Using digital M as aid in film M for newer close focus lenses

[ymc226]

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With the close focus abilities of the APO 35, Lux II 35 and now Lux II 50 I wonder if this can be done?  With a digital M mounted on a tripod using a standard RRS/Arca Swiss plate, use the LV or electronic VF to close focus on a subject with one of the aforementioned lenses, then replace the film M in the exact same position, unmount the adjusted lens from the digital camera and then mount it on the film M.  I would suspect the film plane on the analog camera would have to be the same as on the digital one.  Are there other considerations?  I am just enjoying the look of film a little more than digital these days so would like close up shots using film.

[spydrxx]

Your idea in principal is fine, in practice it is unlikely you would be able to maintain the setting, as even a slight movement would throw it off. If you wanted to use it with a film body for still life work you could measure from the film plane and set the distance on the scale accordingly. That's the way we did it back in the dark ages with diopter add ons.

[Ko.Fe.]

I recommend to study DOF via online DOF calculator a.k.a. dofmaster. @f1.4 and 50cm DOF is ... 76 ... mm.

I practiced hand held with goggled Summaron and CV CS 21/4 at closer than RF arm reach distances. On film Leicas.

I rolled it to f22 to have practical DOF. 

You could use Minox like measuring chain.  

[RexGig0]

Rather than acquire the new Summilux 50 ASPH II, to shoot at 0.45m, one could use the APO 75mm ASPH, at the usual rangefinder Minimum Focusing Distance of 0.7m. The Magnification Factors of the two lenses, at MFD, are nearly identical. See Jonathan Slack’s article on the new ASPH II, for the exact figures. 

https://www.slack.co.uk/leica_50_2023.html

Magnification, at close range, is an often-overlooked aspect of the wonderful APO 75mm Summicron-M ASPH. Look at the comparison images, of the glass flowers, in this article, by Jonathan Slack:

https://www.slack.co.uk/leica-apo-m-lenses.html

Notice that the APO 75 has a quite useful Magnification Factor, at its Minimum Focusing Distance, compared to the APO 90 and 135, too.

I am not saying that the APO 75 is a “macro” lens, but its Magnification Factor is a useful asset.

Edited April 18, 2023 by RexGig0

[Kwesi]

12 hours ago, ymc226 said:

With the close focus abilities of the APO 35, Lux II 35 and now Lux II 50 I wonder if this can be done?  With a digital M mounted on a tripod using a standard RRS/Arca Swiss plate, use the LV or electronic VF to close focus on a subject with one of the aforementioned lenses, then replace the film M in the exact same position, unmount the adjusted lens from the digital camera and then mount it on the film M.  I would suspect the film plane on the analog camera would have to be the same as on the digital one.  Are there other considerations?  I am just enjoying the look of film a little more than digital these days so would like close up shots using film.

I think what's really needed is for Leica to create a type of adapter with goggles that can be attached to the new close focus lenses that in effect allows it to act like a dual range summicron. This isn't really a big ask given their new emphasis on film M photography