Leica R-Adapter M vs Novoflex LEM/LER

[gdi]

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I am trying to decide whether to get an adapter to use my couple of R lenses (28mm Elmarit-R V2, 35 mm Elmarit-R) on my M10M.  If I decide to do this I may add a 80 Summilux-R to the mix.   

My question is related to adapters - does the new coded Novoflex LEM/LER adapter offer everything that the Leica R-Adapter M does?   I know the list of lenses in the software is pretty limited and may not make a lot of difference with the larger R lenses, but I wonder if there is a compelling argument for the more experience Leica adapter. 

Of course, I could just package up my two R lenses and my R8 and sell them and move on!  It may not be worth the trouble.  My other M lenses include the Wate, Mate, Elmar-M, F1 Noctilux, 90 Summicron, and the (don't laugh, 'cause I'm liking it) Thambar-M. 

 

Thanks

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[james.liam]

I've used other Novoflex adapters and they are indeed solid, but the Leica is more so.

The list of compatible lenses are in fact NOT limited, they cover all the "best of" and some of the less-than-best. 20 R lenses in all.

Edited May 13, 2020 by james.liam

[gdi]

11 hours ago, james.liam said:

I've used other Novoflex adapters and they are indeed solid, but the Leica is more so.

The list of compatible lenses are in fact NOT limited, they cover all the "best of" and some of the less-than-best. 20 R lenses in all.

Thanks, I didn’t realize that!

[J.Nordvik]

The Leica adapter have a detachable tripod foot. I find this very nice to have even if you do not have a long lens, as you can open up the bottom plate and chance battery or SC card without taking the camera off the tripod.

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[J.Nordvik]

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[gdi]

Great - thanks for the photos!  I hadn't considered the tripod foot.  That helps a lot!

[ravinj]

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I would go for the Leica adapter if you really want to use R lenses on your M. Very solid. Even with my APO Elmarit-R 180 F2.8 mounted it feels like it can easily hold that and more. Also, no need to pay retail price - you can get full set with box and everything for around $300 if you shop around. 

I personally am not fond of using R lenses on the M - it is useless without the EVF and clunky. Liveview is worse - holding the camera at arm's length to focus.

I do find the adapter useful on my SL2: R--> M and then M --> L stacked. The experience on SL2 is like magic and you can get by without even magnifying the image to focus thanks to the superb high-res EVF. 

Edited May 15, 2020 by ravinj

[gdi]

Thanks all, I just bought a nice used Leica adapter.   

[gdi]

Well, I received the adapter and it appears as new with all packaging. 

BUT... when I mounted my 35mm Elmarit-R it is unbelievably tight - so tight that it literally takes two hands to rotate the lens until it locks, and the effort to unmount it is similar.  I checked my 28 Elmarit-_R V2 and it mounts very easily, but is nice and snug.  My 35mm is serial 336xxxx, so I think it is new enough that it should mount without an issue.  Both of the lenses mount fine on my R8 and on my novoflex NEX adapter.

I guess the Leica adapter has tighter tolerances than either the R8 or the Novoflex adapter.  Has anyone experienced anything like this before?

 

Thanks

[startover]

Hi, wonder what your experience has been?  I am in the same boat as you were--considering the Novoflex versus the Leica 14642 adapter.  I read that the Leica adapter helps correct for corner vignetting when the R lens is from the "last generation".  Wonder if the Novoflex has a similar capability.

I have an application that requires using 28 or 35 to 70mm zoom, so I am thinking of buying the Novoflex adapter and a used R lens.

[jaapv]

Corner vignetting on R lenses is minimal to nil,whatever the generation. They don't have the difficulties that Leica M lenses have on sensors. Any that you may find is a ten-second correction in postprocessing. Not worth spending money on.

[Keith (M)]

On 5/21/2020 at 2:09 AM, gdi said:

Well, I received the adapter and it appears as new with all packaging. 

BUT... when I mounted my 35mm Elmarit-R it is unbelievably tight - so tight that it literally takes two hands to rotate the lens until it locks, and the effort to unmount it is similar.  I checked my 28 Elmarit-_R V2 and it mounts very easily, but is nice and snug.  My 35mm is serial 336xxxx, so I think it is new enough that it should mount without an issue.  Both of the lenses mount fine on my R8 and on my novoflex NEX adapter.

I guess the Leica adapter has tighter tolerances than either the R8 or the Novoflex adapter.  Has anyone experienced anything like this before?

 

Thanks

I have the 35mm Elmarit-R (ser. no. 3587xxx) and Leica 14642 adapter.  The 35mm mounts on it just like my other R lenses (60mm Macro, 90mm Elmarit & 21-35mm Vario-R).  No excess force, just a firm(ish), single-handed turn.