Elmarit R 180 versus Apo-Telyt R 180 on an SL

[J.Nordvik]

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1 hour ago, adan said:

Someone who can tell the difference from that picture will have to tell you if that is an APO-Elmarit v.1 or v.2.

The v.2 was a slight redesign precisely to allow use of the APO 2x extender, which pokes into the lens barrel a cm or so. A v.1 cannot mount the APO 2x (an oversight by Leica), but can be used with the regular Leica 2X extender, or others that don't protrude forwards so much..

I've used the 180 APO-Telyt with the very good, but not Leica, Kenko 300 Pro extenders. Could see no image degradation at all on an Canon 5DII.

You mean the APO Extender 1,4x, not the 2x.

[biogon]

The dirt on the flange might simply be from the plastic cap.

[graeme_clarke]

I've  a V2 180mm f2.8 apo Elmarit and used with an SL1 it is a superb lens.  In particular I've used it for street portraits at enactment events and picking out architectural features on for example York Minster.  With care, and using a large aperture to obtain a fast shutter speed it gives great results.

With a 2x apo converter it does become a long unit that I found too long to hand hold. On a tripod, using the "foot" on the L-R adapter it is manageable but focusing using the magnification facility has to be precise!

I bought a 90-280L a18 months ago and wasn't using the 180 at all - so my 180 is in a well-known Scottish dealers for sale now!

Attached are 3 images made using the 180mm apo elmarit.

Graeme.

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[Daniel81]

So I received the lens today.  Its a version I Elmarit R 180 APO . . . it was one of those ebay listings with 'make an offer' as an option - I made an offer many hundred dollars below asking price and he accepted.  He is a reputable established dealer in Austria.  The lens body is perfect.  The aperture ring is perfect.  The focusing ring and mechanism are perfect.  BUT, when I inspect the lens at angles in light wide open, I can see fungus spots around some edges of elements.  And the box (original box) and the leather case (original case) do smell musty.  I have already spoken to some highly reputable Leica repair people in the USA and Canada and they tell me because of the size of the lens, elements are cemented and only the factory can de-cement,  clean lens and re-cement.  What do you think.  Should I go that extent and expense to send to factory??? or just return it and keep shopping.  

[graeme_clarke]

Hello Daniel,

That is disappointing. After all you want to exploit the sensor to its maximum and a lens with fungus will not do that!  I should imagine that kind of repair being so labour intensive will cost more than its market value  I would return the lens and look for a much younger one that is in much better condition. 

The later models are much more expensive  than the earlier ones. Much will depend though on the funds you have to purchase one though.    When the Scottish dealership suggested an what seemed a high asking price for my Apo Elmarit ROM I was very surprised but they assured me of its worth!

In the present circumstances, stay well,

Graeme

[Daniel81]

Yeah, I was pretty disappointed but I must return it (thankfully I can!! ) - buying on ebay with only the photos to go by is tricky! - as it is I lose several hundred dollars on shipping and duties.  But it is clearly such a gorgeous lens - I will keep shopping - my other ebay lens purchases have been excellent.  Do you know if your 180 is still for sale at the Scottish dealership?  Link?

[graeme_clarke]

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Hi Daniel,

I've sent you a personal message,

Best wishes,

Graeme