Elmar-C, Where it fits in Leica's 90 lineup

[james_cooke]

I am looking at the older Leica 90's and was wondering how the Elmar-

C compared with some of its older rivals? Ive read through some

previous posts that Erwin Puts likes the original Elmarit 90 second

to the current Elmarit-M and then in 3rd place the compact TE 90. Was

just curious where the Elmar-C fitted into this fine batch? To

clarify speed is not an issue really so the summicrons wont be

considered, and also I will mention that I have the Voigtlander 90

already which is a very good lens but when I take a series of photos

with it and the Summicron 40 C I dont seem to get any contrast

consistancy with one being a modern lens the other terrific but not

as high contrast. Its very up and down, if that makes any sense. I

love the 40mm focal length so very much and there isnt a modern 40mm

replacement just yet. Having the 40 C lens I naturally am curious

about its 90 C counterpart but is it a good match (as the 40 is such

a good lens) or would one of the other non current 90's be a better

choice?

[lutz]

James, the only comparison I can offer is the one between the Elmar C and the TE: IMHO just the difference of that 1 stop less. The Elmar is a fine lens from wide open, and being extremely compact, a perfect travel companion. If you would like to try it I have one to sell for $ 275. It's more than excellent but I don't use it ever since I bought the TE.

[al_kaplan1]

The Elmar-C has a cam machined into the rear of the focussing helical, which contacts the camera's roller cam-follower directly, rather than having it integral with the lens mechanism. Leitz claimed that this might not track accurately on bodies other than the CL. I've never heard of anyone experiencing a problem with it, and I've used it myself with good results. I have an original Elmarit which I love. I used to prefer my 3 element Elmar, which was stolen about 15 years ago. None of the older Leitz/Leica lenses are as contrasty as many new lenses are. This is true regardless of maker. As for the Summicron-C, it's about the same sharpness and contrast as my second generation 35/2 Summicron, maybe a tad sharper at 2 and 2.8.

 

Lens "families" by the better makers often have a consistant "sinature" look, but even this will change over the years as glass and coatings change with new technology. Less often said is that glass and coatings age, particularly true of some of the lenses of the 40's and 50's where radio active Thorium and Lanthanum were used in some glass elements by both Leitz and Eastman Kodak, and probably other makers.

 

I think the best course of action is to learn each of your lens's unique good points and choose your optic for what it can do for the photo. Great bokeh, resistance to flare in back lit pictures, smooth tonality in black and white, open luminous shadows, cutting sharpness? You won't get them all in the same lens.

[joel_matherson]

In the Nov 1973 Modern Photography review of the Leica CL they said this about the 90 Elmar-C

 

"The Elmar-C scored excellent high contrast resolution ratings at all apertures, the best performance we've ever recorded for a lens of this speed and focal length (though equaled by the 90mm f2.8 Elmarit)"

 

If Erwin ranks that Elmarit 2nd only to the current Elmarit-M then I guess it sits above the Compact TE, well in theory anyways. The thin TE is a confusing lens, some love it some hate it. Mine always flared badly even before it developed the bad rear element problem, so I fall into the hate catagory for this lens, now paperweight. I purchased the Voigtlander 90 as a replacement but I know what you mean about contrast differences when your using it along side the 40mm Summicron. Jay is the 90mm specialist on the forum, I think he owns them all practically, he may be able to offer a practical comparison of the Elmar-C over my theoretical one.

[john_3]

The elmar-c is comparable to the TE. It's a stop slower but less flare prone. The original Elmarit 90 is a better lens in terms of micro details. I would suggest the TE for its compactness & performance. Hope this helps.