh.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/3146092905_1c8c015aed.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3294/3156743591_5c16795ea2.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3204/3076950854_4005a96597.jpg

[visiondr]

This little gem of a lens is definitely on my "to use one day" list.
Nice shots, JJ!

[photogdave]

It's a very punchy lens and with selective focus it'll render a very convincing 3D effect, which I very much like. It's been described here as having too much contrast (compared especially with older Leica lenses); I'm in no position to comment on such a comparison, but per se I haven't found contrast to be a problem.

One member criticized the lens's bokeh. However, the problem in the example he offered was not due to the lens's bokeh but instead due to indiscriminate sharpening or an artifact created by Flickr (which does tend to screw up images now and then). I very much like the 28 Elmarit-M Asph's bokeh.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/3146092905_1c8c015aed.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3294/3156743591_5c16795ea2.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3204/3076950854_4005a96597.jpg
Great examples. Thanks!

[WoolenMammoth]

wow, thats a nice looking lens. you can just go full frame coverage for a .72 finder and a 28, right?

[J J Kapsberger]

I wear glasses and can use my M7's .72 finder with the 28mm and just make out the framelines. Although I've been criticized in private for this approach, I tend to back off and allow a bit extra in the frame and trim the excess when 'developing' the image in PS.

[WoolenMammoth]

does anyone know what frame lines this lens will bring up on a M2 or 4?

[J J Kapsberger]

On my M4 from 1970, it brings up the 90mm frame. (There's no 28mm frame) I imagine it would do the same on an M2.

[shimokita]

I "forced" myself to shoot 28mm for one year and now I find it hard to shoot any other length. I enjoyed the experience of working with one lens over an extended period. Now using a 50mm and it takes some effort to get use to it. Here are some examples using a MP and the 28 f/2.8 ASPH (most likely ISO 400 fujifilm).

Tokyo

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n183/cl2750/200806/Shibuya30.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n183/cl2750/200806/31_tokyo02.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n183/cl2750/200806/32_tokyo03.jpg

Casey

[Turtle]

yes, the outer edge of the finder is right for 28mm. I use mine on an MP-3 this way and it is not really any less accurate than using the framlines on a camera that has them because those lines are right on the edge anyway and I dont wear glasses! The 28mm lines on the 0.58 finder are much more useful and feel far more natural. Going back to the 0.72 with lines you realise just how cramped the 28mm lines are.

[WoolenMammoth]

trying to debate whether or not its worth putting 28mm lines in an m4...

[sepiareverb]

...trim the excess...

Trimming eh? :D

[Gary E]

trying to debate whether or not its worth putting 28mm lines in an m4...

I thought about changing my framlines too, but they say the 50 lines are more accurate in the M4 models (except M4-P which has all the framelines). I happen to use this frameline the most, so it was a no go as the only other replacement would be the current bunched up lines.

Back on topic, with the current Leica promotion it is a great deal if 28mm is your view of the world. You probably won't find it at this price again ever; especially for new. I missed buying the 75 Summicron when it was introduced for $1700 or there abouts. Regretted it ever since :(

[photogdave]

So has anyone noticed that the buttons on the hood (the ones you push in to remove the hood) seem to rattle around? They seem to be plastic while the similar-style hood on my 35 Summicron has metal buttons that don't rattle.
A minor quibble but it's something I noticed...

[J J Kapsberger]

Mine doesn't rattle. Nor does the one on my 35 Summicron Asph, which is the exact same part. Perhaps you should have yours replaced under warranty.

[photogdave]

Mine doesn't rattle. Nor does the one on my 35 Summicron Asph, which is the exact same part. Perhaps you should have yours replaced under warranty.
Haven't bought it yet! ;)

[tmfabian]

i don't know about the rattling, but the plastic hood bothered me.
I didn't mention it because...well I lost it and i don't usually use hoods.

So has anyone noticed that the buttons on the hood (the ones you push in to remove the hood) seem to rattle around? They seem to be plastic while the similar-style hood on my 35 Summicron has metal buttons that don't rattle.
A minor quibble but it's something I noticed...

[sepiareverb]

Unless you have to have the small size or ASPH - Hexanon 28/2.8 is a fantastic lens. And cheaper too.

I think we're looking at very different levels of quality with the Elmarit-M ASPH and the Hexanon. The Hexanon may be 'good', but the ASPH is 'great'.


Any rattling in the hood sounds like a spring has gone out of it's seat. Absolutely replaceable under warranty. You might just get one sent to you.

[WoolenMammoth]

if anything, the asph might be too sharp. such a personal thing. been looking at alot of pictures form the v4 elmarit 28, totally torn between the two looks. the asph takes it for color though, and by a long shot.

[kipkeston]

Anyone have more photos of this lens taken in b/w film?

[aizan]

if anything, the asph might be too sharp. such a personal thing. been looking at alot of pictures form the v4 elmarit 28, totally torn between the two looks. the asph takes it for color though, and by a long shot.

the elmarit asph is not as sharp wide open as the summicron asph at f2.8 or the v4 elmarit. if it's still too sharp, there's always the v3 elmarit. ;)

[WoolenMammoth]

I havent used either, just looking at stuff online. the v4 look is way cooler. the asph has a totally different modern quality to it, I dont have any asph leica lenses so slightly leaning in that direction just to change things up. the v4 looks kinda way cooler though. are they the same physical size?

[MV8]

This is good to read, I just ordered the Elmarit 28mm today (for my m8) after weeks of 2nd guessing myself... really excited about it. I can even put this little guy on my M3 :)

[J J Kapsberger]

I once tried to mount it on an M3 but it wouldn't go on. Perhaps there was something wrong with the M3?

[WoolenMammoth]

I have an elmar-M that wont mount on one of my m4's. Goes on every other camera fine and that M4 mounts every other lens fine.

[dof]

I havent used either, just looking at stuff online. the v4 look is way cooler. the asph has a totally different modern quality to it, I dont have any asph leica lenses so slightly leaning in that direction just to change things up. the v4 looks kinda way cooler though. are they the same physical size?

The v4 Elmarit and the aspherical Summicron are nearly identical in size. The aspherical Elmarit is much smaller. In fact it's the smallest M-mount lens Leica has produced.

[dof]

I have an elmar-M that wont mount on one of my m4's. Goes on every other camera fine and that M4 mounts every other lens fine.

I had the same issue with a 35mm Summicron on an M6ttl body. What I ultimately discovered is that twisting the lens gently but firmly past the point ofl resistance mounted the lens without harm done to it or the body. In my case it was a matter of the two items being within spec at opposite ends of their tolerance limits.

[Thardy]

So the Rockwell review got me thinking...;)



Sorry, I stopped reading after that sentence.

[photogdave]

Sorry, I stopped reading after that sentence.
The KR reference was my attempt at a little joke.

[Thardy]

The KR reference was my attempt at a little joke.


I know. Actually I'm considering the Voigtlander. ;)

[Larry Manuel]

Mine wouldn't mount either, [red dot interfered] so I removed the ring surrounding the lens locking button. If memory serves, I used a filed-down #6 stainless flat washer in there to make up the missing thickness. Not a big job. Tom A. advised me by email - how to do. He's great. Some day, I'll carefully file the ring and re-install it.

The lens is highly satisfactory to me. I use B&W exclusively, and I'm very happy with it, after nearly a year of use. It took me along time to take the 28mm seriously, and now I find it completely 'normal".

PS: I love the plastic hood. With hood and UV filter, I keep my camera ready, like having a transparent lens cap.

PPS: I think it's the only current Leica lens to stop down to f/22, and that allows me to focus at 16 inches. That gives interesting perspective.

[photogdave]

PPS: I think it's the only current Leica lens to stop down to f/22, and that allows me to focus at 16 inches. That gives interesting perspective.
How is the diffraction at f/22?

[tmfabian]

nothing you'll notice. You'd have to look really really really REALLY hard to find it affecting image quality.

How is the diffraction at f/22?

[Turtle]

f22 will noticeably affect IQ (on any 28mm lens for 35mm) IMO. Compared to optimum apertures on a 16x12 or 20x16 with a decent resolution film the difference can be glaring - certainly has been with my lenses. I don't even shoot MF at F22 if I can help it. However, I use the aperture I must and if it demands F22 i use it.

[photogdave]

So I did it! I pulled the trigger on the Elmarit. I was really happy with how it handled flare and contrast on film. And for those times when you really WANT the sharpness, it's there!
I got a great deal from trading in some old gear and the mail-in rebate so it didn't hurt the bank account too much either.
Here's a couple of test shots I did with FP4. It was the only film I had around at the time. I can't wait to try it with something with finer grain like Across 100 or new TMax 400! :cool:

[Adrian Nasti]

I have one and I think you will be happy with the lens - I use it on my M6 and the lens is tres sharp. And the size factor is a plus as well - small and compact. I have heard that the previous version 4 elmarit may have been sharper at the edges of the frame but seriously, to see any difference between the two lenses at that level would be ultimately pointless. The build quality is faultless.