Preparing for the M

[darylgo]

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Well, I have bought some older Leitz lenses and feel comfortable with an additional expense of up to 25% to have a lens repaired or CLA'ed. It's really your call. Some lenses are harder to find than others. I would check in the WIKI how many lenses of a certain type have been produced.

 

Thanks!! The lens is difficult to find so I didn't want to miss a good opportunity. Your idea of 25% repair is one I will adopt as this is quite often the case in my experience also, but it sure is nice when the lens is perfect as purchased.

[gravastar]

......................... I hope not, as I would intend to paint in the R lens code in the pits milled into the Leitax adapter I have fitted to the 80-200. I have just checked and the Leitax adapter brings up the 35/135 lines in my M9. I don't know what lines the new R to M adapter brings up.

 

Wilson

At the moment I think here is only one code on the adapter. The important question is, as wlaidlaw points out, is a particular pair of frame lines required to be selected as well as reading the adapter code for the lens menu to be displayed. Maybe in the future other adapter codes/frame lines could be used to select lens menu pages.

 

Bob.

[darylgo]

The APO 180 2.8 is one of Leica's best. My copy is simply stunning on both the Sony A900 and Nex7. How did you focus on the M9? The lens rotates way past infinity by design.

 

My quandry is whether I should go back to R mount when the M arrives or stay with the Leitax Sony mount. The in-camera stabilization of Sony DSLRs is a great help for long lenses.

 

Thanks Alan. The 180mm/M9 combination was focused first using a Leica R4 body to get approximate position. The lens was then transferred to the M9 body and tripod mounted. Focus was taken at the R4 position and approximately 1mm closer and 1mm farther (on the ring). If further distance setting was correct, then 2mm is attempted etc. until best focus is achieved. Best focus was always within 1mm.

I was expecting to see world-class optics but instead saw an older chipped glass 180mm f2.8 non apo Leica R lens far exceed it for sharpness. Looking at mtf curves this shouldn't be.

 

The temptation to Leitax this lens to the Nikon D800 is very compelling, but my primary use will be for the M so I will more likely keep it in it's original R mount.

[andybarton]

Andy,

 

I think the point Bob may have been making and I had not thought about it, was that; is a particular frame line may be required, in order for the R lens code to say "hello" to the M-240 body. I hope not, as I would intend to paint in the R lens code in the pits milled into the Leitax adapter I have fitted to the 80-200. I have just checked and the Leitax adapter brings up the 35/135 lines in my M9. I don't know what lines the new R to M adapter brings up.

 

Wilson

 

Wilson.

 

There is only one code. It's the code for the adaptor. There are no codes for individual R lenses.

 

I don't know which frames the adaptor brings up but I'd guess that it would be the same as if no lens was fitted (I don't have my M with me now and can't remember which frames the base setting is - probably depends upon the model)

[andybarton]

At the moment I think here is only one code on the adapter. The important question is, as wlaidlaw points out, is a particular pair of frame lines required to be selected as well as reading the adapter code for the lens menu to be displayed. Maybe in the future other adapter codes/frame lines could be used to select lens menu pages.

 

Bob.

 

You do not need to select a frame line pair. Just fit the adaptor

[AlanJW]

To prepare, I've got the EVF (bought the Leica brand because I got a good deal on it, but probably still overpaid vs the Oly. 8-(

 

Have a Novoflex Nikon to M adapter on order. This is supposed to let you set aperture on Nikon G lenses. We'll see. I have an array of Nikon lenses to try, but am also looking for a 80-200 Vario Elmar (like everybody else I suppose).

 

Other than that, just being very impatient (like everybody else I suppose). 8-)

[Jeff S]

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Interested to know what the priorities are for those who are getting the M

 

My top priority, assuming of course IQ suffices, is to have a weather resistant digital M, i.e., to use with the same lenses I currently use on my M8.2s, only without the worry (also assuming that current lenses are sufficiently sealed as S. Daniel indicates). This will save the need to add a complementary weather resistant camera like a much bulkier 5DIII.

 

Beyond that, I will likely pick up a longer lens or two...specifics not yet determined...since R lenses were sold long ago. The enhanced focusing capability, along with weather resistance, will encourage occasional outdoor tripod use, which is not typically part of my current repertoire.

 

Jeff

[colorflow]

Thanks Alan. The 180mm/M9 combination was focused first using a Leica R4 body to get approximate position. The lens was then transferred to the M9 body and tripod mounted. Focus was taken at the R4 position and approximately 1mm closer and 1mm farther (on the ring). If further distance setting was correct, then 2mm is attempted etc. until best focus is achieved. Best focus was always within 1mm.

I was expecting to see world-class optics but instead saw an older chipped glass 180mm f2.8 non apo Leica R lens far exceed it for sharpness. Looking at mtf curves this shouldn't be.

 

The temptation to Leitax this lens to the Nikon D800 is very compelling, but my primary use will be for the M so I will more likely keep it in it's original R mount.

 

I would recommend testing the lens out on a Sony Nex if you have access to one. I tried your 1mm test and it still may be too coarse. (Depending on subject distance of course).

 

Another advantage for keeping the lens in R mount is if you want to use a tele-converter. Leitaxing precludes that possibility.

[k-hawinkler]

To prepare, I've got the EVF (bought the Leica brand because I got a good deal on it, but probably still overpaid vs the Oly. 8-(

 

Have a Novoflex Nikon to M adapter on order. This is supposed to let you set aperture on Nikon G lenses. We'll see. I have an array of Nikon lenses to try, but am also looking for a 80-200 Vario Elmar (like everybody else I suppose).

 

Other than that, just being very impatient (like everybody else I suppose). 8-)

 

It does, as does this cheap one Nikon G Lens to Leica M Camera Adapter for M9 M8 M7 M6 M5 M4 | eBay.

 

As there are no aperture scales on the adapters, I use the camera exposure meter to count the f-stop changes starting either at fully open or stopped down. That works just fine.

[Rick]

While traveling in Paris I purchased a Mint 180mm F2.8 Apo from the Leica store. When I tested it on my M9 I have found it to be less sharp than expected in the center. I called Leica in New Jersey and they indicated they will attempt to find the cause, so now I am in a quandary whether I should repair or return it. Any input about others similar experiences with lenses greatly appreciated.

 

My copy is stunningly sharp at center and is really about the same in the corners. You should expect your copy to be tack sharp as well. Send it to Leica.

[stevelap]

Getting some EVF time in with an OM-D whilst looking for the best deal I can get on a Summilux-M 50mm ASPH.

 

I'm in two minds about R lenses, although I have been looking at the 28-90 Vario-Elmarit (but prices are high) and 80-200 Vario-Elmar f/4 zooms. Yes, prices will probably drift up, but I'm not sure how silly they will get. I suspect that R aficionados who might buy the M probably still have their R lenses, so the impetus will come from M users seeking zooms and longer focal lengths. I do wonder how big that demand will be though? Particularly if news leaks out of new M zoom and tele lenses in the pipeline......what price a Vario-Elmarit M 28-90 .

[chris_tribble]

Particularly if news leaks out of new M zoom and tele lenses in the pipeline......what price a Vario-Elmarit M 28-90 .

 

What price any new Leica M Zoom ?... I can't begin to imagine what they'd charge for a 28-90 or a 70-200 - even at f/4. Any faster would require the sale of a serious number of body parts I fear...

[wlaidlaw]

What price any new Leica M Zoom ?... I can't begin to imagine what they'd charge for a 28-90 or a 70-200 - even at f/4. Any faster would require the sale of a serious number of body parts I fear...

 

About €6,000 would be my guess. Makes even the APO R lenses look like a bargain.

 

Wilson

[dhsimmonds]

There are no production M's anywhere right now.

 

I was at a Fellowship group visit to Leica's smart suite in Mayfair, London on Tuesday hoping to see one, even if it was only a pre-production model. The M-E was available, the Paul Smith X2 and the Pana Leica latest offerings, but that was all.

 

In fact the top staff and management were available to answer questions and it soon became very apparent that they have very little information to hand about the M or the R lens adaptor. However they did state that a form of focus peaking will be included but they couldn't answer my question whether this would be available with the accessory Visoflex (Olympus) EVF viewfinder, it will definitely be included when viewing the LCD screen.

 

Most of them had handled the M at Photokina, purely momentarily as it was quickly snatched away from them apparently, They did say however that the final specifications were not determined and once they were, Leica sales and technical staff would be advised.

 

The target date for launch is January, but they couldn't advise which year!! (Fellowship joke!) At the same time as the M is launched the M9 will cease production, but the Monochrom will continue in it's present form.

 

We were let loose in their bespoke studio fitted with massive Elinchrom Strobes and an S2 tethered to a MacPRo with two Eizo screens.

 

The new S2 may be available as early as December this year and the changes are very useful indeed, with sharper AF and many other smaller but important changes for pro photographers. The new leaf shutter lenses will also be rolled out starting next year. The S2 is a very desirable camera indeed and the drooling started the second my hands landed on it!

 

Pity I am trying to cut down on camera bulk and weight.

[wlaidlaw]

Dave,

 

Many thanks for the update. I believe the beta testers are hoping to have the pre-production M-240's for testing some time in November (but subject to change/crossed fingers etc). I would be surprised if the display on the EVF2 did anything other than mirror the rear display, including zoom and focus peaking, albeit at a slightly higher resolution. I hope the CPU will be able to cope with an even higher resolution EVF when they become available, as Epson has already announced a replacement display destined for an Olympus EVF, with double the dots of the current one. The Sony display for the NEX VF has close to double the dots of the EVF2, so we know technically it is feasible.

 

Wilson

[pedaes]

Dave

 

My understanding, and I think fact,is that M9/M9P production ended in August and replaced by ME, which will run indefinitely in parallel with/complimentary to new M. I would be surprised if you were told differently, and if so would question the accuracy of your source.

[JeTexas]

Will the Summmicron DR work with the new M or will it still poke too far inside the body? Also, will the goggled 135mm f2.8 fit and focus?

 

I'm trying to decide what gear to sell to help raise money for the M.

[wlaidlaw]

Will the Summmicron DR work with the new M or will it still poke too far inside the body? Also, will the goggled 135mm f2.8 fit and focus?

 

I'm trying to decide what gear to sell to help raise money for the M.

 

My guess is that the throat of the M-240 will be very similar to the M9, so if it does not fit the M9, (or any other M from M6 onwards), it will not fit the new M either. To be realistic, it would have been unlikely to have been a priority for Leica to make the 1950's vintage Dual Range lens fit. For the 135/2.8, you could probably dispense with the goggles and focus via the screen or EVF.

 

Wilson

[dhsimmonds]

Another rather surprising matter, none of the London Leica staff were able to answer my question as to any restrictions on which R lenses can be used with the R adaptor.

 

A screen will show which lens is required to be used and then selected. It pre-supposes that R lenses with a certain coding can be "read" but there does not seem to be a list of useable R lenses yet.

 

As R lenses have been around a long time I would be amazed if all of them are useable with the R adaptor. The Telyt long FL and vario lenses abound and I am eager to discover if these and other more obscure lenses, some made for Leica by Minolta and other manufacturer's will be useable.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[chris_tribble]

My understanding is that those on the list are ones for which Leica will have formulated profiles. Key these codes in and you'll get both exif data and (especially with wider lenses?) some improvement in image. With longer lenses, there's little impact on image quality, so coding only matters for Exif information.

 

My understanding again is that (with the correct adapter) should be able to to put on pretty well any R or Visoflex lens (or any manual lenses for any other brand of 35mm SLRS). I'm particularly attracted by some of the Zuiko primes, for example... I imagine that ultra wide angles might be a problem - any one with comments on this?

 

The only concern is that as videographers are also snapping up older top quality manual lenses, the prices are climbing. I was talking to a Canon dealer in London today (York) and they've not had any L series FD lenses for a long time (though they do have an FD 50-300 f5.6 L series lens for a reasonable price if anyone's looking for one!)