leica r 80/1,4 summilux + DMR

[fabrispino]

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Goodmorning to all, I'm unsettled if buy an R 80/1,4 for my DMR due to many different price and also to the fact I own 90/2 non apo,90/2 Apo and 100/2,8 ApoMacro. What is correct price for this lens new (from stock) and used in mint or EEX condition? I know ther is no optic difference between rom and normal lens but just in this fact there are big differences of price. Does anyone give me his experience and help me? Thanks

Have a nice day

[stuny]

Though I cannot advise on price I can provide initial comments on ROM. The ROM contacts on the lens and camera allow them to communicate with one another, allowing the readable electronic data embedded in a digial photo's file to include focal lenght and selected aperture. Only lenses with the ROM contacts can do that, and then only on R8 or R8 bodies, with or without the DMR. Let's see what other members say about other advantages of ROM lenses and prices. Regarding prices, you might want to go into eBay to look at the selling price of completed auctions for the lens. Regarding new stock R lenses, none have been made for about two years, and Leica sold most of the remaining stock to a company in Germany. Other members will tell us the name of the company.

[rsh]

If I were you, I would sell the 90 Summicron and the 90 APO Summicron. I would then look for a Mint to Ex plus 80 Summilux and maybe a 28 Elmarit or a 21-35 Vario Elmar. Ultimately, you need to decide what you want and/or need.

 

Best of luck.

[dritz]

Sell the 90 APO? It is a different and brilliant lens from the Lux, and an absolute rarity compared to the Lux. I have found the Lux to be too soft (for my tastes) wide open on the DMR but beautiful on film. Still, I do use both on the DMR and on film. And, I won't part with either (as long as I can afford to keep both). If I kept just one, it would be the 90 APO.

[Rupert Greenwell]

I too have both 90mm and 80mm and agree that they are quite different, I do not have a DMR back but I find that the 90mm is alot easier to use, the 80mm needs very accurate focusing in comparison but I am persisting with it now that I know what is required. When you get it right it is very satisfying.

I have this week just bought a 100mm but I have not had any films processed yet,so it will be interesting to compare the results.

[tobey bilek]

The APO lenses are nice. The 80 will be softish to 2.8 after which it competes with APO lenses.

 

90 APO M & R are a little soft under 6 feet.

 

100 APO is a stunning lens, close or far, open or closed. I did some pics of my three year old daughter, 1975. I did comparison shots with 90 Summicron R at 5.6. Studio strobes making soft light.

 

I could easily see skin texture on a three year old girl with the 100. the 90 showed none. That is the difference. Do not use this lens on a woman over 16 unless you are really good with photoshop.

 

The ELPO close up for the 100 is fantastic.

 

All APO Leica lenses are just like that.

[Rupert Greenwell]

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Thanks Tobey

So far my dogs have been the models that I have shot with the 100mm!

I do quite a lot of dogs and horses and the 100mm will allow me to get detailed shots of their heads with out having to get too close to them.

[Overgaard]

The 80mm is the crown jewel of the R lenses. It has a very interesting look that are both soft and sharp and detailed in a 3D fashion. And of course the artistic dreamy out of focus areas. Also, when shot against light sources, the light will flow over the image.

 

It is definitely a lens to have with the DMR where the sharpness and detailedness is much more appreciated than with film where (the film plane could be inaccurate and) the micro details was not so outspoken as with the DMR.

 

The 90mm is an entirely different matter, the 90mm is sharp and contrasty compared to the 80mm, and the APO is to prefer for its more 3D look; which is in a way softer, yet more detailed and pleasant overall.

 

Have a look at some of my film and DMR shots with the 80mm here:

leica.overgaard.dk - Thorsten Overgaard's Leica Pages - Leitz Summilux-R 80mm f1.4 test photos and samples

 

In terms of prices, I would say that a great condition one would be available for around 2,000$. I saw quite a few of them in Hong Kong recently. They seem to have everything there, but else check http://www.newoldcamera.com in Italy if he can find one

[fabrispino]

Thorst, I've just found a new 'lux from ebay sellers, he ask €2999 but offer to me for €2600; may be he sell for 2500! Another from private EEX condition €1400. The second one is no rom but it's no the matter. Only last mounth from NewOldCamera in Milano I bought a 50 Lux E 60 like new for €2500 so my budget is every time cheaper. Wich it's a good deal? In my mind I would try to get New, because it's NEW! The snd 'lux is from private collector wich wrote the lens never use to get a pict. So I'm a little bit in confusion.

Best Regards

[Overgaard]

There's 80mm Summilux lenses from 2,000$ on eBay, so I would look at them all and get one with perfect optics. And if the cosmetics of the lens matters, then be more critical.

[james.liam]

I have also seen them for sale in the US at Adorama, B&H and KEH for about $2000-2500 though less frequently in the past 6 months. I think that the Canon shooters and Nikon shooters familiar with the Leitax mounts have essentially bought up most of the best R's that were out there. SLR Lens reviews has an interesting take on the 80 Lux, (Leica Summilux-R 80mm f/1.4 (E67) Lens Review) showing that unlike many short telephoto lenses, it demonstrates both the unique, softness and gentle colors wide open and becomes exceptionally sharp stopped down. This is more of a characteristic of modern short telephotos, like the new Nikkor AFS 85/1.4. The question to those who might Be able to comment from experience, is the 80 Lux still worth the extra expense with newer options out there like the Nikkor?