I just purchased a 2 cam 24mm f2.8 for use on an R4s. I usually (always) shoot in manual, so I figured I could live without the 3rd cam. After reading about earlier vs. later 28mm designs, I am wondering if the later 3 cam is better or at least different than my 2 cam?

-- Lance Goins (goinsphoto@hotmail.com), November 25, 2001

Answers

I believe there has only been one version of the 24 Elmarit-R. At least only one version of it's optics.

-- Bud (budcook@attglobal.net), November 25, 2001.

The Elmarit-R 24mm was introduced in 1974 and has't been changed optically ever since. It is said that the lens coating was improved along the through years. Current models have a ROM chip built in for use with the R8.

-- Bert Keuken (bkkn@wanadoo.nl), November 26, 2001.

On my R4s and R4sP bodies, the 3rd cam gives me more accurate metering whether auto or manual.

-- Douglas Herr (telyt@earthlink.net), November 26, 2001.

It is not that expensive to add the "R" cam and it would make the lens a good deal more pleasent to use on a R body.

-- John Collier (jbcollier@powersurfr.com), November 26, 2001.

The 24/2.8 Elmarit R was only made in three cams. You are probably not seeing the tiny dark blue metal third cam astride the second cam. The lens optical design remains unchanged. It was a Minolta designed lens made by Leitz/Leica and is a fine performer based on my many years of using one. The three cam version will operate on all Leicaflexes and Leica R cameras except those needing a ROM configuration.

-- Roy Moss (leicaroy@charleston.quik.com), November 26, 2001.

I goofed in my last response. The 24/2.8 R lens will not work on the Leicaflex SL as the mirror box is too narrow. It will work on the SL2 and other Leica R's.

-- Roy Moss (leicaroy@charleston.quik.com), November 26, 2001.

Thanks for the info... a little conflicting, though. I haven't received the lens yet, (ebay), I'm just going by the description of the seller. He says it is a two cam. When I mentioned using the camera in manual, I meant that I use a hand-held meter. I have a three cam 90 f2 and a two cam 250 f4 Telyt. I understand that the camera doesn't know what the max apeture is without the third cam, which would explain Douglas Herr's comment about accuracy of the meter. My main concern was that I was going to end up with a so-so lens at Leica prices. The 90 makes my mouth water every time I get slides back. I was hoping for the same with the 24. Sounds like I can't lose! Thanks again, everyone.

-- Lance Goins (goinsphoto@hotmail.com), November 28, 2001.