Studio58 Posted July 24, 2011 Share #1 Posted July 24, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) In recent times have undertaken macro photography on my 1DS3 & EF100 2.8 (macro). Not having a clue as to going about the process on a RF, I am hoping for a few hints as in how to proceed (gear etc). Also what will the results be like in comparison to my previous experience with the Canon. EG: The Canon results were excellent, can I expect an improvement using my M9 ? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 24, 2011 Posted July 24, 2011 Hi Studio58, Take a look here Macro with the M9. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
TomB_tx Posted July 24, 2011 Share #2 Posted July 24, 2011 The M9 can do great macro work - by changing it to an SLR! Leica has made "reflex housings" to attach to their rangefinder cameras since about 1935 - making them one of the first 35mm SLR cameras, even though you needed this accessory. For the M9 you will need a Visoflex III. The Viso mounts on the camera like a lens, with it's own viewfinder extending over the top of the M9. The front of the Viso has a normal "M" style mount, but of course moves the lens forward quite a bit, which would focus VERY close with normal M lenses. The 65mm f3.5 Elmar is a nice macro lens made specially for the Visoflex. It was sold without a focusing mount, so you also need the special focus mount for it (sometimes used lenses come with it). That combination focuses from infinity down to macro range. There are a number of focus mounts that can take lens heads removed from some of the older versions of lenses (rigid mount Summicron, 90 Elmarit, etc) which can also do well in the close range. The Visoflex has a mirror that deflects the light from the lens up to a ground glass like an SLR, so the M9 won't meter with the mirror in the down (viewing) position. But you can adjust the Viso III to swing the mirror up slowly as you depress the release (above the camera release) so the M9 meter will read before the shutter snaps. I'll take a shot and check the auto settings, then manually set the shutter speed to best effect. You can also get Telephoto lenses for the Viso, from 200mm up. But it really works best as a macro system. The Visoflex hasn't been made for many years, as Leica wanted people to buy the Leicaflex series instead. The Visoflex II can also be used on the M9, but its "eye level" finder won't clear the taller M9 body, so either used the "waist level" finder or the finder from a Viso III. Prices aren't bad, and availability is good. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB_tx Posted July 24, 2011 Share #3 Posted July 24, 2011 Here's a picture of my M9 with Viso III and 65 Elmar, and a picture taken with it of a Canonflex lens diaphragm assembly I was working on: 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! 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/157675-macro-with-the-m9/?do=findComment&comment=1743821'>More sharing options...
Studio58 Posted July 24, 2011 Author Share #4 Posted July 24, 2011 impressive. Nice result for sure. Looks like something I will have to mull over long term. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted July 24, 2011 Share #5 Posted July 24, 2011 http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/115937-visoflex-novice-macroland.html#post1229998 http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m8-forum/20043-m8-macro-thread.html Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted July 24, 2011 Share #6 Posted July 24, 2011 I add that, even if M9 is clearly not targeted to macro work, there is little or no advantage in easiness of operation between a M + Visoflex and a SLR in a strong (1:1 range) macro : you need anyway a tripod, often a bellows, the capabilty to have a vertical viewfinder... specialized lenses which often haven't automatic diaphragm even on SLRs... and M9 sensor is excellent. Visoflexes are not difficult to find, and are still maintainable by specialized labs... but the cost of them, nowadays, is much higher than 5-6 years ago,,, just for the reason that the success of M8/M9 has created a rediscovery and demand for them. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
perb Posted July 24, 2011 Share #7 Posted July 24, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Don't ignore the Leica Macro Elmar-M 90 mm f/4 plus Leica Macro Adapter-M. It isn't a true macro lens since it only goes to 1:3, but it is very small and handy. Thanks to the lower magnification it is relatively easy to handhold. I use it with a Leica SF 24D flash. For max magnification I simply set the lens to near focus and move in towards my subject until I reach correct focus distance. http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/customer-forum/171217-macro-elmar-90mm-f-4-set.html Regards Per Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted July 24, 2011 Share #8 Posted July 24, 2011 I add that, even if M9 is clearly not targeted to macro work, there is little or no advantage in easiness of operation between a M + Visoflex and a SLR in a strong (1:1 range) macro : you need anyway a tripod, often a bellows, the capabilty to have a vertical viewfinder... specialized lenses which often haven't automatic diaphragm even on SLRs... and M9 sensor is excellent. Visoflexes are not difficult to find, and are still maintainable by specialized labs... but the cost of them, nowadays, is much higher than 5-6 years ago,,, just for the reason that the success of M8/M9 has created a rediscovery and demand for them. (sorry...I realize now I mis-typed... my first phrase intended to state tat using a M+Viso is NOT more hassle than using a SLR, in strong macro) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Henry Posted July 24, 2011 Share #9 Posted July 24, 2011 For macro with M9 or M8 , we are bellows as suggested previously but i agree with Per for MacroElmar 90mm : it's also very practical because it's compact, lightweight and we can take it anywhere It is certain that the bellows for macrophotography brings more as Luigi,Tom or Jaap said, and with lens like here: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/Visoflex_Lenses_x_Focal_Length but for me looking for not too complicated montages , the Macroelmar is a good compromise ! 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! Daisies in our garden M8 + MacroElmar 90mm + Macroadapter + magnifier + tripod Best Henry Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Daisies in our garden M8 + MacroElmar 90mm + Macroadapter + magnifier + tripod Best Henry ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/157675-macro-with-the-m9/?do=findComment&comment=1744084'>More sharing options...
Doc Henry Posted July 24, 2011 Share #10 Posted July 24, 2011 ...bellows and M lens for macro: 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! Henry Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Henry ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/157675-macro-with-the-m9/?do=findComment&comment=1744100'>More sharing options...
iangee Posted July 24, 2011 Share #11 Posted July 24, 2011 When I want a quick 'close-up' photo, not true macro, with my M9 I use an old 55mm f/4 Yashica ML 'macro' lens together with a cheap chinese C/Y to Leica adaptor. I focus by scale using a small spring-metal rule from the object to a point on the camera body I estimate to be the sensor plane. Initial framing is guesswork, but with digital it is easy to reposition the subject as required. The photo(of an LX5) herewith was taken with the lens set to 10 inches at f/4. Stopping down of course increases depth of field and takes care of any errors. This is no good for bees on flowers of course and it really needs using with a tripod, although well stopped down I have used it hand held. I used to have a comprehensive Nikon outfit but got tired of the weight. I find this old C/Y lens adequate for occasional close-ups and the lens takes up little space in my lightweight bag. Similarly I also use another old C/Y mount lens on my M9 with the same adaptor — a 35mm Russian Arsat PC lens, also retained from my Contax days. The even simpler solution for close-ups of course is to use the LX5! Ian 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! 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/157675-macro-with-the-m9/?do=findComment&comment=1744147'>More sharing options...
iangee Posted July 24, 2011 Share #12 Posted July 24, 2011 When I want a quick 'close-up' photo, not true macro, with my M9 I use an old 55mm f/4 Yashica ML 'macro' lens together with a cheap chinese C/Y to Leica adaptor. I focus by scale using a small spring-metal rule from the object to a point on the camera body I estimate to be the sensor plane. Initial framing is guesswork, but with digital it is easy to reposition the subject as required. The photo(of an LX5) herewith was taken with the lens set to 10 inches at f/4. Stopping down of course increases depth of field and takes care of any errors. This is no good for bees on flowers of course and it really needs using with a tripod, although well stopped down I have used it hand held. I used to have a comprehensive Nikon outfit but got tired of the weight. I find this old C/Y lens adequate for occasional close-ups and the lens takes up little space in my lightweight bag. Similarly I also use another old C/Y mount lens on my M9 with the same adaptor — a 35mm Russian Arsat PC lens, also retained from my Contax days. The even simpler solution for close-ups of course is to use the LX5! Ian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
giordano Posted July 24, 2011 Share #13 Posted July 24, 2011 The best modern specialised, floating element "macro" lenses (e.g. the APO Macro Elmarit 100/2.8, the latest AFS Micro-Nikkor 60/2.8 and the fabled Coastal Optics 60/4) are better corrected across the range than the old 65mm Elmar. That militates against M9+Viso if sharpness and flatness of field are important. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
giordano Posted July 24, 2011 Share #14 Posted July 24, 2011 The best modern specialised, floating element "macro" lenses (e.g. the APO Macro Elmarit 100/2.8, the latest AFS Micro-Nikkor 60/2.8 and the fabled Coastal Optics 60/4) are better corrected across the range than the old 65mm Elmar. That militates against M9+Viso if sharpness and flatness of field are important. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted July 24, 2011 Share #15 Posted July 24, 2011 The best macro lens on the Visoflex in my experience is a 135/4.0 lens head on either the bellows or Universalschnecke OTZFO. The results are second to none. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted July 24, 2011 Share #16 Posted July 24, 2011 The best macro lens on the Visoflex in my experience is a 135/4.0 lens head on either the bellows or Universalschnecke OTZFO. The results are second to none. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lindolfi Posted July 24, 2011 Share #17 Posted July 24, 2011 Another option: Apo Rodagon 105/4, an enlarger lens, on the VisoFlex. It has 39mm thread, so with a thread to M mount ring and the 16596G it can be mounted on the bellows. Much better than a 65/3.5 or 90/2.8 Elmarit head in terms of sharpness and chromatic aberration. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lindolfi Posted July 24, 2011 Share #18 Posted July 24, 2011 Another option: Apo Rodagon 105/4, an enlarger lens, on the VisoFlex. It has 39mm thread, so with a thread to M mount ring and the 16596G it can be mounted on the bellows. Much better than a 65/3.5 or 90/2.8 Elmarit head in terms of sharpness and chromatic aberration. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJV Posted July 25, 2011 Share #19 Posted July 25, 2011 The M9 makes a great copy rig. I machined an adapter to mount my El-Nikkor 105 onto the OTZFO focus tube for the Visoflex-III. The rig is carried on a copy stand but the camera is inverted causing the menu info on the monitor to be upside down. It would be great if the next firmware upgrade included a monitor image inverter function for us who do copy work on a copy stand. I modified my copy stand to turn the camera around but it isn't as convenient to operate as it would be in the more normal copy stand position. Would Leitz consider making this function available on the next firmware upgrade? Robert Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJV Posted July 25, 2011 Share #20 Posted July 25, 2011 The M9 makes a great copy rig. I machined an adapter to mount my El-Nikkor 105 onto the OTZFO focus tube for the Visoflex-III. The rig is carried on a copy stand but the camera is inverted causing the menu info on the monitor to be upside down. It would be great if the next firmware upgrade included a monitor image inverter function for us who do copy work on a copy stand. I modified my copy stand to turn the camera around but it isn't as convenient to operate as it would be in the more normal copy stand position. Would Leitz consider making this function available on the next firmware upgrade? Robert Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.