A good price indeed but the first version is quite heavy 1350g also a little soft open
the second one is just 750g and has much better IQ very low distortion.
My advise if you can live with f4 is the Elmar R f4 a super light very sharp lens just 540g also suitable to be used with Elpro close up for 1:2 reproduction.
You would be able to find this lens at a good price. I have used one for a number of years , my son is using it now still happy with this 1976 design.
Well, it would probably be worth a hundred bucks... ...but the old Elmarit is heavy and not that brilliant either. Honestly I would not use one even if it was given to me.
The 180:s to have are the (180/4 Elmar), ApoTelyt 180/3.4, APO Elmarit 180/2.8 or the APO 180/2 Summicron. In that particular order depending on budget. The other Leica 180 offerings are not worth it, considering the other offerings and the competition.
I have the 180/3.4 and have also had the APO 180/2.8. Both recommended but I kept the 180/3.4 which is more bang for the buck since I use 180 for distant shots anyway.
The lens is in fact heavier than rock. I paid the $100, but I may just dump it and move on. Overall great condition, however it has some internal dust and a small piece of dirt or something in it. Probably too expensive to bother with. Oh well, another lesson learned.
Silly Me!
