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Leica R Elmarit Macro 60mm f/2,8


Annibale G.

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Hello,

I'm still looking for the R macro 60mm. Official dealer here don't have it; I have to order it new for 2700€. I've ssen some on the web, what is strange is that some are Numbered as 11253 and some 11347.

Could anyone tell me something about that? Actually I was looking to spend more or less 1600€ for a new one. Any more suggestions?

Thanks awfully.

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... what are the differences between the ones numbered 11347 and the ones numbered 11253?

 

Optically, no difference. The only changes in production from 1971 to the end of the R line were filter size and metering cams, and these could be changed. Early lenses were designed to be used with Series VIII filters in a dedicated hood (though E60 filters also fit perfectly) and later lenses were made for E55 filters; E60/Series VIII lenses can be converted to E55.

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I have one that used to have 3 cams, but now has a Nikon mount on it. It's serial number is 30139xx and by the looks of it, it was made in the 80s, but I am guessing.

 

I paid about £5-600 for it, 3 years ago, and it's one of the best R lenses out there.

 

There's no need to buy a new one, as they are around in the used market.

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So no differences in quality? can I find filters for both? What does it mean differences in metering cam? I'm going to use it on a Leica R 6.2

Do you suggest to buy one than the other?

 

Finding filters for either is no problem. If you have other lenses that use one filter size or the other I'd look for a 60 Macro that uses the same filter size as your other lenses.

 

For the R6.2 a 3-cam, R-cam or ROM lens will work perfectly. You want to avoid the 2-cam models, you would need to have the third metering cam installed to work properly on your camera. Fortunately there are very few of the 2-cam models and they will probably be showing their age (34+ years old).

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If you have no luck with a 60/2.8, you might like to consider a 100mm f/2.8 APO-Macro-Elmarit-R, which is often said to be the finest macro lens ever made for 135 format.

 

They are available used and I bought a mint condition one from Ffordes for $1,571 last month. It's a little larger than the 60/2.8 but it has a very long throw that allows tiny focus adjustments, which is ideal for macro photography, and the results are superb.

 

I know of another one currently offered by a reputable dealer for $1,471. The focus ring shows a little wear but apart from that the lens looked fine - no oil on the aperture blades, no haze, element separation, or scratches that I could see with a small light shone through the lens. PM me if you're interested. (I would post the details here but the dealer doesn't advertise with the Forum so I feel that it would be unfair to those dealers who do.)

 

Pete.

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The 60mm Macro Elmarit R is the same lens optically in both the older Leitz versions with Series VIII filter mount and the later Leica versions with 55mm filter thread . The Series VIII will accept 60mm screw in filters. You can probably save a lot of money by buying an older version - it will give the same result as a later version. But make sure an older version has the triple cam to work on later R cameras. All lenses from serial number 2761535 have the third R cam necessary for use with R cameras ie your R6.2. And many prior to this serial number have been converted to triple cam. So just avoid any advertised as twin cam or 2 cam. Single R cam lenses ie model 11253 are the later versions and are compatible with all R cameras including your R6.2

 

In the UK dealers regularly have used 60mm Macro Elmarit lenses in stock but I cant see any on offer at the moment. They are probably becoming popular for use with 4/3 and micro 4/3 digital cameras via 'Leica R to 4/3' and 'Leica R to micro 4/3' adaptors

 

There is little point in you acquiring a 11347 ROM version as your R6.2 does not have ROM electronic contacts. The ROM version lens is for use with the R8 and R9. A 11347 ROM version is likely to be more expensive than the previous 11253 R version.

 

There is more information on the 60mm Macro Elmarit R lens here http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-collectors-historica/95646-100mm-vs-60mm-macro-elmarit-r.html

 

Ffordes and Red Dot Camera are two UK dealers worth browsing for used R lenses.

 

Cheers

 

dunk

Edited by dkpeterborough
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