A Nice Retro Leica-M Lens
The 50mm Elmar-M f/2.8 is a discontinued (2007) but classic Leica lens. I've been searching for one in pristine condition with box and all accessories. I especially was pleased to read an honest description and to receive a lens that lived up to it.
Before buying, I checked with Leica Technical Support: the collapsing barrel poses no risk to the sensors on my modern Leica bodies. I've tested the lens over 2-3wks on my M10-R and M10M (Monochrom) bodies. I am yet to try it on my SL-2. The images are as expected for the lens. It's not so much about sharp as it is about quality. The "Leica look" is there. Contrast is good, and images are crisp.
I bought this lens to use primarily on my M10-D -- the modern Leica body that does not have an LCD screen on the back. Rather, it looks like an old film camera, and when this lens is on the camera, collapsed, that just adds to the retro look. It's not intimidating, yet, with a little patience and forethought, the Elmar-M on a modern body creates images that, to me, rival those taken with massive, intrusive camera equipment. Maybe that's it -- with my little Leica and collapsible lens, no one seems to notice or care I'm there. I'm not a "real" photographer.
The 50mm lens is one of the last collapsible M-lenses Leica made. (The Macro-Elmar-M in 90mm f/4 still is in production.) Very small and lightweight. Fast enough at f/2.8. The serial number told me it was made towards the end of the production run, so Leica had stopped making improvements when this lens was manufactured. I don't believe the lens had been used if at all; I had to turn it firmly to get the frameline mechanism to engage. The lens is not 6-bit encoded, but I can get that done if I include it the next time I send equipment to Leica for calibration. Or not. It's simple to add the lens information in the metadata.
The focus is smooth, the f-stop detents are positive, and this is true throughout the range of focus and apertures. Performance seems best in the middle apertures and more than adequate throughout the f/2.8 to 16 range. The only disappointment is that this incarnation has a 6-blade iris instead of the 13 blades used in earlier lenses, but I knew that before the search began.
The accessories (caps, lens hood, case, box, papers, etc.) were included and are in good shape. For perhaps obvious reasons, people who don't keep boxes tend to lose accessories. I tend to think they take poor care of their equipment as well, so I don't buy used equipment unless the kit is complete. There barely are signs of use and definitely no evidence of abuse. Likely, this was open box from a retailer, and patience paid off.
All-in-all -- success! Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
