IMHO, it's greatest strength is convenience in leisurely shooting, like when traveling. I would forget whether its optics are not as good as prime primes, it is still good, and competent users will make results look good anyway. As Adams and Bresson noted, picture are to be looked at, not looked into.
What I don't like about the Tri-Elmar is it gets in the way of zone focusing, part of the essence of street photography. F/4 is not an issue with zone focusing, since it will be tough at wider apertures anyway.
But for night shots, handheld, then F4 is an issue. After all, RFs are supposed to be good for low-light captures. And fast Leica lenses are really not afraid of the dark, I think they are great.
If one doesn't do much street or discreet shooting, or night handheld, the Tri-Elmar can be satisfying, like what chiif mentioned. My friend loves his Tri-Elmars and Noctilux, but not my personal preference.
anyone has this discontinued lens? mind sharing the pros/cons? I'm considering getting this versus 3 lenses of the similar focal length
thanks
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