Leica Macro-Elmar-M V1 and V2 Question

[dkmoore]

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Hello forum members,

 

I have read a ton about the 90 Macro and am about to pull the trigger but could use your help for those that own or have owned either of these.

 

I read Jono's review and it sounds like the V1 doesn't lock into place when the lens is extended. Is that true compared to the latest V2? Is there anything else I should do in regards to buying the V1? 

 

My other concern is regarding the adapters because I will be using the lens on my M-P240 and MM. If I purchase a V1 lens with the older adapter/goggles, will it work perfectly with the new style Adapter-M as well? I understand that all M lenses work with the adapter but their is unique functionality with the newer version. For instance, will the V1 focus as close using the new adapter like the V2? 

 

Also, the V2 lens when detracted and mounted on the new adapter can be used as a normal 90. Will the V1 still do this or did they change the lens design for this specifically.

 

I understand I will have to buy both adapters for the lens to work with both cameras. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

Dustin 

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[fotomas]

I only own the old one. This is the only choice, if want to use it on a analog for close-up's with the old goggles-adapter.
Digital with LiveView you also can buy the new on. My guess is, that they have to change the focus-mechanism slightly to make it work with the new adapter up to infinity. You can focus the old one with the new adapter also to infinite, but with the scale on infinity it seem's to be a bit behind. Since the old one doesn't lock if pulled in and there is no range-finder coupling you only can use it with LiveView, a not so comfortable way. Also you can only set the aperture if you pull it out a bit. So this might be not a reliable way to work.
I don't know, but I'm afraid that the new one with the adapter might also only be usable via LV, since there is no rangefinder coupling at the adapter. If so I would only recommend this in combination with the ELV. I found it hard to focus on the screen, especially in bright daylight.
On the new one, the aperture-scale ring was scaled up so you can always use it. The disadvantage of this is, that you can't fix the lens-shade the other way round any more. So the old lens is 3,5 cm shorter if collapsed and lens-hood reversed.
You can lock the old one extended in 4 positions of the aperture scale. This makes sense since you have to mount it upside down with the old adapter. Unfortunately you can't focus the new one with the old adapter via the OVF anymore.

 

[lct]

I have no experience with the new lens so take what i say with a pinch of salt but i have the old lens and both old and new adapters. To answer your questions in order:

1. The old lens tube does not lock into place when it is extended but none of my collapsible lenses do that either and i've been using them with no problem since the last century. Just abstain from putting any grease or oil on the tube and all should be alright.

2. Not sure what perfectly means but the old lens works fine with the new adapter for closeups (extended) and normal photos (retracted) in my limited experience. Works like a normal 90 this way and focusses at infinity as well but it is not a normal way of using the lens. As the tube is not locked into place when it is retracted it may extend unintentionally but the resulting blur will appear in the EVF of course. 

Now when the tube is fully retracted, it is impossible to turn the aperture ring if the lens is focussed at infinity so one has to turn the aperture ring first and focus afterwards.

Also the new adapter is made to be used with EVFs, not RFs obviously and the distance markings of the lens are false when the lens tube is extended.  

Hope this helps.

[elgenper]

...I read Jono's review and it sounds like the V1 doesn't lock into place when the lens is extended. ...

 

 

...1. The old lens tube does not lock into place when it is extended...

 

 

Don´t get it...  I own the old one, and the tube locks perfectly in the extended position; just turn it a little so the claws engage, and it´s rock solid.

 

But, it does NOT lock in the collapsed position, which can be a minor nuisance at times.  Also, I imagine it would make it more difficult when used with the new adapter (I only have the old one).

[lct]

The tube does not lock into place in that there is no lock to lock it when it is extended. There is no click as when you lock a lens on your M. When a lens is locked this way you must push a button to unlock it. No button on the 90/4 v1 there. I suspect it is the same on the v2 but the OP asked wether v1 locks into place when the lens is extended. My answer is no but YMMV of course .

[ayewing]

I have the V2 with the new adapter. The lens locks in both extended and retracted positions by rotating it. There is no click or button to press.

[smkoush]

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V1 locks (by twist) in the extended position. Does not lock in the retracted position, but I never had problem with it extending on itself while in the retracted position. Fantastic little gem of a lens!

[MarkP]

V1 locks (by twist) in the extended position. Does not lock in the retracted position, but I never had problem with it extending on itself while in the retracted position. Fantastic little gem of a lens!

 

 

+1

[dkmoore]

Thank you all very much! This was extremely helpful. I went ahead and purchase a silver V1 with both adapters.

 

Let the adventure begin. 

[dkmoore]

Is it a must to use the EVF 2 for use with the macro adapter? I was going to use the live view (rear screen) for now because I sold the EVF 2 about a year ago because I never used it. With the potential of a new M coming I would rather not buy it again unless it is very difficult to use the adapter/lens/rear screen.

 

Let me know your thoughts. There are some good deals on the EVF online for around 300.00.

 

Thanks again.

[lct]

It is not a must have, you can do macro works with the rear screen of course but you will feel more comfortable with an EVF i suspect. I would buy a second hand Olympus V-F2 if i were you. Got mine in 2013 for 60 EUR on e**y and it still works like a charm. I you sell your current M, your buyer will me more than happy to find an EVF in the box. Now you can do w/o it certainly.

[steppenw0lf]

I have a M246 without EVF - because I found it too crappy (compared to the SL).

Now that tethering is supported with the M246 (and others) you can simply use the computer screen for macro shots ( the camera sits on a tripod anyway for macro). Or use the SL app with a iPad as alternative (for the SL, but there is probably also an app for the Ms).

I prefer this to the Olympus EVF.

[dkmoore]

That is not a bad idea (tethering)when shooting indoors and I will certainly play around with that. Thank you both for the good insight. I will look for a used Olympus. That is a good idea since I may be parting ways with the M-P in the next few months. 

 

I am excited to try the goggles and macro with my MM. I am sure the output will be stunning as it never disappoints.

 

If you think of any other tips or tricks definitely let me know and thanks again!

[Exodies]

Note that the tethering is not live view.

[gvaliquette]

First, I must say that I have the "old" Macro-Elmar-M and its "old" adapter with goggles.

 

The only advantage of the "new" lens and adapter is that you can lock the lens retracted and focus to infinity with the adapter mounted.  The "old" lens locks extended, but not retracted.  The "old" adapter can be used on all Leicas, from the M3 to the M240, with the exception of the M5 and the CL.  The new adapter can only be used with LiveView.

 

In my opinion, the "old" lens and adapter are more versatile and superior.  In the Leica M world, it's all about pairing fine optics with sophisticated precision mechanical accessories.

 

Guy

[steppenw0lf]

Maybe one thing worth mentioning - you need a hand-grip in order to have a USB-port. Only then tethering is possible with M240 or M246.

If you already have it, perfect. But if you need to add it, it is probably a bit expensive. (850 $)

Sorry, forgot to mention it at the beginning. So this is still a luxury version. (with GPS)

[dkmoore]

Just got the lens today and played around with the goggles and V1 lens in Silver. Love the silver lenses.

 

It is off at infinity but dead on close to medium range so I will get it adjusted by Youxin here in Massachusetts. He is excellent.

 

The goggles are actually really cool looking in person. I was skeptical of the "look" in pictures but really like them. I might even return the adapter-M because the goggles work perfect.

 

Very sharp little lens. I was surprised by the size! It is smaller than my 35 or 50 lux.

[MarkP]

Ive had no problems with the extension and twist-lock mechanism

 

I'm very fond of this fabulous little lens:

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/175185-in-praise-of-the-4090-macro-elmar-m/

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Hallo,

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[lct]

+ 1. It is always in my bag. I was trying to find a 85 or 90 AF lens for my Sony but they are all monstrous by comparison so the little Elmar sits in the Sony bag as well.

[Shac]

V1 locks (by twist) in the extended position. Does not lock in the retracted position, but I never had problem with it extending on itself while in the retracted position. Fantastic little gem of a lens!

Same for me and my V1