The Tiny All-rounder: Leica Elmar 90mm f/4.0 3-element Review
Introduction
Leica's first Elmar 9cm (90mm) f/4.0 was introduced in 1930. The lens construction was very similar to that of the Zeiss Tessar, with the main difference being that the Elmar had the aperture positioned in front of the second lens element.
After several cosmetic changes, the optics of the popular Elmar 90mm lens remained unchanged until the early 1960s. In 1962, a new version of the Elmar 90/4.0 was released, designed by Walter Mandler in Canada using newly invented rare-earth glass, which elevated the performance of this classic lens to another level.
Lens Versions
There is only one version. It comes with either a Leica M mount (11830) or a Leica screw mount (11830).
Leica Elmar 90mm f/4.0 3-element M mount
Lens Specifications
Lens mount: Leica M
Focal length: 90mm
Aperture adjustment: f/4.0–f/22 (with half-stop clicks)
Number of aperture blades: 10
Minimum focus distance: 1 meter
Filter size: E39
Hood: IUFOO or 12575
Weight: ~220g
Lens Sharpness
On a 36×24mm format sensor (Leica M10 camera, 24MP), this lens has good resolution across the entire frame. On a 44×33mm format sensor (Fujifilm GFX100s, 100MP), the resolution starts to drop in the middle of the frame. The best performance is at around f/8. Contrast is higher compared to the Tele-Elmarit version 1.
Vignetting
On a 36×24mm format sensor, there is minor vignetting in the corners.
The small opening of the Leica M mount combined with its short register distance causes significant vignetting when using a Leica M mount to GFX/XCD adapter. By detaching the lens head and adapting it to a helicoid, the mechanical vignetting is eliminated when using the lens on a 44×33mm format digital camera.
The vignetting on a 44×33mm format digital camera is shown below. The first image shows there is significant vignetting caused by the small opening of Leica M mount. The second image shows the hard vignetting is not present when adapted to a focusing helicoid with a M33 to M42 adapter.
Flare resistance
Flare resistance is quite good for a single-coated lens. It is recommended to use the IUFOO/12575 hood or any third-party 39mm screw-in hood.
Shortening the Minimum Focus Distance
Like the earlier Elmar 90/4.0, the lens head can be detached and attached to bellows or a focusing barrel to shorten the minimum focus distance. It will fit the 16467/OUAGO close-focusing mount designed for the Visoflex. The rear threads of the lens head are about 33mm.
Bokeh
I would describe the bokeh of this lens as natural, which most people will call pleasing. There is no bright edge on the out-of-focus highlights.
Price & Value
This lens can be found for $300 USD or more on eBay as of 2024. Prices may vary significantly.
Summary
This is a visually appealing lens that produces sharp images even after 60 years, on both film and digital cameras. It serves as a great example of how far a 3-element triplet design can go, all within a compact package.
留言
發佈留言