How do I comprehensively test my "new" lens acquisition? (Vario Elmar R 80-200mm f4 ROM)

[pridbor]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

While looking for the 35-70 f4 I stumbled upon and purchased a Vario - Elmar R 80 - 200mm f4 ROM lens for my R9.  I did a little memory search and decided that I use this wider range more often than the 35-70mm. 

So, I'm now waiting for the delivery, it comes to me from Poland, and am starting to think about how I test it against the claimed condition:

““■ Total Mint Pre-owned, Like new Near Mint Pre-owned, almost no signs of use Excellent+++++Pre-owned, ” 

These words caused me to purchase it and I would like you inputs with regards to testing and otherwise what to look for like the ROM functionality, and possibly return it if not as advertised. 

Thanks in advance.

Preben

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[bherman01545]

For optical testing, you can start here:

https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2012/05/testing-for-a-decentered-lens-an-old-technique-gets-a-makeover/

[dkCambridgeshire]

23 hours ago, pridbor said:

While looking for the 35-70 f4 I stumbled upon and purchased a Vario - Elmar R 80 - 200mm f4 ROM lens for my R9.  I did a little memory search and decided that I use this wider range more often than the 35-70mm. 

So, I'm now waiting for the delivery, it comes to me from Poland, and am starting to think about how I test it against the claimed condition:

““■ Total Mint Pre-owned, Like new Near Mint Pre-owned, almost no signs of use Excellent+++++Pre-owned, ” 

These words caused me to purchase it and I would like you inputs with regards to testing and otherwise what to look for like the ROM functionality, and possibly return it if not as advertised. 

Thanks in advance.

Preben

Excellent lens designed by Leica made by Kyocera ... unlikely to have any -ve issues ... When testing use a tripod to prevent any 'shake' ... If not using a tripod use a fast film to enable fast shutter speeds  ... To test every aperture throughout the zoom range you'll need a lot of film  ... Use f5.6 and f8 for optimum results. It's not an APO lens ... performs better at the shorter focal lengths and medium apertures ... but it's very usable at full aperture.

Edited June 1, 2022 by dkCambridgeshire

[davidmknoble]

@pridbor, good question about testing ROM.  If you have an SL with an adapter (or M) you could see if it properly registered the lens type.  If not, you might be able to compare some exposure measurements with equivalent apertures on different lenses (wide open) to see if it compensates for wide open vignetting, but the 80-200 f/4 does not have much vignetting.  Hard to test that part without a digital camera.

David.

[mauriziobozzi]

I use this splendid lens on Nikon d850, with adapter. The photographs are excellent at any focal length (a little better at long distances). I'm not a fan of zooms, but this one is an exception. A little heavy, but the results you get are rewarding. The glass returns a delightful color. Mine is perfect. Best wishes !!

[Camaro5]

I have one coming this week to use on a trip to Utah at the end of the month.  Probably use it on the tripod with the Leica R Adapter M with the tripod mount.  Once we get back I'm sending it to DAG for a CLA.  Being that's it's from 1997 some routine servicing is probably overdue.  It's not something I would use a lot, but will be nice for the distant landscape subjects I may not want to hike to.  

[davidmknoble]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

This is unedited, from the SL2-S (meta data says 35-70 because I forgot to turn on auto detect), but I think just shooting with it using open apertures can tell you a lot about the lens.  The only other real option unless you do it for a living is to send it off for a CLA.  DAG does super work on R lenses.

(Image not resized, direct from iPhotos - Venice, Italy glass blowing)

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

 

Edited July 13, 2022 by davidmknoble

[Camaro5]

I got mine a couple of days ago and have been testing it, shooting the mountain landscapes around my area on my M10-R.  The 80-200 is nice and sharp, still sharp with an APO 2x ROM Extender.  It is pretty easy to focus using the Visoflex 020 and focus peaking.  Biggest issue was getting the depth of field right.  f/8 seems to work best, with or without the Extender (which essentially makes it f/16).  Focus peaking also works better at f/8 on landscapes.  Overall sharpness seems a little better at 180mm or 360mm with the Extender.  

These are a couple of shots from my backyard.  One at 200mm and one at 400mm.  Different days, but they're both pretty good.  I haven't shot much telephoto so I'm still working on getting the best settings.

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[spydrxx]

I no longer  have one, but I remember when I owned it, it was a match for my Canon Fd 80-200/4 L. I'd test it, if you have a mirrorless body, on a tripod at each aperture as well as at each 10mm increments of focal length. On a film body, without film, I'd open the camera back and test shoot it at each aperture to ensure the blades properly close and open. If you're using a camera with a built in meter, you can likewise check each aperture for proper exposure. I'd make sure the zoom and focusing operate smoothly without any "hiccups", and that the lens mounts firmly without any sloppiness on the camera you plan to use it on. It was a favorite of my many zooms when I had Leica R bodies. Enjoy yours!

[pridbor]

R 35mm Elmarit on Sony A7RII

Here is an image of the lens I acquired via Ebay from a seller in Poland.  It looks like new and everything I have tried, which isn't quite enough yet, seem to work perfectly well.

It is a bit heavier than I thought but it fits perfectly on my "Rs" and the Sony adapter.  I'm looking forward getting to use it and compare the results with those images I have taken with my 75-200mm lens.

I will go through it in a little more focused manner and will make use of your suggestions/recommendations in the above posts.

Thanks all

Preben

 

 

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[bherman01545]

I actually have one for sale. It’s a 3 Cam lens in the box 98% mint with a full DAG CLA if anyone is interested, PM me

[davidmknoble]

@pridbor, congrats!  Hope you enjoy using it!

[teiki arii]

Hello,

sorry to be so late. It's a very good lens as the 35-70/4 Apsh is. The bokeh is not so nice for long range over 170mm. Tried on Panasonic DC-S1, it's very good indeed, as premium lenses. Not as good as the new digital era lenses (Sigma DG's, Leica SL's...) but widely sufficient for roll films anyway. 

[jankap]

On 5/31/2022 at 7:21 PM, bherman01545 said:

For optical testing, you can start here:

https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2012/05/testing-for-a-decentered-lens-an-old-technique-gets-a-makeover/

Or here: https://blog.kasson.com

At the right side of the page you find an instruction for testing on decentering.