Summilux-R 80 f1.4 on M Monochrom Typ 246

[Maximus]

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I'm thinking about buying a Summilux-R 80 f1.4 and M-R Adaptor for my Monochrom Typ 246.

I understand there are different versions of this lens - 1 cam, 3 cam, ROM. My question is, will they all work the same on my 246 especially with regarding to focus peaking on the EVF2?

Also, without the EVF2 which frame lines will be displayed?

Cheers 

[mmx_2]

They will all work fine . They are optically identical. Need to go home and check which frame lines the adaptor brings up, but why do you want to use the OVF? The rangefinder mechanism is anyhow not working with R-lenses, if you want a range finder coupled version of the same lens I would suggest the Summilux 75mm for M. I use my R-lenses either with the EVF or with Liveview, never with the rangefinder.

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[Bobitybob]

I don't own the R 1:1.4/80 but understand it is considered to be very good.  

 

The adapter is essentially a spacer to increase the distance of the lens from the sensor required to focus the R lens correctly, if you use a Leica or a coded Novoflex adapter it will bring up the R lens menu and allow the selection of the lens you are using and add this to the EXIF data.

 

The different cam arrangments make no difference in the situation, the only thing to consider is if you perhaps want to get an R camera in the future then this may influence you choice.  ROM lenses are better for al later R versions.

 

The lens will only be usable via Liveview, EVF or Zone focusing, you cannot use the viewfinder to focus a R lens on the Typ 246.  Focus peaking and zoom view will work.

Edited July 6, 2016 by Bobitybob

[gpwhite]

As I remember, the M-R adapter will leave the frameline effector untouched, so your M 246 will present the 28/ 90 combination. In use, the 75 frameline would be a good indication for the R-80.

 

The R-80 itself is a fine lens, and it weighs  a ton and a half. The R-80 focuses closer than the related M-75 Summilux, although DOF at those distances may be a limiting factor for you.

 

Focusing the R-80 with the EVF 2 is a substantial challenge. First, the focus peaking function is never very good (at least for precise focus at f/1.4), and second, it thrives on contrasty edges. The R-80 has the least contrast of any Leica lens I have ever shot, so I would not expect much assistance from the approach you have in mind. If you are looking for a very diffused, almost gauzy image from your brilliant M 246, then the R-80 is a nice option.

 

Because I have traveled down this same road before and love the unique images of the M 246 (others see no effective difference between finished M 240 and 246 images), I have a suggestion. FWIW, try a very late production Summilux-M 50mm version 3 lens on your M 246. This lens was tweaked by Herr Karbe and offers a magnificent combination, IMHO, of center contrast and silky smooth OOF...  all at f/1.4. The framing is different than the R-80, yes, but perhaps more useful in most situations because the 50mm DOF lets you in closer. This lens will cost you as much as the R-80 and weigh approximately 65% less!

[Georges]

Why make your life difficult?

 

The M 75 Lux is exactly the same optical design as the R 80 Lux (see Erwin Puts). 

 

I owned both (for my R8 and my M6) and you could not see a difference.  Moreover, it saves you a lot of weight to carry.

[MarkP]

Why make your life difficult?

 

The M 75 Lux is exactly the same optical design as the R 80 Lux (see Erwin Puts). 

 

I owned both (for my R8 and my M6) and you could not see a difference.  Moreover, it saves you a lot of weight to carry.

 

 

And what about the price difference. 

Edited July 9, 2016 by MarkP

[Maximus]

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And what about the price difference. 

Exactly. The R 80 can be had for less than half the price of the M 75.

[MarkP]

Exactly. The R 80 can be had for less than half the price of the M 75.

 

 

Exactly. So I bought a 75 Summilux-M because the 80 Summilux-R can't be used with RF focusing.

 

I should add that although the 75 and 80 Summiluxes are supposed to render almost identically, I have not had problems focusing the 75 Summilux-M with the EVF on my M240.