Macro-Elmar 90 f4

[eudemian]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I have checked the list and there is not too much mention of this lens. I am considering this as an alternative to my D2x and 200 Macro lens. I would welcome any thoughts you have on the wisdom of this.

Specifically, is the M8 capable of good macro work with this lens, or is it Leica being all things to all men? I would welcome any samples from those who have the lens and would be willing to share.

I am an amatuer, and a landscape gardener, I love to photograph flowers and leaves. I just love the M8, its compactness and sheer beauty of build that the D2x now looks clunky and plastic (sorry Nikon)

I am not particularly concerned with a 1:1 ratio just the ability to close focus on flower parts.

Look forward to any advice you may have to offer.

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[cbretteville]

With the macro adapter you get as close as 0.5 m. Smallest object field is 72x108mm (1:3). A credit card is 54x85mm So two of these next to each other, short side down and you have the with. The results I've seen look good., have no personal experience though. Some shots can be found here: Leica and Rangefinders Forum: 90mm f4 Macro Elmar...I am impressed...

 

- C

[jonathangraham]

I cannot say how well it works on the m8, but on the m7 it is a gem. There is a separate gallery below shot with this lens.

[eudemian]

Wow, thank you Jonathon, you make a very convincing case, wonderful images.

 

Are you ever frustrated that you may wish to go to a higher magnification but are unable because of the restraints of the system? I am not implying that as a criticism in any way just a question about how close you may want to get and how close you are allowed to get.

[marknorton]

Keep in mind that to go macro, you will need to use the macro adapter. This turns the lens through 180 degrees and presents a different profile cam to the camera for close focussing. I agree that it's an interesting lens - also as a compat 90mm in its own right - and extends the use of the M8 into dSLR territory. That said, my preferred macro solution is a D2x and their VR 105mm f2.8 lens which goes to 1:1.

[Peter Branch]

With the macro adapter you get as close as 0.5 m. Smallest object field is 72x108mm (1:3). - C

 

This is true for film but with the M8 the smallest object field with a reproduction ratio of 1:3 is 54mm x 81mm. (Approx 2" x 3")

[lars_bergquist]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Rangefinder-focusing for macro work is an old idea -- it got started already in the 1930's (Leica NOOKY and various Contax and Ikonta accessories -- these were of course accessory rangefinders too). Nothing wrong with macro definition with the present Leica gear. Do remember however that you have no way to check depth of field in advance, and d.o.f. is critical. You can do some preparatory experimentation however, checking the results on the monitor. Don't forget to note the f-stop you used!

 

The old man from the Age of Close-up Lenses and Measuring Tape

[bnelson]

I am actually doing more macro photography with digital cameras that I did with film because I can view the focus point and depth of field on site from the LCD.

 

How difficult is this to focus with the adapter?

 

Can you use the Leica diopters with the adapter?

 

Bill

[gtmerideth]

I just got the 90 with the macro adapter and it's wonderful. The limitation of 1:3 just makes you work a little harder to get creative results. Also, the M8 files let you expand the range due to the depth of detail. The 90 by itself is fantastically sharp and it's size is so small

due to it being an f4 lens. Depth of field can be checked by drilling down on the screen.

 

I know the use of an SLR is easier but the M8 files are so good it's hard to pass up the opportunity to do macro with it.

g.

[carstenw]

Jonathan, nice beta fish! When is the gold due? Seriously, this looks like a worthwhile lens for those of us trying to ditch our SLRs.

 

(apologies to non-software developers)

[jonathangraham]

Wow, thank you Jonathon, you make a very convincing case, wonderful images.

 

Are you ever frustrated that you may wish to go to a higher magnification but are unable because of the restraints of the system? I am not implying that as a criticism in any way just a question about how close you may want to get and how close you are allowed to get.

 

Yes, sometimes, but I find it liberating to work within the reproduction limits of the macro adapter. Sometime less is more. But all in all, it is a wonderful compact lens for all kinds of work.

 

When I really want to get close, I use my Ricoh GRD. As I often say, it is the digital that Leica forgot to make. Within its limitations, it is quite nice at 100 iso in color and even 1600 iso in BW mode. I have a separate gallery at pbase for this camera.