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Article: Using the Leica S with Contax 645 lenses


jip

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Thank you ! I do like the look of the images. The adapter is just so expensive ;(

 

It can be had for less than the $1800+/- retail. I called around to Leica stores and found a certified one for just over $1k from Leica Miami. But it never worked, so Leica NJ sent me a brand new one. I use it with the Contax 35mm and 120mm. Both lovely lenses but slower than their Leica counterparts. The 35mm is f3.5 and the 120mm is f4. Less of an issue with the 007 than with my 006. No AF issues, especially with the 120mm since it has no auto focus. Good to have the split focus screen for that lens. 

This week I just bought a mint Summarit 35mm, but it was not out of any dissatisfaction with the Zeiss. Rather, it was logistics. I shoot out in the field. Changing the adapter from one lens to another is a real pain. It takes a fair amount of hand strength to unlock it from the lens, and undoubtedly puts stress on the mechanism each time it is removed and mounted. Beyond that, the time it takes means missed shots and potential dust intrusion into the camera body. And, as mentioned above, you can not use the Contax adapted lenses in inclement weather. With the Summarit, I can keep the adapter on the 120mm which I use least of all. I will have two sealed lenses (70mm/35mm) that are faster than the Zeiss glass. And well, there is that something special about that Leica glass. I wll just keep the 35mm (which can be had for less than $1k) for a back up.

David

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Guest chipcarterdc

Indeed, given luck, diligence, and patience, it can be had for a *lot* less than the $1700 retail price. I bought mine for about $800 (used) from the Leica Store Soho when I stumbled in there to check out a photo exhibit while in NYC, after having spent several weeks prior looking online for a reasonably priced used one to no avail. It has worked flawlessly.

 

I've continued to keep my eyes open, because ideally, I'd have two of them: as noted above, it requires a great deal of force and time to swap the adapter between lenses. So if I had two, I'd leave one bolted onto the 80mm Contax lens and probably put the other on the 140mm or 120mn.

Edited by chipcarterdc
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It would be nice to have a little bit more covering on Lens performance.

 

I found 140 Sonnar have one of best tele-lens Bokeh but lacking the bite at WO. 45mm is very nice lens even at WO, I don't think it is missing anything for environment capture. 120mm is the super star in the line as legend tell, exceptional handling and build, true APO performance and I just love its rendering, never on your face, very smooth with lots detail, and Manual focus is cherry on top for me. 

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It would be nice to have a little bit more covering on Lens performance.

 

I found 140 Sonnar have one of best tele-lens Bokeh but lacking the bite at WO. 45mm is very nice lens even at WO, I don't think it is missing anything for environment capture. 120mm is the super star in the line as legend tell, exceptional handling and build, true APO performance and I just love its rendering, never on your face, very smooth with lots detail, and Manual focus is cherry on top for me. 

 

 

 

Eventually I'll release separate lens reviews. :) 

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