I'm trying to choose between a 3rd version Elmarit M-28mm/f2.8 and a first version at half the price. The problem that I'm having with the first version lens is that the meter reads +2 stops compared to other lenses. Because this is the lens with the back element recessed into the lens opening (and closer to the film plane) I'm wondering if this portion of the lens interfers with the M6 meter-reading from the white spot on the shutter curtain to the electronic sensors. All the books mention that this lens won't work with the M5 & CL because the Meter-arm hits the lens. I've found no mention of the lens' compatibility with the M6. Any answers? Happy New Year! Pat

-- Pat Dunsworth (pdunsworth@aryarch.com), January 01, 2002

Answers

Correct, Pat. The extended rear element interferes with the path of light to the M6 meter. Same problem with the 21mm Super Angulons.

The reason books concentrate on the M5/CL problem is that the lens will cause *physical* damage to the meter arms of these cameras. On the M6 there is no physical damage, though the meter reading is affected. If you can read light some other way (another camera or hand-held meter) there is no reason the lens can't be used on the M6.

-- Ken Shipman (kennyshipman@aol.com), January 01, 2002.

I've got the third version, and I can tell you it's a fine lens and worth the money, notwithstanding that that it's been improved upon subsequently. I'm happy with mine. I don't feel the need to "upgrade."

-- Bob Fleischman (RFXMAIL@prodigy.net), January 01, 2002.

Kenny Shipman is right on about these lenses. I sold my first version 28 on ebay and got the third version and it was a fine lens, better I think than the first version. Curiously someone paid me twice what I had to pay for the third vers for my older first version. Must have been a collector or something. I actually just sold the third version and am currently using the current elmarit which is a beautiful lens only surpassed by the current summicron I'm told. If you are patient I have seen some current E46 elmarits on ebay for not very much. Probably people selling them because they got the 28 summicron. I probably would if I could. Also a guy wrote me recently praising the 28 1.7 Ultron. Good luck.

-- Don (wgpinc@yahoo.com), January 01, 2002.

I agree with all previous responses. The first version won't damage any Leica M except the M5/CL but blocks the meter in the -6.

I actually owned a first version 28 f/2.8 during my first experiment with Leica-M 20+ years ago. It gets shabby reviews from some sources, but I thought it was pretty decent, at least by the standards of the times. It's the lens Mary Ellen Mark (among others) made her reputation with - as well as being the lens David Douglas Duncan and others used throughout the Viet Nam years.

I think the 2nd version (Leica's first attempt at a retrofocus design) probably was the weakest optically. I have the third version now, and it's great. A tad less macro-contrast than the current lenses, but that's not always a bad thing in contrasty light. And plenty of micro- contrast.

I think the first version (because it recesses deeper) protrudes less from the camera and into the viewing area than the 3rd version. But the current version, and the Summicron, are even more compact.

-- Andy Piper (apidens@denver.infi.net), January 02, 2002.

Pat

The first version of the 28/2.8 Elmarit can be used on the M6, but it will not meter properly, because the protruding rear element blocks the lightpath to the meter. Additionally, it will NOT camm up the 28 mm frame. This lens was made from 1965-1969, far earlier than the M4- P(introduced in 1980), which was the first M camera with a 28 mm frame.

Also, the first version of the 28/2.8 lacks the contrast of the third and subsequent 28 mm lenses, although it is virtually distortion- free. That said, the first version (made in Wetzlar and Canada) is a very good buy at 1/2 the price of the third version, since this lens was made in very small quantities and is a real collector's item. If you can really get one at $ 500 or anywhere near, it is quite a find, since the lenses I have seen in decent condition with good glass begin at about $ 1500 and only go up from there (the Wetzlar versions being even more costly)!

-- Eliot (erosen@lij.edu), January 02, 2002.

I, too, have the first version Elmarit 28, made in Canada, though. Is this lens a collector's item? I am looking at a 21 and this lens might be a good start on a trade.

-- James Gumm (jim.gumm@okdhs.org), January 02, 2002.

Yes James.

The first version of the Leitz 28/2.8 BM lens is a collectors item, even if it is engraved Canada. If you have a cosmetically nice example with good glass, you should be able to get about $ 1500 in trade (more or less, depending upon condition - expect more if it is fully mint). These lens were only made for four years (1965-1969), ending at SN 231xxxx (1969). They were made in very small numbers, since the 28 mm focal length was not all that popular in the 1960s. I would not give it up without getting a very good price.

-- Eliot (erosen@lij.edu), January 02, 2002.

Thanks to everyone for the responses. I went with the 3rd version. If any of you are interested in the 1st version, it is #231xxxx in E++ or NM condition for $795 (US) at National Camera Exchange. Their website is www.natcam.com. Happy New year.... Pat.

-- Pat Dunsworth (pdunsworth@aryarch.com), January 02, 2002.

Pat

I suspect the lens with SN 231xxxx is a second version lens. A first version lens would likely sell for twice the amount you describe. I couldn't find the listing on the National Camera website, but those people are professionals. They would know the values of a first version Leitz 28/2.8 M lens in E++/near mint condition; it's MUCH more than $ 795.

-- Eliot (erosen@lij.edu), January 02, 2002.