ROM compatibility query

[dkCambridgeshire]

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I am considering buying a 1.4 non-ROM APO extender mainly to use with my 560mm f5.6 Telyt R (the 2 element old type - not the module system) ... I think the combination is usable with an SL2 ... but ... also have a 280/4 ROM which I only use with R8 and R4Smod2 (not the SL2)

 

Is a non-Rom 1.4 extender safe to use with a 280/4 ROM ? I am aware of limitations of 1.4 extender on other lenses ie really designed for the 280/2.8 but can be used on some other lenses including the 280/4 non-ROM.

 

Have never tried a 1.4x and do not want to take the 280/4 ROM lens with me if I buy it .. worried in case a non ROM extender will damage ROM contacts on the 280/4. AFAIK there is no 1.4x ROM available ... and no ROM modification available for it.

 

Thanks

 

Dunk

[Canfred]

Hi Duncan , both Apo Extenders are listed for possible use with the 280 Apo Telyt 280 f4 in my handbook. Only the 2x Apo Extender has Rom.

I own this lens and the 2xApo Extender. I would say there would be no possibility of damage since both are recommended. You will loose some functions ,mainly the flash info.

Manfred

[dkCambridgeshire]

Thanks Manfred .. but there are 2 versions of the 280/4 ... one is ROM ... and earlier version is not ROM ... I would have no hesitation in using the 1.4 extender on the earlier non-ROM lens ... but mine is a ROM lens. Does your book specifically state that the 280/4 ROM (as distinct from earlier non-ROM) is compatible and usable with the 1.4 APO extender?

 

Dunk

[masjah]

Duncan

 

I've recently acquired (with many thanks to a fellow forum member!) a 280/4ROM lens (type 11360) and its instruction book says it is fine for both extenders. I think I'm right in saying that the 1.4X Extender has never had a ROM version. One more point is that, at least with the ROMmed 2X extender, you are supposed to put the extender on the camera first, then mount the lens onto the extender. I don't know if that also applies to the 1.4X, but I'd be inclined to do it, to be on the safe side.

[masjah]

.... not sure about using the combination on an SL2 though!

[dkCambridgeshire]

.... not sure about using the combination on an SL2 though!

 

Thanks John .

 

I cannot see any cams 1 and 2 on the 280mm f4 ... can only see the R cam ... assume would need cam 2 to work on the SL2 ?? But ... just looked in Pocket Book 7th edition where states 280/4 can be used with R and Leicaflex SL and SL2 ...but I cant see how full functions can be provided without the second cam on the lens?? Was there was a triple cam version, pre-ROM, of the 280/4 ??

 

But then again if others are using the 1.4x on the SL2 with the 560mm (with limited functions??) then perhaps it is usable?

 

I seem to recall reading somewhere that it is not adviseable to use a ROM lens on the SL2 because of risk of damage to the ROM contacts... which is another reason why I'm not planning to use the 280/4 on the SL2.

 

I am ending up getting more confused about these compatibility issues !!

 

Dunk

[Canfred]

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Thanks Manfred .. but there are 2 versions of the 280/4 ... one is ROM ... and earlier version is not ROM ... I would have no hesitation in using the 1.4 extender on the earlier non-ROM lens ... but mine is a ROM lens. Does your book specifically state that the 280/4 ROM (as distinct from earlier non-ROM) is compatible and usable with the 1.4 APO extender?

 

Dunk

Duncan my handbook ( a German version ) has the Rom lens, both extenders are listed only the 2X is the Rom.

Manfred

[dkCambridgeshire]

Duncan my handbook ( a German version ) has the Rom lens, both extenders are listed only the 2X is the Rom.

Manfred

 

Thanks Manfred ... that is what I needed to clarify.

 

Dunk

[masjah]

Duncan

 

Certainly Leica officially says that you shouldn't use ROM lenses on the non-R cameras, (presumably because of the ROM chip fouling the earlier cams). Also I've just noticed that in Bower's book "Leica Reflex Photography", he says that the 1.4X "cannot be used on SL2 and earlier models" Similarly for the 2X extender, though Bower says that an earlier 2X (code 11237) was availoable for the earlier cameras. But I understand that this would be nowhere near as good optically as the 2X Apo version.

[wizard]

I wouldn't use any ROM lens or ROM extender on an SL2. That said I believe the 1.4X-extender, as it only exists as a non-ROM version, could be fitted to an SL2, but will have to be used in stopped down metering mode, as it does not offer the SL2 cams. Consequently, you may also use your ROM 280/4 lens together with the non ROM 1.4X extender on an SL2, as the ROM of the lens would not come into contact with the camera, but only the extender, and that will not cause any problems.

 

Andy

[dkCambridgeshire]

I wouldn't use any ROM lens or ROM extender on an SL2. That said I believe the 1.4X-extender, as it only exists as a non-ROM version, could be fitted to an SL2, but will have to be used in stopped down metering mode, as it does not offer the SL2 cams. Consequently, you may also use your ROM 280/4 lens together with the non ROM 1.4X extender on an SL2, as the ROM of the lens would not come into contact with the camera, but only the extender, and that will not cause any problems.

 

Andy

 

That is what I thought. But ...

 

... now scratching head a bit more as have just tried to fit an ordinary R 2x extender (not the APO version) to the 280/4 ROM lens ... just as an experiment .. there is no way that it will fit ... presumably because the ROM contacts get in the way ... I dare not try and force it on ... The fact that it will not fit makes me wonder again if the 1.4x APO extender is definitely going to fit the ROM lens ... Have to be sure about this before ordering the 1.4x extender.

 

Also ... just rang the dealer who is offering the 1.4x Apo extender ... and he could not tell me if the one he has (it looks to be a 1980's R4 model judging by the serial No. ) would fit the 280/4 APO ROM ... he suggested bringing the lens in to try it ... and he is an experienced Leica dealer.

 

So looks as if I'll have to make a trip to be certain.

 

Dunk

[masjah]

Duncan

 

Did you put the 2X extender on the camera first, before trying to fit the lens?

[dkCambridgeshire]

Duncan

 

Did you put the 2X extender on the camera first, before trying to fit the lens?

 

Sorry John .. should have remembered your advice ... I didn't ... So attached the converter to the camera first ... and then tried fitting the 280/4 APO again ... and it works/fits ok with the old 2x R extender ... furthermore when focused on a ruler at approx 68" (173cm) from the camera I can fill the viewfinder with a horizontal distance on the ruler of 80mm ie 36/80 magnification = 0.45 ... almost half life size ... worth knowing and experimenting with for close-up photographs.

 

And there is no way the ROM contacts are going to get fouled as the lever inside the extender moves round out the way when the extender is bayoneted onto the camera.

 

So ... have ordered the 1.4x APO extender from The Classic Camera shop in Pied Bull Yard ... good price too (£349) compared with other dealers secondhand lists.

 

Thanks

 

Dunk

[masjah]

Duncan

 

Glad you got it to work! The 280/4 + 2X Extender is indeed good for close-up work: the minimum focus distance is preserved, so you get plenty of breathing space between you and the subject.

[dkCambridgeshire]

The APO 1.4 extender arrived today and it works/fits fine with the 280/4 ROM lens. At closest focus distance can fill frame with 120mm of a ruler horizontally ie 36/120 = 0.3 magnification ie approx 1/3rd life size. The 1.4 extender does not fit onto my SL2 .. contrary to other posts I have seen .. although I expect there was a two cam version of this extender which did. Thus will not be able to use 1.4 extender with my 560mm telyt on the SL2 ... but seems to be ok with my R4S2. I think that 560mm x 1.4 = 784mm is just about on the limit for extreme telephoto photography.

 

Now looking forward to some decent weather to try various lens combinations properly ie with film. Today have only been looking through the kitchen window with them ... and it's a dull day lightwise.

 

Will also be trying my 2x extender with the both the 280mm and the 560mm .. the 2x is not the APO version ... but still worth a try to see if results are ok. Whether the 560mm with 2X ... ie 1120mm f11 ... is a usable combination remains to be seen ... I have a Manfrotto 393 gimbal head but have not tried it with the 2x yet ... works fine with just the lens.

 

Thanks for your comments ... especially your advice John to put the extender on the camera first before atttaching the lens.

 

Dunk