Reproduction ratios of R macro lenses and Bellows unit

[pgk]

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Does anyone have any data on Leica's recommendations for using the 60mm or 100mm apo macro lenses on extension tubes or bellows units. I'm especially interested in what limits Leica suggested (if any)?

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[dkCambridgeshire]

Does anyone have any data on Leica's recommendations for using the 60mm or 100mm apo macro lenses on extension tubes or bellows units. I'm especially interested in what limits Leica suggested (if any)?

 

You need the Leitz/Leica booklet: "Leica R in the Close focusing Range" ... see page 2 here:

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-collectors-historica/95646-100mm-vs-60mm-macro-elmarit-r-2.html ... but it's probably put of print. However, you could ask Leica if they have a copy.

 

You should be able to use the 60mm up to 2.5 or maybe 3 times life size with appropriate tubes and bellows or combinations of them. Leica does not offer a reversing adaptor for the lens. The 100mm Apo Macro is designed to be used with the rear element at a fixed distance from the image plane - so optimum performance might suffer if it's used on tubes or bellows. The 100mm Apo has a dedicated Elpro close-up lens which attaches to the front of the lens - thus enabling the rear element to stay at the optimum distance from the image plane. The 100mm Macro Elmar is also an excellent macro objective and can be used with tubes and bellows at life size and beyond.

 

dunk

[pgk]

Thanks dunk

 

I will look for the booklet, but what I am most interested in is the maximum reproduction ratios available. Interesting about the 100 apo, I assume its like many other modern macro (internal focus types) which will not operate much beyond 1:1. The 60 sound more hopeful - I do have 50/2.8 and 25/2 Photars fortunately but the 12.5 still eludes me at a viable price!

[dkCambridgeshire]

The Photars' best/optimum magnification performances are as follows:

 

.........................35mm format...............Medium & Large Format

 

12.5mm................15x - 30x ..................25x - 60x

25mm...................7x - 16x.....................12.5x - 25x

50mm....................3x - 8x...................... 5.1x - 12.5x

 

 

You will need some additional extension on the bellows to attain the higher magnifications. The lenses will also work at lesser magnifications.

 

If you have not yet tried the higher magnifications you will probably need a very fine pitch focussing rail eg the Manfrotto 454 which has the finest pitch of all ie 1mm for one complete screw turn.

Manfrotto | 454 Micrometric Positioning Sliding Plate - | 454

Other rails have far too coarse pitch for high magnification focusing.

 

Cheers

 

dunk