R-lenses; which digital body?

[symmetron]

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I'm thinking about getting a digital body to which I can adapt my R-lenses. I know the D3 will take them with an adapter, but I'm interested in some recommendations probably for micro 4/3 cameras and others? First preference would be with a real or EVF? Olympus, Panasonic, etc.?

[bill]

This has already been discussed:

 

Search is your friend

 

Personally, I have both M and R systems as well as 4/3 and u4/3. I can use R on both 4/3 and u4/3 but my experience is that the lenses are simply too big for the bodies. You are better off with a 4/3 body for R lenses - I use an E520.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

Edited May 14, 2010 by bill

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[symmetron]

Thanks for the link; very helpful.

 

I'd prefer to use an adapter and not replace my lens mounts (assuming that's an option). I shoot D300's also, but the Leitax mount seems to require replacing the mount.

 

I'm not interested in a DMR solution, and would prefer a DSLR if possible.

[lct]

My solution is the 5D with a good focus screen. Very good results. In fact i did not expect that good. Only problem is darkening of the viewfinder when stopping down. I don't use mine at slower apertures than f/ 5.6 for this reason. Bearable if you like shallow DoF thanks to shutter speeds up to 1/8000s.

[bill]

 

Quick'n'dirty... 50mm Summicron-R, wide open, focus confirm adaptor, E520.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

[lct]

Look like butterflies. Well done Bill.

5D, pre-apo Summicron-R 90/2, FF & 100% crop.

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[symmetron]

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Lots of Canons? Do the R-lenses adapt more easily to Canon than other brands?

[stunsworth]

R lenses can be used on an EOS body with a simple adaptor - though some lenses foul the mirror and can't be used. There's a list of what works with what here...

 

CANON LEICA-R COMPATIBILITY DATABASE Leica-R and Leitz-R lenses that work on Canon EOS dSLRs

 

Using R lenses requires the R mount to be replaced with a Nikon one. The process is completely reversable and Andy Barton here on the forum has done this. The disadvantage of using a Nikon is of course that the lenses can't be used on Nikon and Leica bodies at the same time.

[symmetron]

From what I've read, the R mount needs to be replaced with the applicable digital camera lens mount. Are there any solutions where the R-mount remains on the lens but the lens is then coupled to the digital body using an intermediary coupler or mount. Basically, although I shoot film less often with my R8's and SL, I would prefer to not have to switch lens mounts.

[stunsworth]

Are there any solutions where the R-mount remains on the lens but the lens is then coupled to the digital body using an intermediary coupler or mount

 

Yes, a Canon EOS body only requires a simple adaptor - as I mentioned in my previous post.

[spydrxx]

I just received a good condition used Sigma SD-14 very inexpensively and next week will be replacing the camera body mount to accept Leica R lenses only. I had previously looked at the Canon and Leitax solutions (since I have a Nikon DSLR), as well as the u4/3 - all were considerably more expensive than the solution I've found. This just sort of fell into my lap. Most of my R lenses will work fine without modification, but it appears that my 50mm Summicron and 35mm Elmarit may need to have their light shield trimmed slightly....hmmmm still mulling that over. Anyway - another solution for you to consider.

[andybarton]

Where do you get the Leica mount from to replace the Sigma?

 

I assume that you are still stuck with stop-down metering etc.

[Krauklis]

Try this one:

 

Sigma Cum Laude Home page

 

-krauklis

[farnz]

... or Sigma Cum Laude can sell you a new SD14 with the mount already converted to Leica-R. THe SD14 has the Fovean sensor, which imo can produce photos that stand apart from photos from CCD or CMOS sensors.

 

All shots with SD14 and 60/2.8 Macro-Elmarit-R.

 

Pete.

 

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Edited May 15, 2010 by farnz

[lct]

Nice colors indeed. Pity that Foveon doesn't make FF sensors.

[farnz]

I agree, LCT.

 

Thank you for the compliment.

 

Pete.

[wildlightphoto]

Nice colors indeed. Pity that Foveon doesn't make FF sensors.

 

Yes I agree.

[bill]

From what I've read, the R mount needs to be replaced with the applicable digital camera lens mount. Are there any solutions where the R-mount remains on the lens but the lens is then coupled to the digital body using an intermediary coupler or mount. Basically, although I shoot film less often with my R8's and SL, I would prefer to not have to switch lens mounts.

 

4/3 is a non-invasive, ''intermediary'' mount - I swop regularly between 4/3 & R7.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

[tmldds]

I just bought my first R lens, the macro-elmarit 60/2.8. It works wonderfully on my Canon EOS-1Ds MkII body. A 5 D would do just as well. I am using an $80 adapter from Fotodiox. I ordered another one from Novoflex, much more expensive! I will be shopping for more R lenses since they have become so affordable compared to M lenses! If you are interested, I had posted some shots in the Nature Forum under orchids, etc. Tri:)

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[guidowi]

i am very happy using Leica R lens on a Canon DS Mark III with some adapters.

I bought a microprism focusing screen and the manual focus is good and fast.

I can obtain not only the Leica atmosphere with a very fast FF camera body but also a better quality in pictures from the Super Elmar 15 mm and Superangulon 21 than with the DMR that is still very good.

 

Cheers

Guido Wilhelm

Edited May 17, 2010 by guidowi