I know that there have been threads on this recently, but it seems like a lot of people have purchased a Tri-Elmar in the recent past. Can I get some feedback from these folks? Do you like the lens as a good walk-about lens (I would imagine so). How is size and weight? Viewfinder obstruction? Speed a problem? As I am thinking of this lens with the various Leica-days approaching, I would appreciate any input! Thanx. Bob Stevens

-- Bob Stevens (matlaw@hargray.com), November 15, 2001

Answers

The lens is really made for travel. It is small and the pictures are very superb. If you want to use it for avaible ligth or portraits with very narrow DOF than you will have to use the classic lenes. I recommend to buy the addition lens hood. The viewfinder obstuction is not really noticable but as usual it depends the situation and what and how do you want to shoot.

-- Salvatore Reitano (reitanosalvatore@hotmail.com), November 15, 2001.

Bob, just in case you haven't already found this out: in comparison with the first version, the current one (a) is smaller, (b) takes a smaller filter, (c) has a focusing tab, and (c) has a better ring setting ability on zooming.

I don't have a Tri-Elmar (yet), but if I ever do, it'll certainly be the newer version (something we can't always say for every other lens...)

-- Michael Kastner (kastner@zedat.fu-berlin.de), November 15, 2001.

Forgot to say....

When you buy it, make sure at the vendors that the frame lever at camera switches correctely. Also make sure that when you mount the lens on the camera and you have the lens on position 28mm the knob which secures the lens from droping out of the camera clicks. If not than the lense is out of tolerance and you should refuse it.

-- Salvatore Reitano (reitanosalvatore@hotmail.com), November 15, 2001.

Bob:

I have the newer version, and it is a great "walkabout" lens - during daylight hours - as it produces images on par with my Leica primes. In the very early morning, there have been a few times I wished for an extra stop (or two), and I have never bothered using it during my evening/night strolls due to its lack of speed... (During your morning stroll, you can of course assume it is going to get lighter as you proceed on your walk, so hte lack of speed is somewhat mitigated, IMO!)

Size and weight are fine - it is about the same size as a 90/2.8, or a bit smaller. I have not had any problems with VF obstruction as it is really not any worse than other Leica wide angles. (However, I understand the older model intruded a bit more.) As a matter of fact, because I already own an assortment of E55 filters, I bought a 49-55 step ring so as not to have to purchase a whole new set of filters for this lens, and just leave the step ring on the lens most of the time. I do not use or feel a need for the optional lenshood, as I have not experienced any flare problems with this lens, and I feel my little filter ring adds a small level of impact protection. I like the focus tab a lot...

As for downsides, speed is a definate negative. I would suggest anybody considering this lens carefully consider their photographic style and needs, and if they regularly find themselves using f2.8 and below, this lens may disappoint. (I must admit, I am a bit conflicted here myself - I love the convenience, but often leave the lens behind in favor of a few faster optics. And I have considered selling this lens for that reason... But I do love the convenience!) Also, as already mentioned, my 28 position is a little fussy at times, bringing up both the 28/90 pair and the 50/75 pair. Frustrating, but a flick of the lever or twist of the ring pop it back to where it should be.

Cheers,

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), November 15, 2001.

I love mine, and use it more than any other lens. I shoot mostly with Provia 400F, so the speed isn't a big problem for me. If I know I'm going to be shooting in the dark, I just take along a more appropriate lens.

I've found the lens to be amazingly resistant to flare. Of all the slides I've shot with it, I've seen flare on just one, and that was a very tricky contre-jour shot with the sun just out of the frame. I've never felt the need for a hood.

The VF blockage is most noticeable at the 28mm setting, but you get used to it.

The 3E seems to be more finicky than other Leica lenses, probably due to its relative complexity. I'm on my third one - the first two developed problems, one with the aperture ring detents not holding, the second one with the focal length selector detents not holding. There are lots of stories of the lens not bringing up the frame lines cleanly.

That said, it's my most-used lens, and the one I always grab as my P&S rig when I'm heading out the door. This lens and the .58 body is a match made in heaven.

I'm going out to shoot the demonstrations at the G20 summit here in Ottawa this weekend, and the 3E will be my basic lens, on the .58 body with the new motor. I'll be able to look smugly down my nose at all the EOS-toting PJs with their monster zooms and herniated discs :-)

-- Paul Chefurka (chefurka@home.com), November 15, 2001.

PS - I should have clarified a few points IMO... 1) When I travel, I will generally opt for faster primes, or at least carry my 35 'Lux with this lens due to its slow speed. 2) If I were in need of money, this would likely be the first lens in my M stable I would sell... I am not convinced that the three-lenses-in-one convenience gain makes up for its lack of speed. 3) This lens' strong point is in a one-lens outfit for a day at a fair or amusement park with the family, or for *daytime* outdoor strolls.

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), November 15, 2001.

I can't add much to what's already been said. I have the 1st version, as I got it quite inexpensively and I'm not a big fan of focusing tabs. The DOF scales on the 2nd version looked awfully confusing to me, and Leica says it needs special thin-mount E49 filters. Optically the lens is extremely good, and I have no hesitation to shoot it wide open if needed. As a travel lens it is perfect. Along with the tiny 15mm Heliar and either a 90/2.8 or 135 it's all I need for daytime use and the Tri-Elmar gets the majority of use. I do carry a 35/1.4ASPH for low-light, though. But if I didn't, then an older 35/2 or 50/2 would be fine.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), November 15, 2001.

Jay et al: FWIW, with the step-up ring I mentioned, normal (thick) E55 filters work fine on the new version, and the DOF scales are actually pretty easy to interpret when needed...

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), November 15, 2001.

Hi Bob,

I'd like to add my findings concerning the 3E. When I bought mine, I was already used to carrying around an SLR with a 35-70mm f/4 zoom lens for daytime walkabout use, so the speed of the 3E doesn't bother me; furthermore, the 3E's range of 28-35-50 is more useful to me than that of a 35-70 zoom.

I have the new version of the 3E. The DoF markings are logical, once you get used to them. My lens selects the 28/90 framelines correctly if I change focal length from 50mm to 28mm firmly; however, if I do the change too gently, the 50/75 framelines stay in place until I give the collar a nudge. Viewfinder intrusion is not bad.

I've only had the lens for a short time but quality of reproduction seems excellent in the shots I've taken. Performance at 50mm is supposed to be the best and Leica admits that, at 28mm, the lens exhibits slight barrel distortion and is is not as sharp as at 35mm or 50mm.

-- Ray Moth (ray_moth@yahoo.com), November 15, 2001.

Thank you all. Great advice that doesn't leave me a clue of whether to get one or not (as against a prime 28, to round out the 35/50 primes), as I complete my migration from Nikon to Leica... Problem is, not having local or easy access to play with one before the purchase. But I do like the idea as a daylight walkabout with these (multiple) critical focal lengths...Bob Stevens

-- Bob Stevens (matlaw@hargray.com), November 16, 2001.