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New Macro adapter.


spylaw4

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I think Leica missed a trick byt linking the adverts for the 90mm f4 collapsible and the new Macro Adapter.

 

Did you know that the adapter will work with virtually any M lens? We tried it in the shop the other day. It will also work on the T stacked with the M/T adapter.

 

Possibly this now explains why it is being sold separately?

 

Ah and there seems to be a glitch on the new 90/4. As far as we can see the hood is no longer able to be fitted in reverse to make for a really compact travel unit.

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I think they've made that clear, at least on their website and In other docs I have read. As per the website:

 

 

"As the Macro-Adapter-M is also compatible with other M lenses, it offers Leica M photographers an even wider range of opportunities for creative composition and additional variety in reportage portfolios. With Leica lenses from 50mm and longer, it enables macro photography up to a reproduction ratio of 1:2 and, with wide-angle lenses, even larger ratios."

 

I'm very interested to see how it will work with other lenses.

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There are/were 2 macro adapters - there was one with goggles specifically for the 90mm and then there's a second one which works with any lenses with the M240 bodies with live-view

Macro-Adapter-M // Close Up Accessories // Technical Equipment // M-System // Photography - Leica Camera AG

Looks like the one specific to the 90 is no longer made, although it worked on all M bodies without live-view

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There are/were 2 macro adapters - there was one with goggles specifically for the 90mm and then there's a second one which works with any lenses with the M240 bodies with live-view

Macro-Adapter-M // Close Up Accessories // Technical Equipment // M-System // Photography - Leica Camera AG

Looks like the one specific to the 90 is no longer made, although it worked on all M bodies without live-view

 

I haven't done it but why couldn't the old adapter with goggles also be used with the EVF or LV on lenses other than the 90mm Maco Elmar? I think the lens would be mounted upside down like the 90 ME is but the controls would still be accessible.

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I haven't done it but why couldn't the old adapter with goggles also be used with the EVF or LV on lenses other than the 90mm Maco Elmar? I think the lens would be mounted upside down like the 90 ME is but the controls would still be accessible.

 

Alan-It works. Keep in mind the lens is only mounted upside down for use with the goggles macro adapter anyway. Have not received the new one yet so cannot comment. Seems like it should also mount the lens upside down for macro shooting.

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Alan-It works. Keep in mind the lens is only mounted upside down for use with the goggles macro adapter anyway. Have not received the new one yet so cannot comment. Seems like it should also mount the lens upside down for macro shooting.

 

 

I'm not sure this is the case with the new lens and adapter. If you look at the pictures on Leica's site, the red dot on the adapter and the lens line up, suggesting the lens is mounted in the normal position, which would make sense as the lens can focus to infinity when connected to the new adapter, unlike the old goggles. I might be wrong though as I haven't tried it yet

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Can someone tell me why I would get this new adapter instead of the less expensive Novoflex macro set?

I want to be able to shoot macro again, but still undecided which way to go.

 

Well, the Novoflex Macro set is a series of screwmount rings, which you can only adjust by removing or adding a ring. The Leica adapter is adjustable while mounted on the camera with the lens attached.

 

So let me give an example, lets say you have your camera on a tripod, and are shooting with a large lens (50mm Noctilux). You have to hold the lens in one hand while removing or adding rings. This can be kind of tricky one-handed. One can imagine, dropping said lens, while making this adjustment...

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I haven't done it but why couldn't the old adapter with goggles also be used with the EVF or LV on lenses other than the 90mm Maco Elmar? I think the lens would be mounted upside down like the 90 ME is but the controls would still be accessible.

 

Yes, this must be true. However, one difference is that the new adaptor presumably has a greater extension (and is adjustable, I think) and thus allows for a greater macro capability (1:2 vs 1:3 with the older version).

 

One thing about the new lens that I'm not sure about is whether it can be used on the older adaptor in exactly the same way as the previous 90/F4 Macro (even if it lacks the 'reverse' scale on the barrel). Also, are Leica still planning to keep the older adaptor in the catalogue? If not, the introduction of the new lens marks a break with the past as it (at least in combination with the adaptor) is only usable on the M240 and is effectively cast adrift from the wider M system of 50 odd years standing.

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Well, indeed it's just the new Macro Adapter that can be regarded as a M240-only device (*) ... the new 90, in itself, is a normal RF coupled lens, and I suppose it would activate the 90 framelines even onto a Leica M3.

 

As far as I know, it is sold with the adaptor as a package so it's an expensive way of acquiring a compact 90/F4 if you just want the lens. If, however, you want to use the trumpeted macro capabilities (which are the USP of this lens) you are out of luck if you don't have an M240 (and, even, if you do, you have no option but to use the poxy EVF view). The previous version of the lens and adaptor was an ingenious way of bringing 'macro' capability to a long standing RF system. The new combination strikes me as a step backwards for the M system and is a development I don't particularly welcome.

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As far as I know, it is sold with the adaptor as a package so it's an expensive way of acquiring a compact 90/F4 if you just want the lens.

 

 

The 'old' lens was only sold together with the adapter, but the 'new' lens is sold apart from the adapter.

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The 'old' lens was only sold together with the adapter, but the 'new' lens is sold apart from the adapter.

 

The old lens was originally sold separately from the adapter (and was only later sold as a package with the adapter and angle finder) but I stand corrected on the availability of the new lens. I still maintain my point that the new adapter is a step backwards in terms of wider system compatibility, especially if Leica no longer sell the goggles variety.

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I don't get Leica's rationale here. Too bad for film users and for classic digital shooters.

A RF has a problem with short distance. Being able to focus only on the center spot makes composition and focus in close not very successful. Any small movement changes focus. For close-ups/macro I use a visoflex and the MEM 90 on my M6/9.

With live view that changes even there is the challenge of focus zoom and knowing the focus of several elements in your composition.

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I'm not sure this is the case with the new lens and adapter. If you look at the pictures on Leica's site, the red dot on the adapter and the lens line up, suggesting the lens is mounted in the normal position, which would make sense as the lens can focus to infinity when connected to the new adapter, unlike the old goggles. I might be wrong though as I haven't tried it yet

 

You might be right. As you must know the "old" MEM 90 has a normal distance scale on one side of the lens and when mounted on the goggles it has a closeup distance scale on the back side of the lens when looking at it from the "normal" or front side.

 

I see the photo you are talking about. My question is--Is there a macro scale on the back side of the lens? If they did not change the lens then it must have one, however if they changed the lens then it might not have one or for that matter might not even need one when using the M240.

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