chris_tribble Posted July 29, 2011 Share #1 Posted July 29, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Anyone with real life experience of using this for macro? I understand that it's a valuable lens in it's own right as a lightweight compact travel lens - but I'd be mostly interested in it's use for macro work. Having a momentary fantasy about bridging this gap in what I can do with my M9s. Great if you could post links to any images too... Thanks in advance. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 29, 2011 Posted July 29, 2011 Hi chris_tribble, Take a look here Leica Macro Elmar-M 90mm f/4. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
perb Posted July 29, 2011 Share #2 Posted July 29, 2011 I like it very much. It is optically very good and very versatile as long as you can accept 1:3 http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/133003-leica-m9-macro.html http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/customer-forum/171217-macro-elmar-90mm-f-4-set.html See also the close-up portrait in the M9 brochure. Regards Per Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tgray Posted July 29, 2011 Share #3 Posted July 29, 2011 I mostly use it as a travel lens, but I do shoot with the adapter every now and again. It works well enough in a pinch or for basic closeups. 1:3 reproduction ratio. Don't get too bent out of shape about parallax, though this personally doesn't bother me at all. I think it's perfectly fine for flowers, trinkets, and things like that. Basically, things and details that you see with your naked eye with a semi close inspection. Any features that you'd need a magnifier for is a stretch. For everything I would need it for it's great. If you want 1:1 or more macro, exact framing, or want to shoot insects, don't waste your money. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Henry Posted July 29, 2011 Share #4 Posted July 29, 2011 Anyone with real life experience of using this for macro? I understand that it's a valuable lens in it's own right as a lightweight compact travel lens - but I'd be mostly interested in it's use for macro work. Having a momentary fantasy about bridging this gap in what I can do with my M9s. Great if you could post links to any images too... Thanks in advance. Hi Christ , .... with pleasure. a bit like the ApoTelyt 135mm but easier to focus, need a magnifier or without , I also have great pictures (I also use as a tele without the macroadapter) with M8 Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! crop : Best Henry 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! crop : Best Henry ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/158127-leica-macro-elmar-m-90mm-f4/?do=findComment&comment=1750692'>More sharing options...
Doc Henry Posted July 29, 2011 Share #5 Posted July 29, 2011 and that the "beast" mounted on M8 I also have a picture of the lens mounted on M9 but I can not find it at the moment Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! taken with M8 Lux 50mm asph Best Henry 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! taken with M8 Lux 50mm asph Best Henry ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/158127-leica-macro-elmar-m-90mm-f4/?do=findComment&comment=1750707'>More sharing options...
thighslapper Posted July 29, 2011 Share #6 Posted July 29, 2011 Image quality is peerless... better than anything I ever got with the nikon 105/60 or old manual 55...... Ok so the max repro is limited, but with 18mb files and the Leica sharpness, cropping compensates quite a bit for this deficiency......... f4 makes hand holding in dull conditions a bit iffy..... but anything you want to take close up looks uninteresting unless the lighting is pretty crisp anyway. I was really surprised with this lens and now its a permanent fixture in my bag as it weighs nothing. Trade in the supplied over-large case for the macro attachment for a leather mobile phone case..... much more compact and just as safe..... Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/158127-leica-macro-elmar-m-90mm-f4/?do=findComment&comment=1750729'>More sharing options...
tobey bilek Posted July 29, 2011 Share #7 Posted July 29, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Same optical properties as Summicron APO or 2.8 Elmarit when it was made except ir does not lose the sharpness in close range like the other do. That and 0 2.8 last version are my go to lens Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
thighslapper Posted July 29, 2011 Share #8 Posted July 29, 2011 heres a few more: Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/158127-leica-macro-elmar-m-90mm-f4/?do=findComment&comment=1750732'>More sharing options...
rsolti13 Posted July 29, 2011 Share #9 Posted July 29, 2011 (edited) The 90 Elmar-M is a great lens. It has the highest magnification of any Leica M mount lens without the goggles (75 Cron is close) and with the goggles obviously goes down to 1:3. I will say, I used the goggles only briefly (with excellent results) but found them way too cumbersome in the field. I am the type that doesn't like external viewfinders as well . The design of the lens I don't much care for. I don't like how the collapsible mechanism can't be locked when not in use. The reversible hood also is more of a hassle to me, not to mention the ultimate exterior scratcher. Sharpness starting wide open is better than any other 90mm lens out but the Cron AA...which it comes close to when stopped down. The macro elmar also has bokeh that is to die for, it is as creamy as it gets. This lens also doubles as an excellent landscape lens. Below are some samples with the adapter attached: First shot of eyes is with close up adapter....next three shots are withOUT the adapter attached, near MFD Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Edited July 29, 2011 by rsolti13 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/158127-leica-macro-elmar-m-90mm-f4/?do=findComment&comment=1750765'>More sharing options...
chris_tribble Posted July 29, 2011 Author Share #10 Posted July 29, 2011 Thanks to everyone! I've noticed a full kit for a good price, so am tempted, Any experience using the angled finder? Worth the hassle? PRACTICAL question - is it possible to get the macro effect without the glasses, or is the additional distance from the focal plane necessary to allow macro use? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_tribble Posted July 29, 2011 Author Share #11 Posted July 29, 2011 Hi Christ ,.... with pleasure. a bit like the ApoTelyt 135mm but easier to focus, need a magnifier or without , I also have great pictures (I also use as a tele without the macroadapter) with M8 [ATTACH]270517[/ATTACH] crop : [ATTACH]270516[/ATTACH] Best Henry Also - apart from the filter issue, is it almost better with the M8 than the M9? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsolti13 Posted July 29, 2011 Share #12 Posted July 29, 2011 (edited) As a follow up...here are some 90 Macro Elmar shots with the adapter attached Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Edited July 29, 2011 by rsolti13 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/158127-leica-macro-elmar-m-90mm-f4/?do=findComment&comment=1750786'>More sharing options...
rsolti13 Posted July 29, 2011 Share #13 Posted July 29, 2011 is it possible to get the macro effect without the glasses, or is the additional distance from the focal plane necessary to allow macro use? without the glasses it is a 1:6.7 magnification ratio, with them it is a 1:3 ratio Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tgray Posted July 29, 2011 Share #14 Posted July 29, 2011 The angle finder is cute. Initially I didn't have one, and didn't really find the setup lacking without it. But then Popflash put one up on ebay for $200, so I snagged it. This was right around the time when the lens started being sold only as a full kit. Seemed like it was a good deal and I had the money at the time. And if I ever sold the lens, having the full set seemed like a good idea. It's useful. I'm glad I have it. I wouldn't spend $500 on it though, or whatever it costs. Having the option of angle viewing can be nice on a tripod. And the magnification helps. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Henry Posted July 29, 2011 Share #15 Posted July 29, 2011 Chris the minimum distance of focus is 0.77 m (77 cms) http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/90mm_f/4_Macro-Elmar-M http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/MACRO-ADAPTER-M 45 degree angle viewfinder is very convenient and useful when you are lying on the ground (my daisy picture) http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/ANGLEFINDER-M To answer your question, i will do a test tomorrow on my M9 removing the filter , I will post a photo ! Best Henry Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Henry Posted July 29, 2011 Share #16 Posted July 29, 2011 (edited) orchid with MacroElmar 90mm Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! M8 Iso 640, f:4 , 1/8sec + tripod Best Henry Edited July 29, 2011 by Doc Henry Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! M8 Iso 640, f:4 , 1/8sec + tripod Best Henry ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/158127-leica-macro-elmar-m-90mm-f4/?do=findComment&comment=1750813'>More sharing options...
hoppyman Posted July 29, 2011 Share #17 Posted July 29, 2011 no macro adapter Clivia photo - Geoff Hopkinson photos at pbase.com Yesterday Today and Tomorrow photo - Geoff Hopkinson photos at pbase.com Make up test photo - Geoff Hopkinson photos at pbase.com with macro adapter Hedge Grasshopper in my garden photo - Geoff Hopkinson photos at pbase.com 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_tribble Posted July 30, 2011 Author Share #18 Posted July 30, 2011 Hmm - I now have to make a financial decision. I've got the Apo 90 so don't "need" another 90, but I've got some jobs coming up where I was planning on using my Canon system (with my aged but OK 28-70 2.8 L) rather than the Leica because of the macro issue. The question will be if the value of the job justifies the expense for a lens I won't use all that often. But hey - it's a Leica lens. I can sell it if I'm not using it! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Henry Posted July 30, 2011 Share #19 Posted July 30, 2011 Hmm - I now have to make a financial decision. I've got the Apo 90 so don't "need" another 90, but I've got some jobs coming up where I was planning on using my Canon system (with my aged but OK 28-70 2.8 L) rather than the Leica because of the macro issue. The question will be if the value of the job justifies the expense for a lens I won't use all that often. But hey - it's a Leica lens. I can sell it if I'm not using it! Chris, I was in the same situation as you, I have the last Apo Summicron ASPH 90 mm and I would like a macro lens for digital M . I have the opportunity to purchase a used bellows with the appropriate lens. BUT I do not like the montages (because they are too bulky in my opinion) and I want something compact and of course as you say coming from Leica So I turned to this macroElmar which renders me much service both in macro and tele as on my last trip to Vietnam * Apo Summicron 90mm is for me the reference in M for better brightness and sharpness as I said previously in one thread * * Best regards Henry * with 90 macroElmar 90mm (without macroadapter) http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/nature-wildlife/135981-lotus-blossom.html * * with 90 Apo Summicron Asph http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/nature-wildlife/84767-last-tulip-summicron-90mm.html Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_tribble Posted July 30, 2011 Author Share #20 Posted July 30, 2011 Thanks to all for comments. I'm currently checking out a complete set (goggles, angled finder, lens) which is available used. If it's still available I think I'll go for it - as I said, if I find I'm not using it that much, I don't think I stand to lose money on a re-sale. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.