A little, sweet lens, the most overlooked of the entire Leica (well, Minolta…) M catalog probably because of its “bubble-related” problem.
Bubbles? Yes.
There are many theories about the causes, but this lens has almost in every case developed some strange bubbles in the glass.
Some people think that is depends from the lens cement, others blame the internal black paint.
After using this lens, frankly, I don’t care anymore.
And yes, also my lens has a severe dose of bubbles.
But they are almost not influent in the actual shooting.
Only in some severe backlit shot maybe they contributed to produce a certain amount of flare.
Or maybe it was just the anti reflection treatment that was incapable of dealing which so much light going trough the glass. I don’t really know.
What do I know, instead, is that this lens:
1) it is Leica-sharp (I’ve seen even a comparison with a 2nd generation Elmarit, and the Elmarit lost it);
2) it has wonderful Leica-colors;
3) it has a fair price on the used market (from 150 to 300 €, depending on how much bubbles the lens has and on your luck).
For me all this is more than enough to buy one…
Rating: on film
Rating: on digital (Sony Nex 7 & A7r)