Current 50 Elmar...two versions?

[todd_phillips1]

Someone on the forum made reference to two versions of the current 50 F:2.8 Elmar. Can someone please tell me what the difference is and how to tell them apart? Is one better than the other? Thanks!

[mostly sports]

Could this be merely black and chrome?

[jay_.]

There are actually three "versions" of this lens: black and chrome production versions, and the limited edition which came with the M6J. All are optically identical. The black one is noticeably lighter, and looks equally spiffy on black or chrome bodies, so IMO it is the more sensible purchase.

[dougfromtumwater]

Oh but I must disagree! The Elmar-M harkens back to the days of the classic chrome M2 and M3 Leica bodies and lenses of the 50's and 60's. The chrome luster of the Elmar-M coupled with a chrome M6 is the epitome of beauty, rangefinder grace and functional retro. Its finish looks new much longer also.

[glenn_travis]

If memory serves me correctly the basic Tessar design has been around since the beginning. The current version is actually the second version of the Elmar-M 50mm 1:2.8. The Elmar-M was completely redesign for the Leica M6J after being out of production for several years. Leica Solms felt that by repositioning the Aperature and improvements to the glass formular, improvement could be made, although it was thought at the time, that the Tessar design had reached the limit of what was possible.

[james_elwing]

Dont worry, them is all correct. them is all the same, or at least, similar, only weighs different.

advice, amuse your friends, confuse your enemies; claim the uncoated Elmar on 1925 Leicas was the most superior triplet optic ever made, & always give it 1/3 stop extra exposure so you won't be tumbled