kuau Posted December 5, 2015 Share #1 Posted December 5, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) I am currently demoing a version 2 mate lens, it is not 6 bit coded. What is the advantage if any of having the lens coded? When I change focal length from 28-50-35 the frame lines do change, yet I manually set which focal length I am using on my 240. If the lens was coded, how would the M240 know which focal length I'm using? I also have noticed that the aperture wring is a little loose I assume this is not normal and would need to be repaired. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted December 5, 2015 Posted December 5, 2015 Hi kuau, Take a look here MATE Ver2 49mm on a M240. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
ho_co Posted December 5, 2015 Share #2 Posted December 5, 2015 The same changes that modify the frame lines will change the EXIF information if you have the lens coded. So the benefits of having the lens coded are: EXIF data show which lens was used; and EXIF data show which focal length was used That's a convenient feature IMHO, but it's up to you. To my knowledge, the camera-applied vignetting correction is the same in all three settings, but I may be wrong on that. Coding will also probably make the lens worth more if you later decide to sell it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted December 5, 2015 Share #3 Posted December 5, 2015 I 6-bit coded my E49 MATE. Well worthwhile. As best as I can tell different vignetting corrections apply to the different FLs. I was told from Germany that mine was one of the best condition E49 MATEs that they'd seen back for CLA/6-bit coding: the aperture ring is light (almost rattly) compared to some other M lenses, and for obvious reasons the focus ring can feel a little heavy especially after it's nylon bushes have been replaced. You also need to be very precise with the FL ring to ensure you'e brought up the correct tramlines. I think you will be very happy with the lens - renders and colours beautifully on the M240. In most circumstances the maximum aperture of f4.0 is fine. My only complaint is the barrel distortion at 28mm - it is not an architectural lens at that FL but fine for other photography. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kuau Posted December 5, 2015 Author Share #4 Posted December 5, 2015 Mark, Hmm so it sounds like the little wiggle I am noticing on the aperture ring is normal? Just doesn't seem precise as my other Leica glass. I am convinced 6 bit coding is for sure the way to go. If I am loading DNG's into LR CC2015 are there lens profiles for the MATE? Another thing I noticed is at F4 looking at the lens it hooks like the aperture is not all the way open is this normal also? Basically I am thinking about purchasing this lens, I have a 35 summarit and 50mm summicron. I never shoot wide open, mostly f5.6 - F11 so I would be selling my 35 and 50 to help fund the purchase of the MATE which is $3800 USD. I love the idea of just having one lens instead of 3 yet I am a little concerned about the fact this lens is no longer being made. Any advice? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted December 5, 2015 Share #5 Posted December 5, 2015 Mark, Hmm so it sounds like the little wiggle I am noticing on the aperture ring is normal? Just doesn't seem precise as my other Leica glass. If it feels like there's a fraction of a mm of play in the aperture ring and it seems a little cheap and 'clicky' (for want of a better word) when changing between detents this is normal. I am convinced 6 bit coding is for sure the way to go. If I am loading DNG's into LR CC2015 are there lens profiles for the MATE? Another thing I noticed is at F4 looking at the lens it hooks like the aperture is not all the way open is this normal also? Yes Basically I am thinking about purchasing this lens, I have a 35 summarit and 50mm summicron. I never shoot wide open, mostly f5.6 - F11 so I would be selling my 35 and 50 to help fund the purchase of the MATE which is $3800 USD. I love the idea of just having one lens instead of 3 yet I am a little concerned about the fact this lens is no longer being made. Production was apparently stopped because of problems sourcing the front element and that it was such a mechanically complex lens to make. I tend to treat it with great respect but that doesn't limit me taking it anywhere I choose. Leica Germany still services the lens. The MATE is very versatile but personally I would still be wanting at least one faster fixed focal length lens both for the speed and as a more compact lens. I note you don't shoot much above 5.6 so you still have a stop up your sleeve. Can you keep your most used fixed focal length lens? I think you would miss it and just be rebutting it for more. Any advice? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted December 5, 2015 Share #6 Posted December 5, 2015 I sold my MATE v.2 some time ago....no significant problems, but unlike my primes, required some service and a bit more care and attention. I'm surprised that Leica hasn't produced a replacement lens with less mechanical complexity such as the stepped zoom WATE, or other multiple-focal-length combinations, especially for M240 use (given RF/EVF)....35-50-90 anyone? I'd buy one. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Pope Posted December 5, 2015 Share #7 Posted December 5, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) I've just got the same lens for my M9-P. Sadly the weather isn't really conducive to giving the lens a thorough test, but first impressions are certainly favourable. Like yours, Kuau, mine isn't six-bit coded. Yet. I have emailed Leica UK to find out the cost, but heard nothing yet. The coding tells the camera that a tri-elmar is fitted. Determining the focal length is, I believe, derived from the frame line position. So it's a real pity that you can't just select a single item that says something like '28-35-50 ASPH 11625' and the camera firmware then determines the focal length in use from the frame line position. I'm sure there's (probably) a good reason why it wasn't done this way, but having to select the correct focal length from the menu each time you change is a bit of a pain. With my copy of the lens, there is a tiny amount of front-to-back play. Otherwise, the controls are all nice and tight. As far as the aperture blades showing at f4, I think this is normal: if you look at the lens from the front when you alter the focal length, the blades disappear at 50mm, are slightly visible at 35mm and more so at 28mm. What I think is happening is the diameter of the aperture is changing to maintain a constant f4 througout the focal length range. Now I have the MATE, I won't be selling any of my other lenses (28mm Elmarit, 35 & 50mm Summicrons). Hope you enjoy the lens as much as I will enjoy mine! Mark Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schrödinger's cat Posted December 5, 2015 Share #8 Posted December 5, 2015 I recently purchased a 6 bit coded mint copy of version I from JD. It seems to be a perfect solution to my new travel program of having one lens on the camera and one in my pocket. If you are looking at $3800 US for a good version II copy, that is significantly below market and an excellent value. I find that, at least regarding travel photos, most of my images are at f5.6 and in the daylight, so the slow max aperture is not an issue. The lens is a bit larger and heaver than the common Leica lens and I suppose is something of a negative, but coming from pro body Nikons and fast zooms the thing is still smaller and lighter than what I am accustomed to carrying. Barring the change from 50mm to 28mm being a bit fiddly, everything on the lens seems very tight and precise. This seems to be the experience of everybody who has one so I suppose it's normal. Point it down when changing focal length and it works fine. Focusing ring effort is a bit higher, but then it's moving more stuff inside around so I suppose that's to be expected. Aperture ring is very well fitted with no slop. Do use the lens hood. Personally, I like having the focal length in the exif data, although as a practical matter I'm not convinced it really matters for me. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted December 5, 2015 Share #9 Posted December 5, 2015 I bought mine in film-only days but had it coded by Leica for the reason given above. It was excellent with the M8 and even better with full-frame models. I have no hesitation in shooting wide open. Little is gained by stopping down. Only the 28mm setting falls behind the performance one would expect from a prime lens. It is perfect though for all but the most demanding applications. Flare can be an issue when shooting into a bright light. A lens-shade does help and also adds physical protection. The lens scores heavily as a travel lens for reasons given. For serious special purpose photography, I would always select a prime lens. So my advice is do not sell any primes unless you have financial imperatives. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
efreed2754 Posted December 5, 2015 Share #10 Posted December 5, 2015 Agree with David. Kept 35 Summicron and added 50 1.4 Asph and use both. MATE usually for travel or where one lens without changing is a priority. Love it and am sure you will. If keep as only lens can up ISO if needed for lower light. Story was was lens very difficult to make and Leica supposedly losing money with it so ceased production. Perhaps someone has more details. It's a winner especially for travel. "The lens scores heavily as a travel lens for reasons given. For serious special purpose photography, I would always select a prime lens. So my advice is do not sell any primes unless you have financial imperatives." Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted December 5, 2015 Share #11 Posted December 5, 2015 I think you would miss it and just be rebutting it for more. sorry, for some reason predictive text changed it from: I think you would miss it and just be buying it again later.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kuau Posted December 5, 2015 Author Share #12 Posted December 5, 2015 I just did a quick test comparing my 35 Summarit and 50 Cron, to the MATE I am trying out. at f5.6 i found the MATE at 35 was actually a tad sharper then my 35 Summarit, yet when shooting the MATE at 50mm f5.6 it was noticeably softer then my 50 cron. Hmm. Not sure what's happening, Im sure the lens needs to go into Leica for CLA'D just not sure if its worth spending $3800 for the lens, which imguess is amgood deal, yet I have no idea what Leica USA is going to charge me for repair. As much as I want to love the lens, i may just stick with my 2 primes Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted December 6, 2015 Share #13 Posted December 6, 2015 The performance of the three FLs of the MATE should be similar to, if not better than, the equivalent FL primes of all except the latest generation of highly corrected lenses (except for the barrel distortion of the MATE at 28mm). That price is quite low for an E49 MATE. You know the old saying: you get what you pay for. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted December 6, 2015 Share #14 Posted December 6, 2015 Comparable to Version 3 and 4 of the Summicron 35 according to Erwin Puts. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kuau Posted December 6, 2015 Author Share #15 Posted December 6, 2015 The performance of the three FLs of the MATE should be similar to, if not better than, the equivalent FL primes of all except the latest generation of highly corrected lenses (except for the barrel distortion of the MATE at 28mm). That price is quite low for an E49 MATE. You know the old saying: you get what you pay for. That's what I was hoping for yet at least with the copy I have I am not seeing those results. I will call Leica USA on Monday to try to get an estimate on repair. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted December 6, 2015 Share #16 Posted December 6, 2015 As the MATE is probably the most mechanically complex of all Leica's lenses you do NOT want buy a faulty unit needing a repair (as opposed to 6-bit coding and CLA). It could be a bottomless money pit. I'd not be surprised if it had to go back to Germany for the repair and you can bet it will be away for many months! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kuau Posted December 6, 2015 Author Share #17 Posted December 6, 2015 Mark, Thanks for your help and advice. I already have the MATE boxed up and returning it to the seller. To many variables with this lens. If it was a good copy I would have purchased it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted December 6, 2015 Share #18 Posted December 6, 2015 I think you e made the right decision Good luck in your "search for a mate" Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
darylgo Posted December 6, 2015 Share #19 Posted December 6, 2015 I just did a quick test comparing my 35 Summarit and 50 Cron, to the MATE I am trying out. at f5.6 i found the MATE at 35 was actually a tad sharper then my 35 Summarit, yet when shooting the MATE at 50mm f5.6 it was noticeably softer then my 50 cron. Hmm. Not sure what's happening, Im sure the lens needs to go into Leica for CLA'D just not sure if its worth spending $3800 for the lens, which imguess is amgood deal, yet I have no idea what Leica USA is going to charge me for repair. As much as I want to love the lens, i may just stick with my 2 primes 35mm is the sharpest of the focal lengths, MTF curves and images reveal this. The 50mm is slightly soft yet better than many primes from other manufacturers. The Mate is a convenience lens with IQ tradeoffs, yet a great travel lens. Your assessment of the lens was spot on, expectations of prime equivalents is not yet achievable, perhaps the new 24-90 for the SL could be the exception. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted December 6, 2015 Share #20 Posted December 6, 2015 expectations of prime equivalents is not yet achievable Well that certainly isn't the case with the 2.8-90/24-90 Vario-Elmarit-R Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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