180mm f/2.8 APO-Elmarit-R Version II

[LeicaFan1]

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I have an opportunity to buy a 180mm f/2.8 APO-Elmarit-R II 11357 at a good price.  I am aware of its rarity(only 400 produced), ability to use 1.4x apo converter and the different bokeh when compared to Ver I.  Anyone actively shooting with this lens at this time who would like to voice their opinion?

 

Edited December 27, 2018 by LeicaFan1

[masjah]

I've got the later version that takes the 1.4x extender. It is a superb lens. I have no direct experience of the earlier version. Leica used to say that the two were optically the same, but I'm not sure how that could exactly be the case since the position of the rear element is moved. If you have the chance to get one at a good price, then I would go ahead.

[james.liam]

On 12/28/2018 at 11:46 AM, masjah said:

I've got the later version that takes the 1.4x extender. It is a superb lens. I have no direct experience of the earlier version. Leica used to say that the two were optically the same, but I'm not sure how that could exactly be the case since the position of the rear element is moved. If you have the chance to get one at a good price, then I would go ahead.

By moving around the other elements? 

[Michael Geschlecht]

On 12/28/2018 at 11:46 AM, masjah said:

I've got the later version that takes the 1.4x extender. It is a superb lens. I have no direct experience of the earlier version. Leica used to say that the two were optically the same, but I'm not sure how that could exactly be the case since the position of the rear element is moved. If you have the chance to get one at a good price, then I would go ahead.

Hello John,

By writing "the same" they MIGHT have meant that the resultant print quality was the same. Not that the optical formulas were the same.

Best Regards,

Michael

[bags27]

I'm envious. I really lust for that lens. But I have much less expensive R 80-200 f/4 (with the 2x APO extender) and am satisfied.

[james.liam]

I have the more common v.1. It is a remarkable optic though it would have been nice to have v.2 for my 1.4x APO. IIRC, Leica would convert it to a v.2 once upon a time so there can’t bw much of a difference. 

[masjah]

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7 hours ago, james.liam said:

I have the more common v.1. It is a remarkable optic though it would have been nice to have v.2 for my 1.4x APO. IIRC, Leica would convert it to a v.2 once upon a time so there can’t bw much of a difference. 

James, I too recall that a conversion was at one time available. Your earlier comment of course also bears on this. For what it's worth, my own speculation is that they simply moved the rearmost element further down into the body, and then changed its prescription to compensate. I presume they could get away with this "simple minded" change without too much consequential upset elsewhere in the design.