Elmarit-R 35mm (versions)

jimlizard · Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 128 Location: Fafe, Portugal

Hi,

I read that the R1 (type I) version has bad contrast and flares pretty easy but, what about the sharpness, bokeh and CA? Is it on pair with the R2 and R3 or can't it also compete in those fields?

Thank you for your help! Wink

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

My leicabook (Sartorius) does not comment on the optical quality (it rarely does, and never in negative terms).
What is sure is that there are several versions of this lens in terms of various changes, but only two versions in terms of optical changes. The new optical scheme starts with number 2517857.
Note that cams alone are not enough to determine the versions. A second cam was in fact used on first optical version lenses since 1968 (lens code number 11201, the same the second optical version starts with, generating even more confusion).

As far as I know, it is the corner performance and wide open performance that sets the two versions apart. If you use the lens on a crop camera, you can ignore the corner performance. As for wide open, all first series R lenses are softer, but there is some people who prefer it that way because of the smoother bokeh. At central stops in the centre of frame, there should be no significant difference between versions, as they all should be excellent.

LucisPictor · Expire: 2013-12-03

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

I think that first version Leicas may have their positive side in the bokeh.
I am curious for instance of trying the first version Summicron-R 50.
After all, there is a limit on how sharp you can get with a lens for practical purposes (i.e. outside of laboratory tests). I think that a properly focused properly executed shot on a first version series lens at f/5.6 or f/8 would not need to be any more sharp than what it is!
On the contrary, a good bokeh always has it's value, no matter what stop you use it at.

estudleon · Joined: 15 May 2008 Posts: 3754 Location: Argentina

[quote]I think that first version Leicas may have their positive side in the bokeh.
I am curious for instance of trying the first version Summicron-R 50.
After all, there is a limit on how sharp you can get with a lens for practical purposes (i.e. outside of laboratory tests). I think that a properly focused properly executed shot on a first version series lens at f/5.6 or f/8 would not need to be any more sharp than what it is!
On the contrary, a good bokeh always has it's value, no matter what stop you use it at.[/quote]

ORIO
I used the first version of the summicron R 50 and it were soft only at F/2 with nice bokeh. At F/2,8 it seemed me a so-so soft, with no much nice bokeh, but at F/4 to F/11 it was a leica sharpness and contrast

In the same way were the line of summilux M. Very, very soft at F/ 1,4 and F/2 with the nice bokeh that I saw anytime. At F/5,6 they are shaper than the summicronsM and R (of course). That is in my copies of this lenses

jimlizard · Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 128 Location: Fafe, Portugal

Thank you a lot for your help!
In fact i found that information in more than one site, but is also good to see there are people with good copies, like you Lucispictor!
Orio, i already knew that serial number information, but thank you anyway! Wink

I took the risk and i bought one some minutes ago. In a 35mm, i'm not too worried about corner sharpness, even on full-frame. It wasn't cheap at all, but i was needing something to confort me after the game. The irony is that i bought it from a german guy. They won, and i already pay them. Laughing

117.50eur (+25eur - shipping costs). It's the first version and, according to the serial number, it was made in 1969.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=220244529519

It doens't look bad, i think it was an ordinary deal.

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

jimlizard · Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 128 Location: Fafe, Portugal

Thank you, Orio!
I confess that i gave my price opinion based on the "Leica R Lens price guide", but now i see that many copies are sell for much more than i paid.
It comes with a lens hood, that is a good and important add-on.

I hope you have the opportunity to make that trip, because i'm sure you'll really love Portugal! Wink

I know it's normal and expected from me to say it, but it's honestly a very beautiful country.
My dream trips are always on car too (especially in classic ones). I think we have much more fun that way.

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

poilu · Expire: 2019-08-29

congrats David! this one look in excellent shape

LucisPictor · Expire: 2013-12-03

Congratulations!
I am sure you will like this lens a lot!

Fotal · Expire: 2013-08-21

all this talk about Leica plus the fact that I lost a bid on some Zeiss glass made me buy a Summicron-R 35.
Fantastic feeling handling the lens but I've not yet had a chance to look at the pictures taken from it.

The bad part is that when I drove to pickup this lens a stone from a truck hit my front windscreen and busted the glass, small star shaped crack but it will grow for sure and it's straight in my line of sight. Hit the windscreen so hard I though it would go straight through and hit me in the face. Shocked

So, instead of be bummed out because of the cash I need to shell out on a new windscreen I convince myself that I was lucky that I didn't get hurt or jerked the steeringwheel and crashed the car or something.

To sum it up, this litte Leica better be good. Laughing

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

Think of how worse it would have been if the cracked glass was that of your Summicron! Shocked

Fotal · Expire: 2013-08-21

jimlizard · Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 128 Location: Fafe, Portugal

Amazing story, Fotal! Shocked

I agree, it better be good!
The Elmarit didn't arrive yet and i already bought a Summicron-R 35mm E55 today, since i sold some equipment in the last few days. I have to put the Elmarit on sale now. Am i getting some virus in here? Laughing

I was bidding on this one:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEDWX:IT&item=160253668098

My last offer was 341eur, i think, but i wasn't really, really interested, because the seller didn't accept paypal payment and i would have to wait some more and to pay some taxes using international transfer.

Then i decided to make an offer in this one:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=320265587398

The seller accepted it and i won 29eur. The shipping costs were a little cheaper and, taking in consideration those bank taxes, the final price was the same.
The other was a more recent model, made in 1988 and mine 10 years before. However, taking photos in consideration, mine seems to be in better shape, with less marks and it also includes a very nice Leica leather case.
Resuming, i think it was a good deal and i'm happy i didn't buy the first one. Smile

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

COngratulations Jim!
Canoshop has good items, they served me well. I'm sure you will be happy.

stevemark · Joined: 29 Apr 2011 Posts: 4087 Location: Switzerland

Repairing the 2nd version of the Leica Elmarit R 2.8/35mm:

https://forum.mflenses.com/viewtopic,p,1586233.html#1586233

S