Newbie question about R-series lens compatibility

[arpey]

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I hate to be a bother, but as a newbie to this forum I haven't yet mastered the navigation logistics. I'm sure this question has been answered before, but I am not sure where to look for the answers. Anyway, here goes:

 

I've inherited a Leica R5 camera body, along with a nice collection of fine Leica lenses, as follows:

Elmarit – R – 1:2.8 / 28 mm (3-cam)

Elmarit – R – 1:2.8 / 35 mm (3-cam)

Elmarit – R – 1:2.8 / 135 mm (3-cam)

Vario-Elmar – R - 1:3.5 / 35-70 mm (3-cam)

Vario-Elmar – R 1:4.5 / 80-200 mm (3-cam)

Macro-Elmar – R – 1:4 / 100 mm (1-cam)

Telyt – R – 1:4.8 / 350 mm (3-cam)

Super-Angulon – R – 1:4 / 21 mm (3-cam)

Summicron – R – 1:2 / 50 mm (3-cam)

 

Most of these lenses were purchased new in the 70s and 80s and all are in very good shape - most are still in the original boxes.

 

My question is this - I recognize that these are all very high quality lenses. However, in this age of digital photography, I'm not sure to what degree these lenses would be compatible with modern digital cameras (Leica or other manufacturers) and whether modifications might be necessary to use these lenses properly with more modern camera bodies.

 

Anybody want to shed some light on this question - or provide me a weblink where my questions might already be answered?

 

Thanks for the help.

[cmb_]

Randy,

 

Here is a place to start: Leica R System Lenses on Canon EOS Bodies Database

This will list compatibility with EOS cameras with an adapter.

 

I think they will all work on current Leica R bodies including the R9/R8/DMR combo.

Others on this forum can provide more information.

 

Nice inheritance!

[stuny]

They will work with R8, R9 and DMR. The lack of ROM contacts is not too big a deal. Some of the lenses are legendary

[arpey]

cmb_; stuny:

 

Thanks for the information ... I appreciate your tolerance for the uninitiated.

 

So, you're suggesting that these lenses will not work properly with the newer Leica digital cameras?

 

Or, in other words, to make good use of these lenses I will need to a) stay with film or purchase the DMR camera body, or c) using lens adapter(s), attach these lenses to a Canon digital camera body ?

 

Bummer!

[cmb_]

When you say "newer Leica digital cameras", to which cameras are you referring?

 

There is only one digital camera in the "R" line, the DMR. Leica has plans to release an R10 (if that is what it will be called) that is rumored to be a self contained digital body, not a digital back like the DMR. Your "R" lenses will work on the DMR and the next release (R10?) in the R line.

 

Your "R" lenses will also work on the DIGILUX 3 with the Leica Adapter for R Lenses order number: 18628. Quote from Leica web site: "Using this adapter, the lenses of the Leica R system are compatible with the LEICA DIGILUX 3, which widens their application range enormously. There is no transmission of information or functions between the lens and the camera and exposure metering is done at the working aperture."

 

The "R" lenses will not work on the M8 unless you have an adapter. However, if I were to invest in an M8 I would get a series of M lenses and not try to use the R lenses.

 

Your R lenses will work on Canon digital cameras with an adapter.

 

What gear do you have now? Perhaps you should consider holding on to the lenses and wait for the next R release.

[rsolomon]

All of your lenses are fine, and will work across the entrire R line. do you know when or if the lens need a cleaning/lube/adjustments ...known as a CLA. You may want to do this to ensure they are operating at spec. the cost for this is about 250 per lens. Addtionally to bring them up to the most current mount you can have them upgraded /modifed to from 3 cam (or 1 or 3 cam) to ROM.

 

Currently the benifits of ROM, and electronic contact is limited to just a few minor functions - the only significant one in my opinion is related to Flash and zoom head flashes.

 

Also as mentioned there is an adapter for R lenses (regardless of mount - cam or rom) that allows you to use these lenses on the Digilux 3. Ofcourse there are some feautues and funtions that work a little differnt when this combination is in use.

 

and just to be clear : leica has not made any lenses in the R line specfically for digital, the needed quality was already there when the lens was built

 

keep asking questions ....

[telyt]

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The only lens in this very nice inheritance that might be a problem with some Canon digitals is the 80-200 f/4.5. Its rear element protrudes farther into the mirror box than some Canon bodies have room for.

[S. Wong]

you might already know this, but the 1-Cam Macro-Elmar 100mm requires you to use stop-down metering (ie: working aperture is what you meter/expose with) on any camera other than the Leicaflex, such as your R5.

The SL's use 2-cam, and the R3-R9/DMR use 3-cam. Sometimes, this is called "3rd cam" or "ROM".

When you have a ROM lens, it has a chip that communicates w/ the R8-R9/DMR, permitting the camera to know what focal length, current aperture, and a host of other things that I hope someone else can elaborate on (cause I'd like to know)

 

You can get the lenses upgraded, and you can use adapters to use different digital cameras on it.

 

Current Digital Cameras you can use with an adapter:

LEICA:

1.4x crop R8+DMR

1.4x crop R9+DMR

2.0x crop Digilux 3

1.3x crop M8

 

CANON:

1.0x crop EOS-5D

1.0x crop 1Ds series

[telyt]

you might already know this, but the 1-Cam Macro-Elmar 100mm requires you to use stop-down metering

 

The 100mm Macro-Elmar's single cam is most likely the 3rd cam so it will work fine on any R body, metering at full aperture. This lens was never made with just the first cam.

[arpey]

wow ... what great information ... this is going to take me a while to absorb.

 

thanks to you all ... let me digest this and I'll post a further response shortly.

[arpey]

by the way, in addition to these fine lenses, I also was fortunate to receive a Leicaflex SL2 (black), purchased in 1976 and a Leica R5 (black) purchased about 1988 or 1989.

 

the lenses all have been stored carefully in their original boxes and don't appear to have been heavily used. I've had a local camera store look at them and they didn't feel that maintenance on the lenses is warranted at this time.

 

the two camera bodies are a somewhat different matter ... they both need basis servicing to verify that they meet specifications and some of the gaskets (is that the right word?) may need to be replaced - they've started to deteriorate.

[S. Wong]

The SL2 might also use an obsolete battery, a mercury PX625, so that should be looked at for accurate metering

about the SL's battery: Leica FAQ - Where can I find replacement PX625 Mercury batte…

 

leica.nemeng.com is a very useful website for all general questions

[telyt]

When the SL2 is serviced, have the meter re-calibrated to use a 1.5-volt silver-oxide battery.

[arpey]

S. Wong / telyt:

 

Thanks for these very useful insights into the situation with my SL2.

[rsolomon]

Not sure where you are located , but if in US you may want to call leica in allendale NJ, they will give you guidence on service for the units you mention - they are VERY helpful