Introduction
The Elmo 16CL 38mm lens is a compact prime optical element developed for the mid‑range photography market in the early 2000s. It was produced by the German manufacturer Elmo Optics, a subsidiary of the larger lens conglomerate, and was marketed primarily for use with 35 mm film cameras and, later, with 1‑inch sensor digital cameras. The lens gained a reputation for its combination of sharpness, moderate aperture, and relatively affordable price, making it a popular choice among hobbyist photographers and semi‑professional users.
Design and Technical Characteristics
Optical Construction
The Elmo 16CL 38mm lens features a seven‑element, six‑group optical formula. The elements are crafted from high‑index glass to reduce spherical aberration and improve light transmission. The design incorporates a single low‑dispersion element positioned near the front of the lens, which helps to counteract chromatic aberration, particularly noticeable when shooting in high‑contrast scenes.
Physical Dimensions and Build
With a focal length of 38 mm and a maximum aperture of f/1.8, the lens measures 80 mm in diameter and 75 mm in length. Its barrel is constructed from anodized aluminum, providing a lightweight feel while maintaining structural integrity. The lens houses a 12‑mm diaphragm ring that allows manual control of aperture, and the focus ring is segmented for precise adjustment.
Mount Compatibility
The 16CL is available in two versions to accommodate different camera mounts. The original model is designed for the 1‑inch MOS sensor format, commonly found in compact digital cameras, whereas a later variant was adapted to the Canon EF mount for interchangeable‑lens cameras. Both versions retain identical optical characteristics but feature distinct mechanical interfaces to fit their respective mounts.
Aperture and Focus Features
At its widest aperture, the lens delivers a depth of field ranging from approximately 1.3 m to 5.0 m for a typical 5 m working distance, which is adequate for portrait and environmental photography. Focus travel is limited to 0.3 m–3 m, with a minimum focus distance of 0.35 m in the 1‑inch variant, allowing for close‑up work such as macro-style shots within the constraints of the optical design.
Historical Context
Development Background
Elmo Optics began developing the 16CL in 1999 as part of a strategy to expand its product line into the high‑end consumer market. At the time, the company was well‑known for producing precision optics for scientific instrumentation. The team tasked with the lens project included optical designers and mechanical engineers who aimed to create a lens that balanced performance with cost effectiveness.
Market Release
The lens was launched in 2001, coinciding with the rise of bridge cameras and the early adoption of 1‑inch sensor technology. Marketing campaigns highlighted the lens's sharpness at f/1.8, positioning it as an ideal accessory for photographers who desired a "portrait‑like" look on compact systems. The launch also included a partnership with a leading electronics retailer, ensuring widespread distribution.
Subsequent Revisions
During 2003, Elmo Optics released a revised version of the 16CL featuring an improved front element made from a new low‑dispersion glass stock. This modification reduced blue‑shift chromatic aberration and improved overall color fidelity. The updated version was labeled the 16CL‑R, and it received positive attention from independent reviewers.
Market Positioning
Target Audience
The lens was primarily aimed at advanced amateurs and entry‑level professionals who required a high‑quality prime lens without the expense of flagship camera equipment. Its relatively narrow price point of approximately €280 positioned it competitively against lenses from other manufacturers that offered similar focal lengths but higher costs.
Competitive Landscape
At launch, the 16CL competed with lenses such as the Sony 38mm f/1.8 and the Nikon 35mm f/2.8. Compared to these competitors, the Elmo 16CL offered a marginally faster aperture and a slightly lower weight. However, the competition featured better build quality in some cases and more extensive marketing support from the camera manufacturers.
Optical Performance
Sharpness and Resolution
Laboratory tests indicate that the lens retains 80 % contrast at 25 % of the maximum diameter at f/2.8, and 70 % contrast at f/1.8, with a point spread function measured at 0.7 µm. On the edge of the image circle, resolution drops to 60 % at f/1.8, which is typical for lenses in this class. In comparison to the standard 35mm f/1.4 lenses, the 16CL offers a slight compromise in edge sharpness but maintains center sharpness within 5 % of the competitor's performance.
Color Fidelity and Chromatic Aberration
Color rendition is described as accurate, with a delta‑E of 1.8 in CIELAB measurements at f/2.8. Chromatic aberration is minimal, particularly in the updated 16CL‑R version, which displays a 1 % reduction in blue shift at the corners compared to the original model.
Glare, Bloom, and Flare
Internal reflections within the lens are mitigated through a single multi‑layer anti‑reflective coating. Under controlled tests, the lens exhibited a flare resistance of 5 % at f/1.8, which is comparable to many prime lenses of similar cost. However, extended exposure to direct flash or strong backlight can introduce noticeable bloom, especially when the focus is set close to the subject.
User Experience
Handling and Ergonomics
Photographers consistently note the lens's lightweight build and balanced weight distribution, making it comfortable to use for extended periods. The focus ring is well‑tolerated with a smooth, non‑slippery grip, although the aperture ring's small diameter may pose a challenge for users with large hands.
Control and Interface
The manual aperture control allows users to dial precise values between f/1.8 and f/5.6. The focus ring's segmented design enables fine adjustment, though it lacks a true focus lock lever, which may be considered a disadvantage in high‑speed shooting scenarios.
Compatibility Issues
While the lens is marketed for 1‑inch and Canon EF mounts, users report occasional misalignment with older Canon EOS bodies that require lens adapters. The mount adapter can cause a slight shift in focus, requiring calibration to maintain optimal performance.
Applications and Use Cases
Portrait Photography
With a 38 mm focal length on a 1‑inch sensor, the effective field of view approximates a 60 mm lens on a full‑frame camera, offering a flattering perspective for portrait work. The f/1.8 aperture provides a shallow depth of field, allowing for background blur while keeping the subject in sharp focus.
Street and Environmental Photography
The lens's compactness and moderate aperture make it suitable for candid street photography. The 38 mm focal length maintains a natural perspective, and the small size encourages discreet shooting.
Travel and Everyday Photography
Due to its lightweight design, the 16CL is favored by travelers who require a versatile lens that can handle a variety of scenes, from landscapes to street portraits, without the bulk of a zoom lens.
Low Light and Night Photography
Although not a dedicated low‑light lens, the f/1.8 aperture allows for reasonable performance in dim environments, especially on sensor formats with higher ISO capabilities. However, its limited maximum aperture compared to f/1.4 lenses may limit its effectiveness in very low‑light conditions.
Variants and Successors
Elmo 16CL‑R
The revised model, introduced in 2003, incorporated a new low‑dispersion front element to reduce chromatic aberration and enhance edge sharpness. The updated version retained the same physical dimensions but offered a slightly improved optical performance across all apertures.
Elmo 38mm f/1.6
In 2005, Elmo released a higher‑end variant with an f/1.6 aperture, targeting semi‑professional users. This model increased the aperture speed by 1/3 stop and featured an upgraded coating to improve flare resistance. It was discontinued in 2010 due to declining demand for premium 1‑inch lenses.
Elmo 38mm f/2.8 (Digital Focus)
A later iteration introduced electronic aperture control for integration with camera bodies that support autofocus. While the lens remained manual focus, the addition of a digital aperture dial improved compatibility with newer camera models that required electronic communication.
Manufacturing and Distribution
Production Facilities
Elmo Optics manufactured the 16CL at its primary facility in Wuppertal, Germany. The production process involved precision glass molding, multi‑layer anti‑reflective coating, and rigorous optical alignment. The company employed a quality‑control regime that included spectrophotometric analysis of lens coatings and mechanical testing of mounts.
Supply Chain
The glass elements were sourced from German and Italian suppliers known for high‑index, low‑dispersion glass. The aluminum barrels were produced locally by a company specializing in anodized finishes. This approach minimized lead times and allowed Elmo to maintain tight control over the final product quality.
Distribution Channels
The lens was distributed through major camera retailers across Europe and North America, as well as through specialized optics dealers. Elmo also offered a direct‑to‑consumer online store, which provided extended warranties and a 30‑day return policy.
Critical Reception
Professional Reviews
Independent camera reviewers generally praised the lens for its sharpness and affordable price. A review from a German camera magazine highlighted the lens's performance at f/2.8, noting “excellent mid‑range performance with minimal distortion.” However, reviewers pointed out the limited maximum aperture as a drawback for serious low‑light photography.
User Feedback
Online forums and user communities noted that the lens performs well in typical shooting scenarios but may suffer from increased flare when used in bright, direct sunlight without a lens hood. Many users appreciated the lens's lightweight and compact design, recommending it for travel photography.
Patent Citations
Elmo Optics filed several patents related to the lens design, focusing on the arrangement of low‑dispersion elements and the manufacturing process for the multi‑layer anti‑reflective coatings. These patents were cited in subsequent lens designs by other manufacturers, indicating the 16CL’s influence on the broader optics industry.
Comparisons to Similar Lenses
Comparison with Sony 38mm f/1.8
The Sony lens offers a slightly faster aperture (f/1.8) and a comparable focal length. However, the Sony lens typically weighs 120 g, whereas the Elmo 16CL weighs 90 g. In terms of sharpness, the Sony lens excels in the corners at f/2.8, but the Elmo maintains comparable center performance. Users often choose the Elmo for its lower price and lighter weight.
Comparison with Nikon 35mm f/2.8
While the Nikon lens is narrower in aperture and has a slightly shorter focal length, it provides superior low‑light performance due to its f/2.8 aperture. The Elmo, in contrast, offers a more natural perspective for portrait photography on 1‑inch sensors. In terms of build quality, Nikon lenses are generally more robust, featuring a metal body and weather sealing, which the Elmo lacks.
Comparison with Canon EF 50mm f/1.8
The Canon lens is a full‑frame equivalent of the 16CL but offers a wider aperture (f/1.8). The Canon lens has a larger image circle suitable for full‑frame sensors, while the 16CL is optimized for 1‑inch and EF mount cameras. The Canon lens also offers a built‑in electronic aperture control, which the 16CL lacks.
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