Digilux 2 macro

[Pappy]

I am a recent addition to the Leica fold, and as such, excuse my ignorance. My main area of interest is nature macro shots, and I had good success using a Canon Powershot a80 for really close work. The D2, however, is a different story. Here are my questions:

1 - Are the macro lenses that were made for this model (I am thinking of the Elpro) attached in front of the existing lens, or do you remove the current lens to attach a macro lens to the body?

2 - What options are out there? The Elpro seems way too expensive for my budget, if I would even be able to buy it in the first place. What other lenses can fit, or what can I do to step up/down to another kind of lens?

Thanks

Paul

[jaapv]

Handholding a Canon 500D macro diopter gives excellent results. I am looking for a 67-77 mm step-up ring.

[audidudi]

Originally Posted by Pappy

2 - What options are out there? The Elpro seems way too expensive for my budget, if I would even be able to buy it in the first place.

Panasonic made a single-element close-up lens for its LC1, which shares the D2's 69mm filter thread. According to Panasonic's online parts & accessories site (www.pasc.panasonic.com), the DMW-LC69 CLOSE UP LENS is still available for $89.95 and they do turn up on eBay occasionally for even less still...

[Pappy]

So is it possible to REPLACE the lens on the D2, or are the only options add-ons?

[audidudi]

Originally Posted by Pappy

So is it possible to REPLACE the lens on the D2, or are the only options add-ons?

Anything is possible, of course, provided you're prepared to spend enough money. In the case of the LC1/D2, however, the sensor is attached directly to the lens with three screws and the lens is in turn screwed directly to the body with six screws, so it will not be easy to interchange it mechanically, let alone to make it all work electrically.

Not what you wanted to hear, I'm sure ... sorry.

[Pappy]

Actually that is exactly what I wanted to hear, so that I can now pursue the screw on option 100% certain that it is the only way. I wouldn't imagine trying to work with a hand-held lens in front of the D2.

How close would these lenses allow one to get to the subject? 30 cm is quite far away for the work (actually, play is more accurate) I want to do.

jaap: I would love to hear about the success you have in using the adapter/lens combo above.

[palmskov]

Pappy: I believe the shortest distance with elpro screwed on is 10cm. A really nice addon to an exceptional camera. This photo: http://www.leica-camera-user.com/nat...-busy-bee.html was taken with D2 elpro

Best of luck with the D2...

[farnz]

Paul,

The D2 with the Elpro-d gives outstanding results. Afraid I can't tell you exactly how close you can get to the subject but from memory it's certainly closer than 30 cm and the zoom and AF works with the Elpro-d.

There are some excellent D2 macro shots on the Photo forum.

HTH,
Pete.

(Oops, looks like Nicolaj and I cross-posted. )

[elansprint72]

Pappy,
Watch e-Bay for the Elpro, usually it goes in the UK for up to for up to 200GBP (it's original sale price being around 90 GBP, I believe). I got lucky and bagged one a few months ago for it's original price.
I understand thet the Elpro is a two element lens, whereas the LC1 close-up lens is a single element.
You have motivated me to put mine to use.

[calshot]

Hi Paul
In reply to your question. You screw the Elpro on the front of the lens on the D2/LC1 you don't remove the lens, its part of the camera.
Not sure of any other options
Found the little book that came with mine. So I can provide some info.
Min object field(at shortest lens setting of 30cm)
Focal length 28mm Object field 16x21cm
35mm 13x17cm
50mm 10x13cm
70mm 7.5x10cm
90mm 6x8cm

does that help?

[Pappy]

Great responses.... You have all definitely helped me in deciding to go for an Elpro-D. Only problem now is sourcing one without breaking the bank, or, as most Leica users are aware, the relationship. ;-}

calshot: Good info. I am assuming that all these figures are at a distance of 10cm?

I can't wait to take this baby out to the forest for some real macro work.... All I've been doing with this baby is portraits and architecture (not my cup of tea).

Are there any other threads with some nice macro shots with this setup (or something similar at least)?

Thanks again

[markjames]

I don't have my D2 with me now in the studio (m8 became the daily traveller) but I have had excellent results shooting macro with the D2 using a screw-on Canon close up lens and a step up ring. The details were in the old Digital Forum. You can't shoot wide at the 28 end without getting some dark corners but the lens is very usable throughout the rest of the range. The Canon close-up and step up ring were under $100. Worth looking at. If anyone is still interested in the details, I'll post specs tonight.

Mark

[leicapfile]

Paul,

Anything is possible, but I wouldn't try to remove the lens. The Elpro is scred on the lens barrel, in the same manner as a filter. Not possible to use the hood with it though.

It's a great lens though, on top of another great lens. Origionally they were $250!

Best,

Jerry

[Pappy]

Great, thanks Mark! I would love to see some sample shots with that setup. Which Canon lens are you using? What's the thread step up from 69mm?

As far as the Elpro is concerned, I can't even find it now, so the Canon setup may be the only option. I guess I can wait for another month or so, so I will keep an eye out for it.

Can anyone recommend a site that may have it in the near future?

[elansprint72]

Pappy,
One shot today with the Elpro (possibly only the third time I have used it, so I promise to improve ).

[elansprint72]

......and another:

http://www.leica-camera-user.com/nat...2-elpro-d.html

[jaapv]

Originally Posted by Pappy

jaap: I would love to hear about the success you have in using the adapter/lens combo above.

For instance: Canon 500D macro diopter (77 mm) hand-held in front of the D2

[markjames]

Found the info for my Canon close-up lens set-up on the D2. The Canon part is a 58mm 250D Close-up Lens and then you just need a step down ring to get the D2 filter diameter 69mm to 58mm. Lens link here: http://www.amazon.com/Canon-250D-Clo.../dp/B000050M6M

I'll post samples later if I can find some.

Mark

[spylaw4]

Adapters are generally readily available on that auction site. Mainly 69 to 67,72, or 77. I haven't seen a 69 to 58 but I suppose there must be one somewhere? Any clues?

[elgenper]

Originally Posted by spylaw4

Adapters are generally readily available on that auction site. Mainly 69 to 67,72, or 77. I haven't seen a 69 to 58 but I suppose there must be one somewhere? Any clues?

Yes, there is (was) someone manufacturing exactly such an adapter, for this very purpose. I have one, plus the 58 mm Canon 250D, and it works very well from, say 70 mm zoom and upwards (vignetting at shorter settings, but for close-up one would normally zoom to 90 anyway...).

Now, if only I could find the name of the company.... They made filter adapters for the Canon G series as well. There were LOTS of threads on the old Leica Forum about them; anybody remembers?