R - Macro

[rickp13]

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YOU CAN LOOK AT ALL THE POSTS AND THEY ALL LOOK GOOD. Look at a 24x36 print and the 100 APO outclasses them all. The 60 is quite good.

 

I will be ordering more Nikon conversion mounts for the 21,60, & 100 APO. The 28 and 35 are done. I am not thrilled with having to buy a new camera and bunch of overpriced accessories to use the lenses and it will be no better than a reflex camera.

 

for tobey, andy and other nikon owners with the APO 100mm + leitax flange.

 

do you use the dedicated ELPRO to go to 1:1, or is there a magic nikon PK tube of some sort which enables (quality) closer focusing?

 

thanks

 

rick

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[masjah]

for tobey, andy and other nikon owners with the APO 100mm + leitax flange.

 

do you use the dedicated ELPRO to go to 1:1, or is there a magic nikon PK tube of some sort which enables (quality) closer focusing?

 

thanks

 

rick

 

I have nothing to do with Nikon/Leitax but I think I can implicitly answer your question: Leica say that their Macro Adapter (which is a spacer tube with or without a bit of smartness depending on the model) is not suitable for the 100/2.8 Apo Macro. You can use the 2X Apo Extender but (again according to Leica) you will sacrifice flatness of field in return for greater lens to subject distance. The dedicated Elpro is optically the best option.

[dkCambridgeshire]

My first introduction to the Leica system back in 1986 was the Bellows R with short mount 100 f4.0 Macro Elmar R bellows lens combination purchased secondhand for use via an adaptor with my Canon T-90. I was instantly 'hooked on Leica' - not so much because of the lens' performance (which is excellent) but because of the lens' exemplary build quality - particularly the beautifully engineered and very efficient telescopic lens hood. In recent years the 100mm bellows R lens has become a 'sleeper' and can stick on dealers' shelves for months or even years.

 

The lens' unpopularity is probably due to its slow aperture and slowness in use but that could all change now that the new M camera is available. M 240 camera users seeking cost effective means of 1:1 photomacrography with a usable subject distance should consider acquiring the lens and bellows combination. In live view mode very precise framing at optimum magnifications will be possible - probably at less cost than the 60mm Macro Elmarit and certainly with a greater lens to subject distance.

 

I've just seen a Bellows R/100 f4.0 Macro Elmar R combination listed at €380 - it's a bargain - especially as the bellows can be used with other lenses. A rotatable scale rod on the side of the bellows shows reproduction scales when used with 90mm, 100mm and 135mm lenses.

 

The later 100mm f2.8 Apo-Macro Elmarit R lens will only focus to 1:2 magnification and is not recommended for use on a bellows. There is a dedicated Elpro enabling 1.1:1 magnification but try finding one at reasonable cost.

 

The 100mm Macro Elmar R with focusing mount is also a fine lens but its lens hood is tiny compared to the generous and efficient telescopic hood on the short mount bellows R version.

 

The Bellows R/100 f4.0 Macro Elmar R combination is very under-rated and its 'slowness' is no handicap when composing photomacrographs. When used on a copy stand for all types of photomacrography up to 1:1 (and beyond with additional extension) it's a wonderfully satisfying tool.

 

Disregard the full aperture performance comments and MTF chart in The Leica Pocket Book. The lens was not designed to be used at full aperture; stopping down will prove its worth.

 

Furthermore, what better recommendation for the lens and bellows than James L. Lager's 'About the Photographs' note on the inside rear dust covers of his 3 volume "Leica An Illustrated History" which states: "Virtually all the author's photographs in this book were taken with a Leicaflex SL or SL2, with Bellows R/100 f4.0 Macro Elmar R combination." That should read 'three books' ... with their hundreds of superb photographs of Leica cameras, lenses and accessories.

 

Best wishes

 

dunk

Edited March 4, 2013 by dkpeterborough

[naturephoto1]

My first introduction to the Leica system back in 1986 was the Bellows R with short mount 100 f4.0 Macro Elmar R bellows lens combination purchased secondhand for use via an adaptor with my Canon T-90. I was instantly 'hooked on Leica' - not so much because of the lens' performance (which is excellent) but because of the lens' exemplary build quality - particularly the beautifully engineered and very efficient telescopic lens hood. In recent years the 100mm bellows R lens has become a 'sleeper' and can stick on dealers' shelves for months or even years.

 

The lens' unpopularity is probably due to its slow aperture and slowness in use but that could all change now that the new M camera is available. M 240 camera users seeking cost effective means of 1:1 photomacrography with a usable subject distance should consider acquiring the lens and bellows combination. In live view mode very precise framing at optimum magnifications will be possible - probably at less cost than the 60mm Macro Elmarit and certainly with a greater lens to subject distance.

 

I've just seen a Bellows R/100 f4.0 Macro Elmar R combination listed at €380 - it's a bargain - especially as the bellows can be used with other lenses. A rotatable scale rod on the side of the bellows shows reproduction scales when used with 90mm, 100mm and 135mm lenses.

 

The later 100mm f2.8 Apo-Macro Elmarit R lens will only focus to 1:2 magnification and is not recommended for use on a bellows. There is a dedicated Elpro enabling 1.1:1 magnification but try finding one at reasonable cost.

 

The 100mm Macro Elmar R with focusing mount is also a fine lens but its lens hood is tiny compared to the generous and efficient telescopic hood on the short mount bellows R version.

 

The Bellows R/100 f4.0 Macro Elmar R combination is very under-rated and its 'slowness' is no handicap when composing photomacrographs. When used on a copy stand for all types of photomacrography up to 1:1 (and beyond with additional extension) it's a wonderfully satisfying tool.

 

Disregard the full aperture performance comments and MTF chart in The Leica Pocket Book. The lens was not designed to be used at full aperture; stopping down will prove its worth.

 

Furthermore, what better recommendation for the lens and bellows than James L. Lager's 'About the Photographs' note on the inside rear dust covers of his 3 volume "Leica An Illustrated History" which states: "Virtually all the author's photographs in this book were taken with a Leicaflex SL or SL2, with Bellows R/100 f4.0 Macro Elmar R combination." That should read 'three books' ... with their hundreds of superb photographs of Leica cameras, lenses and accessories.

 

Best wishes

 

dunk

 

Yes, Jim (who I have known for almost 25 years) and I both have the Bellows R and the 100mm f4 Bellows R lens and the lens is an excellent performer when stopped down. At this point, I would normally use this lens at home and carry either my 100mm f2.8 Macro Apo Elmarit and/or my 60mm f2.8 Macro Elmarit lenses into the field. If there is reason to go much beyond life size in the field I would carry either the Bellows R or another bellows into the field with one or more of my other macro lenses made for this purpose (though most are not Leica, though I do have a Leitz 25mm f2.5 Photar lens).

 

Rich

[dkCambridgeshire]

The Leitz 15 page publication 'THE LEICA R IN THE NEAR -FOCUSING RANGE' is a very useful guide for 'R' close-up photography ... ref. No. is 121.160.023 and it's sometimes listed on Ebay

 

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The 100mm Macro-Elmar f4 bellows lens combination is shown on page 11 ... note the substantial lens hood. Whoever designed the lens over 45 years ago certainly knew his onions. Imagine copy stand lamps in use either side of the lens and the need for a decent hood becomes apparent.

 

The unloved lens is a work of art

 

The lens hood on the later 100mm Macro Elmar R with the focusing mount is a mere gesture in comparison.

 

Another publication well worth consulting for more technical information regarding Leica R photomacrography equipment and techniques is 'Excellence in Photography APPLIED LEICA Technique' by Günter Osterloh ... originally published in 1984 thus does not cover the 100mm Apo Macro Elmarit R lens.

 

Best wishes

 

dunk

Edited March 4, 2013 by dkpeterborough

[andyedward]

for tobey, andy and other nikon owners with the APO 100mm + leitax flange.

 

do you use the dedicated ELPRO to go to 1:1, or is there a magic nikon PK tube of some sort which enables (quality) closer focusing?

 

thanks

 

rick

 

Sorry for the late reply. I did use the elpro initially, but found it got used very little, so I sold it. The short maximum focusing distance was a limiting factor and I didn't need 1:1 often enough to warrant mounting and removing it regularly

 

I'd switced from a d3x to an MP, but recently bought an R9 just so I could use my 100/2,8 again. It's that good. It can be had for a bargain price when "bang per buck" is taken into consideration

Edited March 4, 2013 by andyedward

[dritz]

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It's the blur! It's the color! Taken today with R9+DMR, IS0 200, manual white balance.

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[tobey bilek]

I use the dedicated Elpro, pricy but superb.

 

The lens has floating elements to correct for near distance. How all this will work with a Nikon tube is a mystery. I would think by extending the distance from lens elements to focus plane, the corrections will be upset. The Elpro allows the lens to remain in the correct position as it screws on the front and has a dedicated shade. It was $450 decades ago.

 

One of the R to Nikon flanges came today, so I will put it on the 100 and try.

 

When I first got it around 1988, I did some studio portraits of my girl who was 3 to 5 at the time. I also did some with the 90 2.8 R which is very good in the close range. When I put the slides on the light table, I could see her skin texture in the APO images that was not visible with the other images. All the same roll of slides not prints, no pose or lighting changes were made.

 

Do not use on women over 15 or they will not like the photos. Unless you are a retouching expert.

Edited March 9, 2013 by tobey bilek

[Torquinian]

I am one of all waiting for my M (240). I have moved to the countryside so i want to start to do some Macro work. But i get confused of all the options, should i go for a 60 or 100? Which is the best one?

 

There is no "best". It depends what you want. I use the 60mm as a standard lens that focuses down to 10inches or so. I use this a lot. I also have the 100mm lens head with bellows, this is more specialised, you can get down to 1:1 ratio but need to use a tripod. The extra lens-subject difference makes lighting easier.

[dkCambridgeshire]

The following illustrate the superbly designed double extension telescopic hood on the relatively unloved 100/4 Macro Elmar R Bellows Lens. The bellows has a very efficient and fast lens stop down mechanism enabling focusing at full aperture and lens stop down via cable release or alternatively, via the button built into the bellows extension knob.

 

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100mm Macro Elmar R Bellows Lens on Focusing Bellows R

 

 

Double extension hood interior - note the Leica logo on lens bezel is black - thus preventing reflections if photographing eg glass and metal subjects. The hood is very much longer than those on the 100mm Macro Elmar R in focusing mount and the 100mm APO Macro Elmarit R . This example has a 55mm filter thread ... the earlier version was Series VII and required a Series VII retaining ring.

 

 

 

Comparison of the three 100mm lens hood interiors ... note the depth of the double extension hood on the bellows lens. All three lenses have recessed front elements but the bellows lens' hood is very much longer than its front element recess - whereas the recesses of the 100 Macro Elmar with focusing mount and the 100mm APO lens are deeper than their relatively shorter lens hoods.

 

 

The three 100mm Macro lenses with extended lens hoods

 

 

Best wishes

 

 

dunk

Edited March 15, 2013 by dkpeterborough

[dkCambridgeshire]

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The three 100mm macro lenses - hoods not extended. Note how short the 100mm Macro Elmar Bellows Lens is with its hood collapsed.

 

The 100mm APO Macro Elmarit is not recommended for use with the bellows because it's designed for use with its rear element at a fixed distance from the image plane ... hence for magnification above 1:2 the lens has a dedicated front fitting Elpro enabling a magnification of 1.1:1 ... the 'extra' 1/10 magnification permitting full frame copying of mounted transparencies.

 

The 100mm APO lens is recognised as being one of the Leica R series' star performers but the 100mm Macro Elmar Bellows Lens is my personal favourite because it is so versatile - and I'm very impressed with the efficient hood design.

 

 

Best wishes

 

dunk

Edited March 15, 2013 by dkpeterborough

[andyedward]

Dunk, thats an admirable collection! Do you have a link to images you've taken with them?

Edited March 15, 2013 by andyedward

[dkCambridgeshire]

Dunk, thats an admirable collection! Do you have a link to images you've taken with them?

 

Sorry I do not have any digital images available but have plenty of slides in need of scanning. I will be using the lenses on digital cameras in near future. The 100/4 Macro Elmar Bellows Lens was used mostly with my Canon T90 ... as was the regular 100/4 in focusing mount. Many years ago SRB made me an adaptor to use with Canon SLRs but it does not allow infinity focus. My avatar pic was taken with the 100/4 Elmar.

 

Best wishes

 

dunk

Edited March 15, 2013 by dkpeterborough

[algrove]

I do not have an f4/100 Macro, but somehow ended up with a f4/100 adapter. It is in such beautiful shape I hate to part with it, but I must assume it is useless to me at this point if I already own an f2.8/100 Macro lens.

[mmradman]

Hi Dunk,

 

Perhaps you can clarify for me; I have Bellows Macro Elmar S/N 359**** with same black lettering at front as one in your picture. Major 3 differences that i see are:-

 

1) There is no telescopic lens hood, at least i cant find out how to pull it out (it doesn't matter as front element is deeply recessed).

2) My lens has 6 aperture blades and yours seems to have more.

3) Rear element protrudes much further than normal lens and ordinary rear R lens cap can't be used.

 

Inscription at front:-MACRO-ELMAR 1:4/100mm E 55 359**** LEICA

Inscription on barrel:- Lens Made in Germany BR2

 

The following illustrate the superbly designed double extension telescopic hood on the relatively unloved 100/4 Macro Elmar R Bellows Lens. The bellows has a very efficient and fast lens stop down mechanism enabling focusing at full aperture and lens stop down via cable release or alternatively, via the button built into the bellows extension knob.

 

[ATTACH]366371[/ATTACH]

 

100mm Macro Elmar R Bellows Lens on Focusing Bellows R

 

[ATTACH]366372[/ATTACH]

 

Double extension hood interior - note the Leica logo on lens bezel is black - thus preventing reflections if photographing eg glass and metal subjects. The hood is very much longer than those on the 100mm Macro Elmar R in focusing mount and the 100mm APO Macro Elmarit R . This example has a 55mm filter thread ... the earlier version was Series VII and required a Series VII retaining ring.

 

 

[ATTACH]366374[/ATTACH]

 

Comparison of the three 100mm lens hood interiors ... note the depth of the double extension hood on the bellows lens. All three lenses have recessed front elements but the bellows lens' hood is very much longer than its front element recess - whereas the recesses of the 100 Macro Elmar with focusing mount and the 100mm APO lens are deeper than their relatively shorter lens hoods.

 

[ATTACH]366388[/ATTACH]

 

The three 100mm Macro lenses with extended lens hoods

 

 

Best wishes

 

 

dunk

[dkCambridgeshire]

Hi Dunk,

 

Perhaps you can clarify for me; I have Bellows Macro Elmar S/N 359**** with same black lettering at front as one in your picture. Major 3 differences that i see are:-

 

1) There is no telescopic lens hood, at least i cant find out how to pull it out (it doesn't matter as front element is deeply recessed).

2) My lens has 6 aperture blades and yours seems to have more.

3) Rear element protrudes much further than normal lens and ordinary rear R lens cap can't be used.

 

Inscription at front:-MACRO-ELMAR 1:4/100mm E 55 359**** LEICA

Inscription on barrel:- Lens Made in Germany BR2

 

Can you please post some photos of your lens showing those differences?

 

Thanks

 

dunk

[HeinzX]

The R Macro Elmarit 60 mm is very useful for table tops too. The following pictures were made together with a 5 D III. The size of the glass with gold is app. 2 cm .

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[mmradman]

Can you please post some photos of your lens showing those differences?

 

Thanks

 

dunk

 

Can do; quick liveview by the window & Microsoft Picture Manager PP.

 

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Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[dkCambridgeshire]

Can do; quick liveview by the window & Microsoft Picture Manager PP.

 

 

I just checked in James L Lager's 'Lenses' book where he mentions:

 

"At Photokina in 1992, Leica Camera Gmbh announced a new, slighty smaller 100mm 1:4 Macro Elmar lens (11270) and Belllows-R BR2 combination. Optically identical to the earlier 11230 lens, the new 11270 unit offers an infinity to 1.1:1 focusing range on the BR2, which features automatic diaphragm closure."

 

Thus you appear to have the later 11270 lens. The 1.1:1 reproduction ratio is the same as that for the 100mm f2.8 Apo-Macro Elmarit lens which was first available in 1987 ( but with a long waiting list - I had to wait over 18 months for mine). The 1.1x magnification enables full frame copying of mounted transparencies.

 

The 11270 model is mentioned in The Leica Pocket Book 8th Edition but without any description apart from mentioning the E55 filter thread. However, the first model 11230 was available initially with a Series 7 thread and later with a 55mm thread - so there are in fact THREE versions of the 100/4 Macro Elmar Bellows lens and not just two as stated in TLPB 8th Edition. Maybe Messrs Nobby Clark and Brian Bower will take note for the 9th Edition ... quite a task to make sure all variants of every Leitz/Leica lens are documented in the book.

 

Your photos are the first I've seen of the 11270 version and I have no idea of its scarcity. Maybe your lens has the same type of deep rear lens cap as used on the 1.4x APO Extender R?

 

If your lens does not have an extendable hood perhaps it was omitted to allow easier subject lighting at shorter lens to subject distances (ie at higher magnifications) with the later bellows? Or was it excluded because the front lens was already well recessed and maybe later lens coatings are more efficient than on earlier versions thus obviating the need for an additional hood?

 

Thank you for documenting your lens.

 

Maybe other forum members can add more details regarding its design and introduction and scarcity?

 

Also, I am wondering about the lens' performance characteristics compared to the Photar 120mm f5.6 bellows lens?

 

Regards

 

dunk

Edited March 22, 2013 by dkpeterborough

[mmradman]

Macro Elmar 100mm on BR2 bellows, camera D700.

 

One of Many by mmradman, on Flickr