So I just bought a R8 -Which Lens?

[finnschi]

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I always wanted a M6 but I saw a R8 at a local camera store the other day and I just fell in love, the camera gave me goosebumps.

 

So I just got one on ebay :D

 

 

I have a TON of Glas for Canon EF/FD and Konica A/R as well as Pentacon Six/exacta lenses.

 

But sadly only the Pentacon lenses will fit , and they are not such a great Walkaround Lenses (50 F/4 and 80 F/2.8 ... )

 

So then I went shopping for a lens, I wanted a 50mm and found 2 different ones

 

The Summilux 50 1.4

 

and the

 

Summicron 50 2.0

 

F/2.0 is totally enough for my needs, but is the summilux THAT much better? especially at around 2.0-2.8 ?

 

and so, which one is the best bang for the buck in terms of wich version (3cam/ROM?!?)

is a lens wothout Rom going to give me trouble with the R8? If yes which drawbacks does it have, to use lenses without a ROM chip ?

 

I guess there a no adapters that let me use my Canon EF glas, due to the flange distance, but maybe there are some that "screw in" like m42 or something?

 

 

Thanks !!

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[TomB_tx]

I don't have an R8 (yet), but use both the R versions of Summicron and Summilux 50s on other R bodies. I don't have the latest Summilux-R (takes 60mm filters) but overall I get better results (at the same aperture) with the late Summicron R than my lux - possibly because I hit focus better due to the focus screens I have. I think the Summilux-R (earlier versions - series filter in hood or 55mm with pull out hood) were as good as any other 1.4 lenses at the time, but the last version was supposed to be a jump ahead. (In my experience with several SLRs from the 70s the 50 f2.0 lenses were often better than the f1.4 status symbols.)

The earlier Summicron-R (separate hood) was quite prone to flare, but they improved the coating in later lenses.

Everything I hear is that 3-cam (or "R-Cam") lenses work just fine on the R8.

[dave_d]

I have a Summicron 50mm and never wished I had the Summilux. In fact it is one of my favorite lenses. All Leica lenses are above average so no need to worry about which one is better, they are just slightly different. The difference in price of these lenses is not because of lens quality but because of the larger maximum aperture. By a Summicron and spend the money you saved on film.

[hamey]

CONGRATULATIONS.

 

The R8 is a superb Camera, Leica don't build them like this anymore.

 

I have the 50mm F2 Rom and it's a great lens.

 

As for Rom or Non Rom Lenses you're R8 will perform just as well.

 

Good Luck.

 

Ken.

[H.Beatzel]

Hello,

You have made an excellent choice.

I have the following R8 lenses and I am fully satisfied with all the lenses.

"Summilux-R 1:1.4 / 80mm"

"Vario - Elmar - R 1:3.5 / 35 - 70 mm"

"Elmarit - R 1:2.8 / 24 mm"

I mostly use the Summilux 1:1.4 80 mm and the Elmarit wid angle.

If you want to see some results check on my photo album "far east impressions"

 

regards

Helmut

[Torquinian]

I have a number of lenses but the one I use the most is the 60mm F2.8 Macro.

[dave.gt]

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Buy the superb Summicron, you will not be disappointed.

[H.Beatzel]

I have the Summicon Summilux-R 1:1,4 80 mm this is my most favored portrait lens, the qualtity of this lens is extraordinary.

 

If you have ever a chance to buy the Elmarit-R 1,2,8/ 24 mm ROM (with or without ROM) you will have one of the best lenses Leica has ever made. This wide angle lens enables you to make pictures which are just out of this world.

(check my photobook "Far East impressions"

 

regards Helmut

[AB007]

Congrats! The last version of 50 Lux (11344 filter E60) is much better than any 50 Cron but it is much more expensive. So, if money is no object, I would recommend the E60 50 Lux otherwise any 50 Cron is great. For 50, older Lux vs Cron, I would get the 50 Cron.

 

60/2.8 Macro is highly regarded which is close to 50mm range.

 

R line has some of the best lenses. Enjoy!

[masjah]

Congrats! The last version of 50 Lux (11344 filter E60) is much better than any 50 Cron but it is much more expensive. So, if money is no object, I would recommend the E60 50 Lux otherwise any 50 Cron is great. For 50, older Lux vs Cron, I would get the 50 Cron.

 

60/2.8 Macro is highly regarded which is close to 50mm range.

 

R line has some of the best lenses. Enjoy!

 

I entirely agree with this advice; stick with the 50/2 unless you (a) need and ( can afford the latest version of the 50/1.4.

 

There is another possibility though, and that is the 35-70/4 (the latest version). Quality is said to be really excellent, and it is affordable. It gives you that little bit more flexibility (and a degree of macro facility) at the expense of maximum aperture.

 

Also, since you have an R8, personally I would go for the ROM version of these lenses. They do slightly tweak certain areas of performance with the R8/R9 cameras.

[magosak]

...

60/2.8 Macro is highly regarded which is close to 50mm range.

 

I've been thinking to get a 60/2.8 Macro. Is there a preferred vintage for this lens?

[AB007]

I've been thinking to get a 60/2.8 Macro. Is there a preferred vintage for this lens?

 

As per Erwin Puts, Leica made three versions differing only in physical appearance, optically same for all versions. Third version (ROM) for use with R-bodies only. All versions (except ROM) can be used or converted for use with all Leica R and Leicaflex bodies.

[sfage]

I second the 60 2.8.

 

It is outstanding.

[gvaliquette]

I "third" for the 60mm f2.8 Macro-Elmarit-R, it's a real sleeper of a lens.

 

Also, if I could afford ONLY one lens for an R8/R9 and did not use macro mode, it probably would be the 28-90mm f2.8 Vario-Elmarit-R.

 

Stay away from the 28-70mm Vario-Elmar-R, the distortion is really obvious and a real spoiler.

 

Guy

[masjah]

I "third" for the 60mm f2.8 Macro-Elmarit-R, it's a real sleeper of a lens.

 

Also, if I could afford ONLY one lens for an R8/R9 and did not use macro mode, it probably would be the 28-90mm f2.8 Vario-Elmarit-R.

 

Stay away from the 28-70mm Vario-Elmar-R, the distortion is really obvious and a real spoiler.

 

Guy

 

In absolute terms I agree - I have it and it is superb. But, it's now terribly expensive second hand - around £4k last time I looked!

[naturephoto1]

If you could get by with the f4 for the maximum aperture, the 35mm-70mm f4 Vario Elmar would be a very good option. It has a few odd things that can be gotten around like the rotating front element when focusing and a slight distortion at as I recall the 35mm end, it is quite a good lens. It also offers a macro mode for closer focus and is reasonably affordable.

 

Rich

[roguewave]

I have a Summicron 50mm and never wished I had the Summilux. In fact it is one of my favorite lenses. All Leica lenses are above average so no need to worry about which one is better, they are just slightly different. The difference in price of these lenses is not because of lens quality but because of the larger maximum aperture. By a Summicron and spend the money you saved on film.

 

I agree fully with Dave. The R50 Summicron is a fabulous lens, especially shooting wide open. Don't hesitate. It will teach many wonderful things about how special this glass is. I promise you that this was a wonderful decision. I own 3 R8 bodies & a DMR as well, The R8 is perfection & with the 50 Cron, you will have your eyes opened as never before. All the Best. Ben