I've seen two theories about the origins of the current 90 Elmarit-M design.

One (see post below) is to the effect that the current design derrives from the Elmar-C/Rokkor 90 f/4 design.

The other is to the effect that the current design was/is the same as the last SLR 90 optical formula.

Are both explanations correct? Or which?

Looking at the optical diagrams at this web site:

http://kscamera.co.kr/leica/m/m75.htm

there does seem to be a similarity between the Elmar C and the Elmarit-M - four elements of similar shapes in similar locations; negative element in the middle, etc. Very DISsimilar to the previous 90 f/2.8 designs.

-- Andy Piper (apidens@denver.infi.net), July 10, 2001

Answers

The last versions of the 90 ElmaritM and ElmaritR are essentially the same design. Obviously, there is some difference in the mount and diaphram.

These Elmarits appear to be an offshoot of the Elmar-C design but with new glass types and other differences, the new Elmarits are in a whole new class of performance.

-- Bud (budcook@attglobal.net), July 10, 2001.