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Leica R lenses: basic production history


wiyum

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Hello all,

 

I'm looking to acquire a set of Leica R lenses, but I've been quite confused by all of the changes that took place along the way with Leica's reflex line. References to cams and the addition of ROM chips certainly help date lenses roughly chronologically, but they say nothing of changes in optical design. I'm looking for a resource that might catalog the various revisions these lenses made over the years.

 

For example: Is a "50mm Summicron 3-Cam late" using the same optics as a "50mm Summicron ROM," or did they update the optics when they added the ROM chip to the mount?

 

If such a resource exists, I've been unable to find it and would very much appreciate being sent in the right direction.

 

Also, if anyone is aware of any resource that might list the degrees of barrel rotation from minimum focus to infinity on various lenses, I'd appreciate that as well.

 

Thanks in advance for any assistance you might be able to offer,

 

Will

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You will find everything you need in Erwin Puts book:

 

new book

 

The first print run is sold out, but I see that several dealers now also offer the book. The title is perhaps a little unfinished, but there is a wealth of information and every lens is discussed in detail.

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Will,

 

Welcome to the forum!

 

Further to Ivar's excellent advice, since there have been few additions to the R line between Irwin Puts's first and second editions the first edition contains most of information on the R line. I would expect edition 1 to become more readily available as people who have bought the 2nd edition let theirs go.

 

The only R lenses that aren't covered in ed 1 that are covered in ed 2 (that I could see) are the 28-90/2.8-4.5 Vario-Elmarit-R ASPH, and the 35/1.4 Summilux-R (FLE). But since they were new lenses only one formula exists anyway.

 

Pete.

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The Leica Pocket Book 7th Edition lists all R lenses with their MTF performance data up to approx. 2001 - and illustrates them.

 

An updated & revised edition of Erwin Puts Leica Compendium (revised 2nd edition - second print run) should be available now $159 ... I have sent you a PM advising where you can obtain a copy.

 

dunk

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