Thanks John, that sounds much better, but all I saw on that link, was the cron. Anyone know what the deal is for shipping to the states from that HK outfit?
Not that I desperately need it, but I just had everything worth/not worth selling SOLD on 2Days Garage Sale, which is about to be finished in three hours or so. I was advised not to throw one bit, but to let everything on sale and see what happens. To my surprise all the things I was ignoring for years or was ready to dispose are sold on the first day.
Initially I thought, if I could get half the money to cover one lens it would be worth doing it.
Well, I am happy it did work so now it looks like I could buy one or two lenses, we will see. “Perhaps some of you could do the same”.
cactusclay wrote:
GAWDDAA, I just looked up the price of a new 35 1.4 ASP, thinking I might just do the one fast lens gig for awhile. 3400 bucks. Ok, back to plan B.
Whats the opinion here on getting the 16-18-21 vs primes (for example CV15 and Leica21mm)
I am going back and forth to decide on this.
One thing I dont like about the tri-elmar is the size. But then again its like three lenses in one. But it also has a price like three lenses.
I saw an image from 16-18-21 printed in 20x30cm and it looks pretty good, very low distorsion.
t_streng wrote:
Whats the opinion here on getting the 16-18-21 vs primes (for example CV15 and Leica21mm)
I am going back and forth to decide on this.
One thing I dont like about the tri-elmar is the size. But then again its like three lenses in one. But it also has a price like three lenses.
I saw an image from 16-18-21 printed in 20x30cm and it looks pretty good, very low distorsion.
I think the CV15mm will disappoint compared to the Leica equivalent. I have had a CV15mm for years and while it got pictures I would not otherwise get without a 15mm, the slides just didn't have the pop of the Leica glass.
I mounted this 15mm again last week and when I saw the film (same one with the Noctilux shots on it) it just didn't look very good.
cactusclay wrote:
Thanks John, that sounds much better, but all I saw on that link, was the cron. Anyone know what the deal is for shipping to the states from that HK outfit?
HK Supplies is run by a guy named Poon ('etefore' on ebay). He's been around for quite a while and is very reliable. On ebay he says $60 shipping. I'll probably buy my APO 75 from him ($1950) if I can't find one used for less. I don't know where you are, but in the U.S. things usually show up in 3-5 days. It's quick.
BTW, when I got my lux 35A, he sold them for $1650... Should have bought a dozen as a long-term short on the dollar.
Guy, I suspect you probably did the right thing -- just order them and get it over with. These lenses are probably also rare enough that when they do show it's a feeding frenzy, which on ebay means prices skyrocket to even above new from HK.
I've bought 8 lenses from HK Supplies this year. 21, 24, 28/2, 35/1.4, 50/1.4, 50/1, 75/2, 90/4. Dealing with them is absolutely fine, you get a UPS tracking number and you can track it to your door. The only problem I had was one scratched lens barrel which I had replaced when the lens went back to Solms for coding.
The money I've saved will more than pay for one of my M8s.
how do you like the 90/4 ?
I'm considering getting one at some point.
Marco, I only got it a few days ago and I only have the R-D1 to use it on until the M8 arrives but it's an excellent lens. Really compact for what will effectively be a 135mm lens and the image quality looks fine. I also bought the macro adapter which only works on an M body obviously but I can see it will be quite easy to focus in macro mode when I tried it on my M6.
The only thing I don't really like is the lens hood which is of the reversible anodising-chipping claw variety. The aperture ring is more difficult to use with the hood on because it partially covers it. The hood lens cap only fits over the hood when it's reversed - you can use a conventional lens cap (E55) to fit the front of the fitted hood but of course the lens is then that much bigger, bigger actually than a 90/f2.8.
That said, the hood is metal as is the very nice E39 lens cap with a felt lining.
I think I'll be looking for a screw-fit hood if I can find one (E39).
Together with a 16-18-21/28-35-50 Tri-Elmars and this lens, you have an ideal travel set providing f4 is adequate.
t_streng wrote:
Whats the opinion here on getting the 16-18-21 vs primes (for example CV15 and Leica21mm)
I am going back and forth to decide on this.
One thing I dont like about the tri-elmar is the size. But then again its like three lenses in one. But it also has a price like three lenses.
I saw an image from 16-18-21 printed in 20x30cm and it looks pretty good, very low distorsion.
Hi!
I had an opportunity to play with the tri-elmar short.
I found it pretty large, but then I am an old Leica user so I suppose that somebody who comes from wide zooms on SLR's will find it a miniature.
The finder that goes with it is not what I'd expect. It is bulky, albeit not heavy and shows quite some distortion. It is a bit elaborate in use, as one has to measure the distance in the camera VF, transfer it to the dial and then compose.
The lens itself has the same issues I find with the "old" tri-elmar. Short focus-throw, not as smooth as other Leica M lenses and blocks the VF.
It has a rather ineffectual lens shade that cannot be left off,as is possible with the long TE, as the front lens protrudes so much that it might be damaged otherwise. To mark this Leica has painted the mounting thread red.
Personally I would wait for Leica to come out with prime short lenses, but hey! that's just me. For carry around the M8 with long and short Tri-Elmars will be a photographic powerhouse.
Yes, I bought a 21-24-28 finder and it's much less obtrusive than the new one. If I buy the new Tri-Elmar, I'll certainly get the new finder with it because if you are ever going to need it, then would be the time - you save something like €300 by buying together.
I'm quite interested in trying the CV 12mm in which case the 16mm setting on the new finder will be useful. As for how important the distance scale on the finder is, probably not very for normal shooting, though the T-E does close focus down to 0.5m so more relevant for close focussing.
Yes, I agree, I think they only put it on the new finder because of the close focus capability of the new T-E but I don't see cls-up as a common use for this lens. I do like the spirit level in the new finder, tells you when you are holding the camera vertical.
