[LRflex] Re: 80-200 f/4 Vario-Elmar
- From: "David Young" <telyt@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: leicareflex@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2005 10:01:46 -0700
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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