ray . Posted August 1, 2015 Share Posted August 1, 2015 The 28mm 2.8 Leica asph M mount is a great lens, but I'm wondering what other lenses out there might render with a bit less contrast in bright sun. The asph is definitely manageable when shooting digital RAW files, but I thought I might want to experiment with something a bit less punchy. Any suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCL Posted August 1, 2015 Share Posted August 1, 2015 <p>I haven't used any of the other screwmount or M mount 28mm lenses, but I have had good results using an old Canon FD 28/2 on my screwmount and M bodies via a Canon B adapter - drawback is than you need to zone focus as there isn't RF coupling, and it is big compared to Leica lenses.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen Herbert Posted August 1, 2015 Share Posted August 1, 2015 You can always drop a stop or part of a stop and adjust in PS or the software you using. DNG files are very friendly for that sort of thing. When I purchased my Elmarit 2.8 lens the first photos I took in bright harsh light I thought were awful ...bad purchase came to mind: but I percieved.... Example of awful.<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen Herbert Posted August 1, 2015 Share Posted August 1, 2015 <p>Actually that does not look too bad on a tiny file but when you enlarge it is just harsh.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ray . Posted August 1, 2015 Author Share Posted August 1, 2015 Thanks Allen. Yes, I am accounting for exposure and also adjusting the RAW file, and as I say, the end result is certainly good. Just was wondering how a different optic on the front end of the process would make a difference. Thank you Stephen, I'd prefer not to try a larger lens or one that needs an adaptor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wgpinc Posted August 1, 2015 Share Posted August 1, 2015 <p>I particularly liked the last 28mm Elmarit E46 from '93 on. To me it was the ideal mix of sharpness and contrast that made Leica lenses great. I used it from the mid nineties until a few years back when I sold off all my Leica M and R equipment. Good luck!</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Taylor Posted August 1, 2015 Share Posted August 1, 2015 <p>I am using a CV 28/2, which seems a bit flatter than the Leica one I tried. I can add contrast in post as needed.<br> Also has the advantage of being $380 used. </p> <p><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/264/19786719129_f0e8619907_z.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8685/17316990845_63601f45f1_z.jpg" alt="" /></p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mukul_dube Posted August 2, 2015 Share Posted August 2, 2015 <p>Leica mount Canon 28mm f/2.8.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ray . Posted August 2, 2015 Author Share Posted August 2, 2015 I'm remembering now I had the 3rd version Elmarit and it's less contrasty, and nice, but large. Also had a 28 Summicron that was very good but they're a bit expensive. The 4th version 28 Elmarit is apparently much sought after, but I don't know how it renders... Anyone? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uhooru Posted August 2, 2015 Share Posted August 2, 2015 <p>I remember I used one of your 28's in Hollywood and I thought it was quite contrasty. Was that the Elmarit 3rd you were mentioning? I think you had just gotten an M8 at the time. I think the attached photo was made with your 28 although I tagged it as a 35 summicron. <img src="http://d6d2h4gfvy8t8.cloudfront.net/17854154-md.jpg" alt="" /></p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ray . Posted August 2, 2015 Author Share Posted August 2, 2015 You used a lens of mine? What was I thinking???!!! I don't think I had the 3rd version then, which isn't as contrasty- that's what's nice about it, but it's big. If you borrowed a 28 there it must have been the asph. Pretty sure that's what I had when we met the blonde girl and her bf in front of the double reflecting door. Did we even go to Hollywood more than once together? I know I had a 21 up there on the M8 as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen Herbert Posted August 2, 2015 Share Posted August 2, 2015 <p>"I'm remembering now I had the 3rd version Elmarit and it's less contrasty"</p> <p>Interesting. My son gave me this lens...what version is it and the good, bad and ugly.Sorry to but in Ray but Im going to have to use this lens for ever on my M8. You understand.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen Herbert Posted August 2, 2015 Share Posted August 2, 2015 <p> </p><div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uhooru Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 <p>That time I do believe you had the 21 on the M8, and when you weren't looking I sneaked the 28 out of your bag..It didn't seem like it was overly big but was bigger than the 35 Cron and I think the lens shade was bigger too. We later ran into the Santa Claus bus: I think we went up a few times. The first time, I was using a Leica f and we went to Farmer's Market (saw the former mayor of LA when he was running for office), went to Cantor's on Fairfax, and then up to Hollywood in the evening. One other time, I remember I was shooting the GRD, and I can't remember what you were using.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ray . Posted August 3, 2015 Author Share Posted August 3, 2015 Right, I remember those times, and seems to me I had the GRD on the Santa Claus night. 28 Asph uses the same hood as the 35 pre asph Summi btw. Also, I remember the mayor candidate shaking my hand and looking at me like I was special. Little did he know I didn't live in LA. Another time I saw him he walked right past me... Haha.... He hasn't made it too far beyond the mayorship, what's even become of him? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_r._fulton_jr. Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 <p>I use the 2nd gen 28mm f2.8 Elmarit. It works with M6, M8 metering fine. But it uses the old 21mm f3.4 hunky sunshade. It's a nice lens. It has f22 and works great. Problems? Yeah, it cannot be 6-bit coded by Leica. In fact, they no longer have rear mounts for it either. I'd hoped to get the rear mount replaced since I'd fixed it twice with Vice-grip pliers and their were teeth marks on it. But it works great and is a work horse (obviously from the treatment I've given it). As a reference the first gen has the extended rear element so meters don't work.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james_elwing Posted August 4, 2015 Share Posted August 4, 2015 <p>John, If the rear mount is already knocked about, you could engrave the code of a later Elmarit yourself without feeling too guilty?</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pensacolaphoto Posted August 4, 2015 Share Posted August 4, 2015 <p>I used to use a Canon 28/3.5 which I liked. It is sharper than the Canon 28/2.8, by the way.<br> Another very good 28mm lens is the Kobalux 28/3.5. It renders colors pastel-like with Reala film.<br> The Rokkor 28/2.8M is an excellent lens.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uhooru Posted August 4, 2015 Share Posted August 4, 2015 <p>I bet he runs for Governor when Brown finishes. What 28 Leicas were available from the mid 50's - 60s? those lenses in general seem to be lower contrast. But Ian may have a point to look at the VCs.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_r._fulton_jr. Posted August 6, 2015 Share Posted August 6, 2015 <p>James--refresh my memory on engraving the lens mount for 6-bit. All my other "modern" M lenses were done by New Jersey. I know there was a template for Sharpie-marking the engravings. That's temporary at best. Is there somebody who does the engraving. 'Seems a bit tricky. I'm in USA.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ray . Posted August 9, 2015 Author Share Posted August 9, 2015 Using an incident meter and setting exposure manually has given better results this afternoon with the asph, but it's still a contrasty little bugger to handle in sunlight. If you keep it under control though, the results can be truly beautiful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now