The current ELMARIT 28mm is the fifth generation and this is the first one. The top feature of the first generation is the non-retrofocus design and it has nice bokeh and rich tonality. I have used few copies of this lens, and honestly, each lens made in this period is different depending on conditions. The good one takes sharp pictures just like modern lenses, but what I have now is the worst one because of spreading highlight. I ask an overhaul of the actuation part when the helicoid grease is almost drying out, but I don't want to get an overhaul of lens elements. This is because I simply don't know how the lens performed when it was brand new and I don't know where to head for. I rather want to enjoy the unique condition realized by accumulated accidents. Once I reached this state, any lens is good for me or lens doesn't even matter. So, I'm not confident if I can give you a good report, but anyway take a look at the samples. By the way, I adore this "lazy lens."
( Photo & Text : K )
In the deep mountains, the sun sets earlier than in the flatlands. A beam of light telling the end of the day shines from the ridgelines of mountains. I shot wide open and it causes intense light smearing. Even on the APS-C sensor, it has a major falloff.
In the heavy rain, I changed the white balance in consideration of the lens character. Since it's soft wide open, the picture became from fortissimo to mezzo piano. Some coma is visible on the points of lights.
This is a unique bokeh of the first generation and I use this lens just because of it. This is my niece who wants to eat two ice creams at once and I worry about her future. As an otaku uncle, I was mean enough to focus on the ice cream cup instead of her. Incidentally, it's best not to have a photography (camera) enthusiast in the family. I know one person who is in love with the Noctilux and always shoot wide open regardless of situations. As a result, even though his family takes family trips, only 1% of the family shots are focused. He mass produces the "souvenir pictures" that no one can tell the place, and his wife gets mad.
I can tell the tendency of bokeh very well. The color reproduced by the GXR is sober and I like it.
The texture of the vinyl is reproduced nicely. Although the light was intense, the result is neutral because the lens isn't contrasty by nature. This lens should be suitable for monochrome films, too. Since the focal length is around normal, it's best for everyday shooting.
If the lens is in good condition, the focus area should look sharper. But with this copy, the highlight spreads slightly. This is rather similar to the non-aspherical Summilux 35mm and the spread is just right. Getting an old lens is once-in-a-lifetime encounter. But unlike the film age, now we can test it before we buy it. Is it a good thing? No, I think it's even worse.
