Rate R telephoto lenses from best downward excluding module from your own experiences

[wildlightphoto]

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I don't mean to be smug- but it's rather amusing to watch some guys with full auto-everything "machine gunning" and still not getting it right because their auto-focus is hunting the whole time and the exposure keeps changing.

They don't get it, even when I tell them to turn their cameras to manual, heaven forbid they should do that!

 

100% manual for me too. Sad (at the same time, amusing) to see that manual camera control is quickly becoming a lost skill. It seems so much harder to learn how to counter the errors of a camera's automatic features (which can be different for each camera model) than to learn to control the camera manually (which applies to any camera).

 

 

In the discussions about the f4 105-280mm lens which lens is being taked about, the Elmar-R 1:4.2 or the 1:4.5. Apart from aperture what are the differences between the two lenses.

 

Thanks, Bob.

 

There's only one 105-280mm Vario, f/4.2. Any other f/ numbers you see are either typos or less-precise descriptions.

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[jaapv]

Was that Cheetah shot in the Maasai Mara Mike?

[michali]

Was that Cheetah shot in the Maasai Mara Mike?

 

Jaap- It was shot very near my house at Zuka (which is our piece of land) and which is now incorporated as part of Phinda Game Reserve in South Africa.

[gravastar]

...........There's only one 105-280mm Vario, f/4.2. Any other f/ numbers you see are either typos or less-precise descriptions.

That's what I also thought only a f4.2 until I saw listed in the Leica site's Leica Owners' Area there were two distinct entries to choose from, a Vario Elmar-R 1:4,2/105-280mm and a Vario Elmar-R 1:4,5/105-280mm. As you say, I guess it's an error/typo. Thanks.

 

Bob.

[naturephoto1]

That's what I also thought only a f4.2 until I saw listed in the Leica site's Leica Owners' Area there were two distinct entries to choose from, a Vario Elmar-R 1:4,2/105-280mm and a Vario Elmar-R 1:4,5/105-280mm. As you say, I guess it's an error/typo. Thanks.

 

Bob.

 

Bob,

 

You have to admit that a lens with an f4.2 aperture is quite unusual. So, it would not be surprising that someone had made an error.

 

Rich

[robsteve]

That's what I also thought only a f4.2 until I saw listed in the Leica site's Leica Owners' Area there were two distinct entries to choose from, a Vario Elmar-R 1:4,2/105-280mm and a Vario Elmar-R 1:4,5/105-280mm. As you say, I guess it's an error/typo. Thanks.

 

Bob.

 

Sorry Bob, I thought you were referring to some of the older f4 telephoto, not the zoom. My comments were in regards to the various 280mm and 240mm lenses.

[algrove]

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All your posts make sense. I like all the lenses, that's my problem.

 

After reading Puts Lens Compendium (Rob was kind enough to send me the link) it seems he likes the APO Vario-Elmarit 2.8/70-180 very much too.

 

No one seems to be too enthralled with this lens here. Why? It is an APO. Not a long enough reach?

 

Have any of you ever used one of these beauties?

[wildlightphoto]

All your posts make sense. I like all the lenses, that's my problem.

 

After reading Puts Lens Compendium (Rob was kind enough to send me the link) it seems he likes the APO Vario-Elmarit 2.8/70-180 very much too.

 

No one seems to be too enthralled with this lens here. Why? It is an APO. Not a long enough reach?

 

Have any of you ever used one of these beauties?

 

I think it's more likely that few of us have had the pleasure of using the 70-180 APO. From what I've heard it's a spectacular lens.

[naturephoto1]

Careful when mixing thyme or other loose substance with lenses.

 

TO-R is sealed unit so there is no risk of herb particles entering but high risk with rear of either R or M lens. You can still do it but keep rear cap on.

 

Musty smell is warning sign of poor storing in the past but it does not necessarily mean that lens is doomed. It is worth checking it out and keeping it stored in well ventilated and dry environment.

 

Thanks,

 

I have done some treatment with Thyme on both the lens as well as the case, box and paperwork. I only ran these for a portion of a day. Everything now has more of the Thyme odor, but I will let it wear off.

 

I will bring the lens with me on Tuesday to Leica USA and will make my decision regarding returning the lens. Regardless of the amount of Thyme odor lost, everything should hopefully smell better than when it arrived.

 

Another reason now for me to really think hard about returning the lens is that I had found another lens that I believe may be in similar or close condition and it comes with the Polarizing filter. I knew of this lens before my purchase but it took the buyer quite some time to respond to me. I can purchase this other lens for substantially less than the lens that I have. I will confirm the sellers estimated rating. He is aware of my situation to some degree. I just have to insist that the seller get a Paypal account as I have discussed with Paypal this evening and have him prepare a Paypal Invoice. This is to better protect both of us.

 

Rich

[robsteve]

The series 5.5 polarizer are very rare. I just saw one sell on Ebay for over $500.

 

I know Doug has one and he may be able to give some input on it. If your lens takes the 77mm filters, a regular polarizer may be cheaper.

[naturephoto1]

The series 5.5 polarizer are very rare. I just saw one sell on Ebay for over $500.

 

I know Doug has one and he may be able to give some input on it. If your lens takes the 77mm filters, a regular polarizer may be cheaper.

 

Rob,

 

The alternative f4 280mm Apo Telyt comes with the series 5,5 polarizer as well as another palm grip (I have one that came with my f2.8 280mm Apo Telyt.). I have not let on to to what some of these lenses are selling for and have offered more than the asking price which is still much less than the lens that I have cost me.

 

Rich

[robsteve]

Rob,

 

The alternative f4 280mm Apo Telyt comes with the series 5,5 polarizer as well as another palm grip (I have one that came with my f2.8 280mm Apo Telyt.). I have not let on to to what some of these lenses are selling for and have offered more than the asking price which is still much less than the lens that I have cost me.

 

Rich

 

I think I have seen that lens listed somewhere. Are you sure it is a reputable seller? If he still has it and it is under market value, it may be too good to be true.

 

Assuming your lens gets a good bill of health, a bird in the hand is better than a bird in the woods.

[naturephoto1]

I think I have seen that lens listed somewhere. Are you sure it is a reputable seller? If he still has it and it is under market value, it may be too good to be true.

 

Assuming your lens gets a good bill of health, a bird in the hand is better than a bird in the woods.

 

It is a listing that I found on Craig's List in London. But, after speaking things over with the Paypal representative if there is a Paypal invoice I am covered for the lens. It would have to be substantially poorer than the description or get lost, or not arrive for Paypal coverage. This is why am somewhat concerned but it would be two thousand less than the lens that I purchased. That price difference included the 250 British Sterling Pounds that I offered beyond the asking price. Of course, if push came to shove I could ask one our members in the London area to possibly look at the lens for me.

 

Rich

[robsteve]

If it is a scam, they will give an excuse for not getting paypal and suggest western union or something similar. I just looked at the one you are referring to and it looks a lot like photos from an eBay listing, which may explain why I remember seeing one with a palm grip.

[algrove]

@naturephoto1

I had made some inquiries on Lula for the 4/280 and got two very strange answers from Spain, one of which the guy who would NEVER send me the serial number after about 10 requests, even though he sent photos. After that the second reply from Spain I just ignored since I know their unemployment is topping 50% among young males so one has to be very careful.

[IkarusJohn]

I think it's more likely that few of us have had the pleasure of using the 70-180 APO. From what I've heard it's a spectacular lens.

 

Easily had for $11,999

[naturephoto1]

If it is a scam, they will give an excuse for not getting paypal and suggest western union or something similar. I just looked at the one you are referring to and it looks a lot like photos from an eBay listing, which may explain why I remember seeing one with a palm grip.

 

Hi Rob,

 

Thanks. But, normally things sold on Craig's List are done in person so that the buyer can see and handle the item. The seller wanted me to pay by Bank Wire, but I will not do that.

 

I just had a bad experience with a sale on ebay of an f4 80-200mm Vario Elmar lens that I discovered after the purchase was a cut and paste of a lens that had already sold and was as it turns out was on sale again at the same time on ebay. Paypal had been alerted of this right after my discovery. They just returned the money to my account today. That was a relieve. I was very pleased that j.liam on Fredmiranda.com saw my post that I was looking for another one and sent me a PM about one in M/M- at Igor's Camera Exchange for even less than the one that was the ebay scam. I ordered it from Igor yesterday and it should ship tomorrow. I expect to have that lens on Wednesday.

 

So, maybe I should just live with what I have if Leica USA gives the lens a clean bill of health. I ran a 15W BLB UV fluorescent light through the lens for about 4 hours and then placed the lens inside a sealed Crock Pot with ground Thyme for about 4 1/2 hours. The odor is definitely dissipating. I will see how it smells and if I want to run it for more time with the ground Thyme. I placed the case, box, and paper work in a plastic box with the ground Thyme for about 10 hours.

 

Rich

[jaapv]

Jaap- It was shot very near my house at Zuka (which is our piece of land) and which is now incorporated as part of Phinda Game Reserve in South Africa.

Hmm.. I should get a quote from you maybe Despite Patricia having other plans than safari this year. Cats might tempt her...

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Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[gravastar]

I think it's more likely that few of us have had the pleasure of using the 70-180 APO. From what I've heard it's a spectacular lens.

Yes, it is. I was fortunate to own one of those. I waited so long for the Leica "R solution" that I started to sell off my R collection. It was the first lens to go for just over £2000, obviously something I now regret.

 

The absence of color fringing and superb micro contrast at all focal lengths and apertures was remarkable. A huge difference between the lens and Canon equivalent I had been using. The only downside was it's weight.

 

Bob.

[robsteve]

Hi Rob,

 

Thanks. But, normally things sold on Craig's List are done in person so that the buyer can see and handle the item. The seller wanted me to pay by Bank Wire, but I will not do that.

 

I just had a bad experience with a sale on ebay of an f4 80-200mm Vario Elmar lens that I discovered after the purchase was a cut and paste of a lens that had already sold and was as it turns out was on sale again at the same time on ebay. Paypal had been alerted of this right after my discovery. They just returned the money to my account today. That was a relieve. I was very pleased that j.liam on Fredmiranda.com saw my post that I was looking for another one and sent me a PM about one in M/M- at Igor's Camera Exchange for even less than the one that was the ebay scam. I ordered it from Igor yesterday and it should ship tomorrow. I expect to have that lens on Wednesday.

 

So, maybe I should just live with what I have if Leica USA gives the lens a clean bill of health. I ran a 15W BLB UV fluorescent light through the lens for about 4 hours and then placed the lens inside a sealed Crock Pot with ground Thyme for about 4 1/2 hours. The odor is definitely dissipating. I will see how it smells and if I want to run it for more time with the ground Thyme. I placed the case, box, and paper work in a plastic box with the ground Thyme for about 10 hours.

 

Rich

 

Rich:

 

It is probably a scam. There was a listing on Ebay pulled with the same pictures.

 

LEICA APO TELYT R 280mm F/4.0 LENS, W/ BOX ,CASE, PISTOL STOCK, E67 UVA FILTER | eBay