Leica macro adapter M + Leica m 135mm. f/4 ?

[kcnarf1]

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How recommendable is the Leica macro adapter M for attempts at high-level macro photography with the Leica M 10 via its live view or its evf?  

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[otto.f]

Unscrew the head and put it on a traditional Visoflex 3 with several rings and bellows to chose from for less than the price of the new adapter. You'll come to 1:1 easily, which does not happen with the new adapter.

Anyway, the quality of the 135/4 in macro is not at all your problem, even up to f16 it's great

[Simon]

Otto is 100% correct.

 

In addition, Leica has also added a blurb on the Macro-Adapter-M's product page which answers your questions and then some:

 

https://us.leica-camera.com/Photography/Leica-M/Technical-Equipment/Adapter/Macro-adapter-M

 

Or to quote the relevant bits:

 

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Wide range of opportunities for creative composition with other M lenses

 

As the Macro-Adapter-M is also compatible with other M lenses, it offers Leica M photographers an even wider range of opportunities for creative composition and additional variety in reportage portfolios. With Leica lenses from 50 mm and greater, it enables macro exposures up to a reproduction ratio of 1:2 and, with wide-angle lenses, even larger ratios. The lens-to-subject distance decreases with decreasing focal lengths. The use of the adapter with 28, 35 or 50 mm lenses creates fascinating effects. The short distance from the subject creates extremely distorted perspectives and highly selective sharpness. Because, in contrast to a macro lens design, the imaging performance of these lenses is not optimised for such close focusing distances, it is advisable to stop them down by one or two aperture values. The use of the Macro-Adapter-M with lenses with focal lengths of less than 28 mm is not recommended, as the lens-to-subject distance must be extremely short to allow correct focusing.

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So if you're really keen and serious on macro and want to even attempt super close-up work, you need to go third party. Otherwise, Leica's super-expensive adapter can get you closer than is otherwise possible with M lenses up to RR 1:2.

 

Keep in mind that each ring or move towards 1:1 and beyond cuts out some light, while maintaining acceptable DOF requires stopping down also, so excellent lighting or flash and a tripod are essential (as are still subjects)!

 

With lenses so close to an object, shadow-cast and lighting it effectively can be an issue, which is why specialty around-the-lens flashes have been developed.

 

Basically, macro photography is difficult and requires lots of patience depending on how close you want to get. I don't think M-system can match specialty DSLR macro lenses, but it can still do very well.

 

I think Leica's adapter is a fun and versatile accessory to have in your kit. That price though!