[LRflex] Re: 80-200 f/4 Vario-Elmar


On 21/09/2005 at 9:05 AM Douglas Herr commented:


>Aside from the solid construction and very Leica-like image quality 

The reason for both of these attributes is found on the bottom of the lens,=
 stamped into the metal, but without any white ink. It says "Designed by=
 Leica Camera, GMBH. Made in Japan."  This is unlike any of the other=
 Japanese produced, Leica branded, zoom lenses.  They were either Minolta=
 or Sigma designs, with the QC being done by Leica. 

The 80~200/f4 Vario Elmar is a Leica product, through and through. Kyocera=
 built them, but they have the best QC in all of Japan.  And Leica checked=
 'em after that!

It's too bad Kyocera have ceased all camera & lens production (Contax,=
 Yashica and, I believe, Leica). I wonder if the lens will have a future.=
  Made in Portugal? Solms?  I hate to think of the price!

Right now, it is the most under-rated of the Leica lenses - equalling or=
 outperforming many of their prime lenses.  Only the new ASPH generation=
 beat it.  Certainly, it clearly outperformed the 180 Elmar, which it=
 replaced in my kit.

I had a good discussion, some years ago, with Ted Grant about it. He sold=
 his 70~180 APO, because although it was a tiny bit better, it was also=
 huge and heavy!  The 80~200 fits in a (large) pocket, and works well with=
 the non-apo 2x converter.

The Nikon 5T or 6T two-element close-up lenses work well with it, too.=
  Nice, as you can slip one in your pants pocket and do great quality=
 close-ups if you find something worthy, whilst tramping about.
But, you will need a 60 to 62mm step up ring.

Enjoy!



David Young,
Logan Lake, BC    
CANADA. 

Personal Web-site at: http://www3.telus.net/~telyt
Leica Reflex Forum web-page: http://www3.telus.net/~telyt/lrflex.htm

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