Leica ELMAR 50mm f/2.8

One of Leitz's best lenses, ever The "modern" (Leica M-mount) Elmar 50 mm f2.8 collapsible lens (chrome or black) is one of Leitz's best efforts. Sharp, but not "too" sharp, with good contrast & color rendition it has its own unique "look & feel". The Summicron 50's may be "better" at this focal length, but the Elmar-M can hold its own and is compact - a small case for a "mirrorless" camera holds it with room for 1-2 rolls of film. Out of production now, prices are down but this lens holds its true value - pictures!

Compact and crisp This is a sharp and light lens that delivers a high-quality image. The sharpness starts wide open at f2.8 and continues through the apertures. Flare resistance is also extremely high, with deep purple lens coatings. Bokeh is very pleasing. The focus action is light and positive as is the aperture selection ring at the front. When collapsed, the lens makes a very compact package out of a Leica M or compatible camera.

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