280mm F 2.8

[Porrsha]

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I have a 280mm F 2.8 R telephoto lens. It came with the Leitz Aluminun case, a black pad mount, a shoulder/neck strap, the lens, 2 lens covers. Erwin Puts book, the Leica Chronicles, shows a device or adaptor with the lens. Anybody know what the device is? Did it come with the lens originally? 

[dritz]

Probably a 1.4x apo-extender. I used to have that 280, and I also had the 1.4x adapter which was engraved as  being for this particular lens. However, Leica removed that specific assignment as the 1.4x app extender works on many lenses.  If I recall correctly, that lens was made for the 1976 (1980?) Olympics.

I loved it. Sold it because it was a beast to use. I am pretty darn happy with the 90-280-L. So, if you're using an R then you have no choice. If you are using an SL, at some point you may be tempted to modernize.

Still, a lot of fun.

Dean

[davidmknoble]

19 hours ago, Porrsha said:

I have a 280mm F 2.8 R telephoto lens. It came with the Leitz Aluminun case, a black pad mount, a shoulder/neck strap, the lens, 2 lens covers. Erwin Puts book, the Leica Chronicles, shows a device or adaptor with the lens. Anybody know what the device is? Did it come with the lens originally? 

There were two versions of that lens.  I have the earlier version.  The later version had a small drawer near the mount that could take filters (clear, colored, ND) specifically made for the lens.  There is also the grip which screws onto the tripod mount for handholding.  Otherwise, I would agree with dritz, it is probably a 1.4x.  I'll check my Puts book and see what the picture has in it.

 

[Porrsha]

56 minutes ago, davidmknoble said:

There were two versions of that lens.  I have the earlier version.  The later version had a small drawer near the mount that could take filters (clear, colored, ND) specifically made for the lens.  There is also the grip which screws onto the tripod mount for handholding.  Otherwise, I would agree with dritz, it is probably a 1.4x.  I'll check my Puts book and see what the picture has in it.

 

Thank you! I have the early version that does not have small drawer for a filter. I suspect that the Puts book shows the 2nd version with the filter. 

[dpitt]

On 4/2/2023 at 5:18 PM, Porrsha said:

Thank you! I have the early version that does not have small drawer for a filter. I suspect that the Puts book shows the 2nd version with the filter. 

It still is a great performer. Mind you the special UV filter that comes with it is calculated to be on there all the time, so it should always be used with that filter.

The lens can be used with excellent results with the special APO 1.4 converter. Even with the 2x converter (560mm F5.6) it does not show any loss in performance.

With 1.4x and 2x converter stacked on it becomes a very good 800mm F8, minor loss in performance.

[Porrsha]

On 4/4/2023 at 12:57 PM, dpitt said:

It still is a great performer. Mind you the special UV filter that comes with it is calculated to be on there all the time, so it should always be used with that filter.

The lens can be used with excellent results with the special APO 1.4 converter. Even with the 2x converter (560mm F5.6) it does not show any loss in performance.

With 1.4x and 2x converter stacked on it becomes a very good 800mm F8, minor loss in performance.

Thank you! I have both the 1.4 and 2 X but have not stacked them. 

[dpitt]

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Mine also had a common issue with broken focus ring. It was fixed, but I heard the fixing points of the strap that can go on the lens are not very strong. They can come lose with a sudden shock or something. So take care if you carry this lens by its strap lugs.

[davidmknoble]

12 hours ago, dpitt said:

Mine also had a common issue with broken focus ring. It was fixed, but I heard the fixing points of the strap that can go on the lens are not very strong. They can come lose with a sudden shock or something. So take care if you carry this lens by its strap lugs.

Just curious where you heard this?  I carry mine by the strap lugs all the time, it saves breaking the mount on the camera because of the leverage.  I've not heard that...

[dpitt]

1 hour ago, davidmknoble said:

Just curious where you heard this?  I carry mine by the strap lugs all the time, it saves breaking the mount on the camera because of the leverage.  I've not heard that...

It might be particular to my sample, because it is repaired by Will van Manen years ago. He warned me about trusting the lugs of the lens completely. It can be carried, but with a shock at the wrong angle they could come lose. I am not sure if he found some defect concerning the lugs in my lens or if this is a general issue. He also warned me about carrying the Leica M bodies with a wrist strap too. The lugs are not designed to carry the full weight with one lug only, and with a pulling force in the same direction as the lugs insert... He has seen and repaired bodies like that. So with a wrist strap you are supposed to hold the camera with your hand at all times and not leave it dangling loosely on one lug.

[RedCurtain]

hello i'm new to this and feel i need help with my question.   The early Leica literature recommends removing the 112mm filter for best optical performance .   They state it is used during transport for the protection of the front element.   However, i haven' seen any information in regards to the type 2 with filter tray.  Since it is internal and near the rear elements, it's use may be considered necessary as it has become part of the optical system of this lens.    Has anybody information about using this type 2 model without a filter?

[jaapv]

It will impact the performance, but only by a small amount. However, you don't have to use a Leica filter. Any Series (5.5? I'm not sure) UV filter will do.

[jankap]

vor 10 Stunden schrieb RedCurtain:

hello i'm new to this and feel i need help with my question.   The early Leica literature recommends removing the 112mm filter for best optical performance .   

I have the version with the filter drawer. In the drawer is a filter on the camera side of the lens. Using two filters is not so very good. I use it without the 112mm front filter.

[jaapv]

The back filter is part of the optical formula.