Question about a few leica R lenses

[italy74]

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Good morning

being in the process to get an R8 (and finding enough funds to afford at least a few lenses as well) I'm wondering if, for a good copy (i.e. without problems on the lenses, I don't care that much of little marks on the barrel which are for sure solid and working fine) you should go for:

 

1) 180 F/3.4 APO TELYT (I don't think there are problems about s/n here, AFAIK there's only one version of this lens, made from the half 70s for US Navy)

 

2) 50 F/2 Summicron (which version / s/n would be better on an R8?) Note: I have the doc written by E.Puts about Leica lenses but aside serial numbers I don't know so much the lenses to understand which is better (because it would not require stop-down metering, thus impacting the brightness of viewfinder etc - if ever this problem could occur on a R8)

 

3) 90 F/2 Summicron (NOT APO). - this could be the most used lens on the R8 for low light shooting in ceremonies. Would you deal with it instead of the most expensive APO version (costing about 8x here)? Which substantial image difference is among two lenses, apo correction aside ? The samples I found are around 1985 / 90 (so say the s/n)

 

4) which else would you suggest to look for ?

 

Thanks in advance.

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[andybarton]

The 50 Summicron and the 90 Summicron as you decribe them are both fantastic lenses. I have (or have had) both, and I still have the 90 (converted to Nikon mount).

 

The 50 is of a very similar design to that of the 50 Summicron-M, IIRC, and the 90 is razor sharp and renders beautifully. I wouldn't be able to justify to myself the significantly higher price of the APO version, for the amount of time that I use the 90 and to be honest, I think that you would be more than likely very happy with the old non-Apo version.

 

If you can, buy ROM'd lenses (i.e. the latest you can find), but my 90 is from the late 70s, non-ROM and worked perfectly with the R8 using film and DMR and now works perfectly with the Nikon.

 

If you want something wider, the 19mm Elmarit-R (1st or second version) is a peach, as is the 28 Elmarit-R (esp the later one with the built-in hood). The 28 is the lens that is always on my D700.

 

If you really want something special, try to find an 80 Summilux-R. People do tend to keep hold of those though and if I saw one in a shop, I'd buy one in an instant.

[italy74]

Thanks Andy for your prompt reply

I've also seen the 80 F/1.4 but I'm not sure is what I want, usually I prefer a bit longer fl (although 80 and 90 are mostly the same) and I prefer to advantage a little slower lens which can be lighter and more corrected than a big, bulky and expensive one that I'd use however from F/2 onward. Time of superfast lenses has gone for me, I realized a very good F/2 lens is usually better than a less good F/1.4 despite the stop faster. If I'd really want to go fast, probably I'd look for a Noctilux, but more for the sake of having it (if you do something, do it good says the proverb, right?) than for an effective need. The 28 was already in my mind, although as I told you I think I'll use it more for closer (taken with short teles) portraits than for landscapes and environmented shots. However I do see the point to have a convenient kit where a good 28 is for sure my best option among wa angles of view.

[andybarton]

The 80 lux is one of those "every R user should have one" lenses...

[italy74]

The 80 lux is one of those "every R user should have one" lenses...

 

just to add las (Leica Acquisition Syndrome), eh? :D:D

[jc_braconi]

The 80 lux is one of those "every R user should have one" lenses...

Cè lo !

[italy74]

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Cè lo !

 

It's "Ce l'ho" (or as repeat little kids disrespectfully for grammar when looking while checking their stickers to exchange "celo, celo, celo, manca...") but I got it, nice and unexpected finding, bravo!

 

for other readers "Ce l'ho" means "I got it, I have it"

[andybarton]

I don't think that there's a lens that JC HASN'T got...

[Brian Bower]

If speed is not critical and the budget will run to it consider the 100mm f2.8 Apo-Macro-Elmarit R as an alternative to the 90. Extremely versatile, stunning quality - it is my must-have R lens.

 

Brian Bower

[italy74]

Ciao Brian

speed is somehow involved because 90% of the shots I'll take will be with thin DOF and/or in dim light and budget also, then a 90 F/2 is the way to go, but I got your point

[gvaliquette]

If you see a 90mm/f2.8 Elmarit-R, consider it very carefully. It's a nice and sharp lens that can also be used on a bellow for macro work.

 

Got the 80mm/f1.4 also and I agree, it's a MUST HAVE lens in a R system

 

Guy

[italy74]

Guy

I would, really, consider the 90 F/2.8 on a sheer iq base. What I need, however is really one more stop (at least) for dim light. Where I shoot I can hardly obtain 1/60s underexposing 1 stop with a 105 F/2.5 lens (which is otherwise gorgeous on my FM3A), thus a 2.8 lens is out of question. Lens aside, is the R8 viewfinder that - as explained in the parallel post in the film forum - is just better, not larger or else, just better than the FM3A in low light. For what I see, I have to decide if to deal with the "simple" 90 F/2 (it's a Leica lens, after all, thus for sure very good in any case) or wait until I can get the 90 F/2 APO, one of these lenses to keep for life (as someone wrote in this forum, considering it an "investment"). However, as I told to someone, I'm waiting for the right moment to get the R8 ( The R9 would be nicer but only for weight, all the new features would be mostly useless for me ) and the 50 F/2 to start. If someone won't persuade me to get a Contax S2 with 50 and 85 F/1.4 (but I have no info yet about that, all depends on viewfinder, I'm not going to pursue useless collecting if I won't use the camera)

[doubice]

 

......1) 180 F/3.4 APO TELYT (I don't think there are problems about s/n here, AFAIK there's only one version of this lens, made from the half 70s for US Navy)......

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Not much has been said about this lens yet - it is probably one of the best R lenses, I had one, along with the already mentioned 2.8/100mm Apo - both superb.

 

There acually were two versions of the 180mm Apo-Telyt - the first version took Series 7.5 filters via a retaining ring, the second version uses (slightly) more common 60mm thread. I would recommend that you look for the second version, as Series 7.5 filters are rather difficult to find and many of those lenses come with the retaining ring missing anyway.

 

Best,

 

Jan

[italy74]

Thanks, Jan

I think what you say may be related to early (earlier / former) batches of the lens, actually the version I spotted had a 60mm filter and as someone told me even that one isn't that easy to get but I don't think to use any filter there. Maybe a polarizing but I have to see.

Useful info that I'll keep in mind. Thanks again.

[doubice]

Ciao Dino,

 

Particularly if you are contemplating to use a Polarizer, I would recommend the 60mm filter version. Series 7.5 Polarizers are just about impossible to find, while the 60mm version is relatively easy - from Leica, B+W, Heliopan etc.

 

Kind regards,

 

Jan

[wildlightphoto]

I don't know if the parts are still available but at one time it was possible to convert a Series 7.5 180 APO-Telyt to E60.

[italy74]

Thanks Doug,

First I have to get the R8 and then all the rest 80/90 and 50 first, 28 and 180 later.

[jaapv]

FYI: Kamera-express has factory-new R8 cameras in stock.

 

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Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[tobey bilek]

What you need to understand is the later Leica lenses render in a very clinically sharp mode. This makes them great for landscapes, photo journalism, nature and macro work.

This also makes them downright ugly for portrait work unless you work with pro models, make up artists, and retouchers. They show every skin defect imaginable. When the 100 APO first came out, i did a pic of my five year old daughter using soft pro lighting. It showed skin texture on her and matching shots with the 90 2.0 Summicron did not. Slide film was used and examined directly. She is 37 now.

 

90 APO R goes slightly soft under 6 feet, 2 meters and is not the same rendering as 100 2.8 APO at that distance. I use my original 90 2.0 non APO for portrait work, 100 2.8 APO for all other applications.

 

90 2.8 Second version also is soft under 6 feet. Stopping down does not improve it. The original version does not go soft. I kept mine and passed on the new.

 

The 180 APO takes odd filters, ser 7.5 except for a very few later ones or if someone had theirs converted. The lens is front heavy and not the best handling. Pics are sharp from 3.5. I use my 180 4.0 that takes elpro close up lenses.

 

The new 180 2.8 APO is a miracle lens, just expensive.

 

The 50 2.0 R only is a very good lens without being extreme. The original Leicaflex 50 2.0 is your classic Leica rendering, so you take your pick. I still have my original. The R only was sold to a wedding guy who used it for years.

[italy74]

Ciao Tobey

I know the part you mention and I'm not going to shoot models rather men and (mostly old) people where side light and dim light may give them lot of mood in images. (Exactly like PJ, right? although focal lenghts used there are different) I know I don't need the APO feature, also because shooting mostly in b/w this has less to nothing relevance. The APO thing is - as said - really a "plus" (whoever of you, able to afford a Ferrari or the sport car you like with a relatively little effort wouldn't get it?)

About the R8, I think I can trust the place I spotted an used sample (around 40% less the price of the site listed above) and I'd save the remaining money to get the 50 either the 90 F/2. I saved the link to the store, though, for future purchases. If I hadn't other expenses in this period, I'd have already got and shot with such combo. However, if nothing else happens shortly, I'm definitely focused on getting them.