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Question re R lenses on M(240)


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I received my M Friday and have been experimenting with different lenses. One of mine is a Vario Elmar R 35-70 f/4.

This lens is mounted with a Novoflex adapter. With EVF, when focusing, unlike my M lenses, it does not activate magnification or, seemingly, focus peaking. Is this normal? Is it the adapter? Is there some tweak someone can recommend?

 

Thanks.

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That's normal.

 

The focus change detector is on the rangefinder cam, and the R-adapter doesn't move that (it's not coupled).

 

You can press the annoyingly recessed focus button on the front of the camera to trigger it manually.

 

- Steve

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Is there a code on the official Leica R to M adaptor?

Yes, there is—it's 110111 (55). However in order to have this code actually work on a 3rd-party adapter, it is mandatory for the adapter to bring up the 28/90 pair of framelines in the camera. If it doesn't then applying the 6-bit code patches to the adapter's bayonet flange will be futile.

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All points above correct, and all a bit frustrating.

 

re the annoying front button, there's another discussion which advises putting a little rubber sticky bump on it. I've done this with mine and it works. See: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/281993-m-rubber-bump.html#post2386245

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Is there a code on the official Leica R to M adaptor?

Does any one know what it is?

Can we 'mark it on' our cheap adaptors while we wait for the real ones to arrive?

 

I would just note that Richard Caplan in London (UK) told me on Tuesday that the R to M adaptor would very soon go into production.

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Yes, there is—it's 110111 (55). However in order to have this code actually work on a 3rd-party adapter, it is mandatory for the adapter to bring up the 28/90 pair of framelines in the camera. If it doesn't then applying the 6-bit code patches to the adapter's bayonet flange will be futile.

 

I have tried contacting Novoflex to see if they can modify their adapter to bring up the right frame lines. However, I have gotten no response. I wrote in English. Perhaps someone can try in another language (German?)

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I would just note that Richard Caplan in London (UK) told me on Tuesday that the R to M adaptor would very soon go into production.

 

That is very helpful to know, as I am eagerly awaiting it, and the hand grip. But will "soon go into production"?!?!? The camera was shipped (sparingly) on 2/28, and one of the principal new advantages of it doesn't even go into production for more than three months? Honestly, it's a small company, and we forgive them much. But that's really silly. They should have lined up a third-party manufacturer for the accessories far earlier.

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Alan- Trust you are clear on using R lenses. I must admit from early March I have been using my R lenses with regularity using the Novoflex adapter. It works well from the 15 to 400. Yes you MUST press the #3, FA button on the front to activate FP 0,5, or 10. You get into the routine fairly easily. It is just annoying to have to half press the shutter release after each image result is displayed before you can reuse the FA button. I must admit I screw up from time to time especially after reviewing an image and then wanting to refocus elsewhere in the frame.

 

I have posted many R images here and on getDPI too plus some examples from a FL keys trip with Reddot.

 

I second JB's comment on the R adapter lag being crazy what with plenty of machining capacity available around the world for such a simple device as the R adapter. Perhaps they waited for Portugal to get ramped up before producing this item in house. Maybe they have redesigned it with a swivel built into it like on the larger R telephotos. This would greatly speed up changes between landscape and portrait shooting.

 

I have had success with the RRS generic L bracket MC-L (with set screw in position 3) for use with my M's. I will not get the RRS M-240 L bracket until Leica releases their GPS grip so I can see the practicality in using the RRS L bracket with the grip (or any L bracket for that matter) since changing battery and/or SD card could entail removing 2 items just for changing these 2 items versus currently removing one item. I must say I did not pay close enough attention to the grips specifics while using it at Photokina. Specifically how the thumb wheel would function with an L bracket will be the key to me.

Edited by algrove
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Alan- Trust you are clear on using R lenses. I must admit from early March I have been using my R lenses with regularity using the Novoflex adapter. It works well from the 15 to 400. Yes you MUST press the #3, FA button on the front to activate FP 0,5, or 10. You get into the routine fairly easily. It is just annoying to have to half press the shutter release after each image result is displayed before you can reuse the FA button. I must admit I screw up from time to time especially after reviewing an image and then wanting to refocus elsewhere in the frame.

 

I have posted many R images here and on getDPI too plus some examples from a FL keys trip with Reddot.

 

I second JB's comment on the R adapter lag being crazy what with plenty of machining capacity available around the world for such a simple device as the R adapter. Perhaps they waited for Portugal to get ramped up before producing this item in house. Maybe they have redesigned it with a swivel built into it like on the larger R telephotos. This would greatly speed up changes between landscape and portrait shooting.

 

I have had success with the RRS generic L bracket MC-L (with set screw in position 3) for use with my M's. I will not get the RRS M-240 L bracket until Leica releases their GPS grip so I can see the practicality in using the RRS L bracket with the grip (or any L bracket for that matter) since changing battery and/or SD card could entail removing 2 items just for changing these 2 items versus currently removing one item. I must say I did not pay close enough attention to the grips specifics while using it at Photokina. Specifically how the thumb wheel would function with an L bracket will be the key to me.

 

Thanks. That is very helpful. I will give it a go, but if I am not mistaken, you must also turn the focus aid to "manual" in the menu. If I am also not mistaken, it is better to focus wide open so you get more distinct peaking lines, and then stop down.

As for the grips, I have the RRS plate and grip (not L) and the grip does make it a little awkward to push the focus button, so that is something to consider. My only R lens is the 35-70 Vario f/4, and for an upcoming trip I decided to leave it home in favor of a Tri-Elmar 28-35-50 and Macro Elmar 90. This is mostly because I am not yet adept with R lenses and need more practice.

I would love for Leica to allow repurposing of the Movie button. If it were the focus button, for example, I think things would be easier. I really don't expect to shoot movies anyhow.

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With an adapter which brings up the correct framelines, you get the menu to select the correct EXIF information for your lens. Aperture, focal length etc are completely unaffected by mounting an R lens on the M. You can work immediately with Live View on the rear screen, or get yourself an Olympus VF-2 (cheaper than the Leica version) - or wait until / IF Leica provides an option to use the VF-4.

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Does R-Adapter M have any effect on focal distance, aperture number for the connected lens?

No. An adapter is just that—an adapter. Not a converter or extender.

 

 

For example, what will Vario-Elmar-R 80-200/4 show on M (Typ 240)?

The very same as it will on, say, an R8.

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Yes, there is—it's 110111 (55). However in order to have this code actually work on a 3rd-party adapter, it is mandatory for the adapter to bring up the 28/90 pair of framelines in the camera. If it doesn't then applying the 6-bit code patches to the adapter's bayonet flange will be futile.

 

I have been using the Leica produced 22228/500934 R to M adapter for about two months now. I hand coded it with the above code using a black permanent marker and it brought up the 28/90 framelines as mentioned above. The placement of the code is critical. I used a coding kit purchased on ebay to put the black dots in the correct location on the flange of the adapter. The first time I did this, I was not able to bring up the R lens list on the menu. The second time I tried it, it worked fine and brougnt up the correct framelines and the R menu much to my surprise because of the hand coding. I thought that when I took off the adapter to use the M lens, the coding would no longer work or would rub off but it continues to work time after time.

 

Regarding the lens you mentined, the Vario-Elmar-R 4/35-70mm, This is one of my favorate lens on the new M. It also has a macro function that works very well with the new M. Doing macro really brings out the versatility of this Leica platform. I also recommend the Vario-Elmar-R ASPH 21-35. It is an excellent lens and is included on the M built in R menu. I must admit I use my R lens on the new M more than the M lens much to my surprise.

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does R-adaptor M has any effect on focal distance, aperture number for the connected lens?

example what R4/80-200 will show at M240?

 

Not for me.

 

OP- I do not use "manual" focus aid for my work I just hit the #3 button and the focus aid comes up with the last setting I used. I seldom focus wide open as adjusting the f stop shows one the greater depth of focus at each f stop, i.e., more data becomes read which means more detail is in focus.

 

Danny-me too as I find using R lenses such a rewarding experience. Although I must say I cannot get theta same adapter you have to bring up R lenses.

Edited by algrove
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