Archive 2016 · Leica 90mm Elmarit 2.8 or Summarit 2.4 on M246?

Alpha_Geist
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p.2 #1 · p.2 #1 · Leica 90mm Elmarit 2.8 or Summarit 2.4 on M246?

rscheffler wrote:
Sorry, I missed this. But I see you got the Summarit already.

Yes, focus can be tricky, but practice helps. Honestly, I used the lens a lot at or near to infinity and stopped down a bit for urban and natural landscapes. I didn't use it much for people photos or detail shots, preferring 50mm for such applications.

I was never bothered by the build quality, which IMO is very similar to expensive Leica glass. Nor did the rubber focusing ring detract from the experience, for me. IMO, it's a nitpick detail that some like to complain about for some...Show more →

Thank you Ron for your follow up.

My apologies for not responding sooner.

After spending a week with the 90mm Summarit, I can say that I am delightfully surprised. Sure, the focus throw is much smaller than the 90 pre asph, but the lens is smaller and a bit lighter. The rubber grip on the focusing barrel is quite good and doesn't feel at all sloppy. The lens is a joy to use. I haven't used it for portraits yet, but I'm very impressed with the environmental shots I've taken so far. I do agree that the rendering is modern compared to Mandler's pre-asph, but I'm liking it very much. I just received my m262 and will be trying this lens on a color camera as opposed to the monochrom. I should have a better idea of the color signature of this lens this weekend when I have some more "me" time.

Dec 19, 2016 at 11:59 PM

Alpha_Geist
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p.2 #2 · p.2 #2 · Leica 90mm Elmarit 2.8 or Summarit 2.4 on M246?

Andrew Gough wrote:
Just to be a contrarian, the elmarit is a wonderful lens. I suggest looking for a new one, if you can, they still pop up on eBay once in a while. You'll pay more, but it will be a long term keeper lens. It has the Mandler look...

These are from the last version E46

https://photos.smugmug.com/Australia/The-Great-Ocean-Road/i-zb5WVTF/1/X3/PLW103744-X3.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Australia/The-Great-Ocean-Road/i-qsHhjCh/1/X3/PLW103749-X3.jpg

Those are some super shots there Andrew! I haven't forgotten the Elmarit as the little GAS devil keeps prodding my conscience with his $$$ pitchfork. I have seen a few E46 (late 90's) Elmarits on the Bay, but I'm always a bit weary with fungus and other mechanical problems that may be hidden. I was watching a new titanium Elmarit a few weeks ago, but the cost was right up there with the new 90mm Summarit 2.4.

I still have my eye out though! Oh, and thanks for sharing your photos.

Dec 20, 2016 at 12:04 AM

rico
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p.2 #3 · p.2 #3 · Leica 90mm Elmarit 2.8 or Summarit 2.4 on M246?

arduluth wrote:
... to the thin Tele-Elmarit 90mm to get a better focusing experience, but it never looks that impressive, especially for landscapes. Seems like there aren't a lot of folks using that lens. Shame, it's probably the most affordable Leica lens, and is tiny and light.

I expect the Elmar to perform at least as well, while being lighter, smaller, and avoiding the haze risk of the thin TE.

Dec 20, 2016 at 08:16 AM

Fred Miranda
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p.2 #4 · p.2 #4 · Leica 90mm Elmarit 2.8 or Summarit 2.4 on M246?

Reviving this thread. I'm interested in one of these lenses. Any rendering comparison between the 90mm Summarit and Elmarit at mid-distance?

Jun 05, 2021 at 07:20 PM

wolfloid
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p.2 #5 · p.2 #5 · Leica 90mm Elmarit 2.8 or Summarit 2.4 on M246?

The Elamarit 2.8 E46 with its pull out hood is ergonomically superb. It is considerably sharper than either of the tele-elmarits, which tend to suffer from fungus and haze (I had trouble with them). The E46 is much more modern and a Mandler gem. It's about the same weight as the Summarit when you add in the hood, and the pull out hood is much more convenient. (I have no idea why anyone would object to a pull out hood on a 90mm lens).

It is excellent close up and at infinity, has a well controlled focus ring and a relatively short throw, but still allows careful focus. It is surprisingly lighter and narrower at the end, than the 90 AA, which means it does not block the viewfinder frame. I can't find anything negative to say about it.

Jun 06, 2021 at 01:34 PM

pmeheut
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p.2 #6 · p.2 #6 · Leica 90mm Elmarit 2.8 or Summarit 2.4 on M246?

wolfloid wrote:
I can't find anything negative to say about it.

Same here. I owned the others and whilst I loved the 90/2 AA, I kept the Elmarit.

Jun 06, 2021 at 02:26 PM

naturephoto1
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p.2 #7 · p.2 #7 · Leica 90mm Elmarit 2.8 or Summarit 2.4 on M246?

Hi Fred,

I am not pushing this, but after you talked me into purchasing a Zeiss 85mm f4 Tele-Tessar ZM, I am selling my 6 bit 90mm f2.5 Summarit with the hood, caps, boxes, and B+W UV filter and it is listed on the Buy/Sell boards.

Rich

Jun 06, 2021 at 02:37 PM

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