Leica CL using with lenses without an aperture ring…..

[davidrc]

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At first with my CL I used a TL lens….the only real issue I had is that I found the lack of F stops on the lens prohibitive.  For me it was frustrating, as I never found an exposure triangle via controls that was flexible enough.  I was switching around PASM options but never really settled on one which suited. Probably because of the soft controls.

Obtaining and using an excellent sigma lens with ring F stops, that was a game changer.

I experimented and fell into the following method…. F stop on the lens, A priority on the camera, either auto iso or chosen and right wheel exp comp.  So settings needed can be changed easily near to both hands quickly.

I find such a set up hard to replicate with a non F stop ring lens….i’m like a fish out of water.  Help!  What the heck am I missing?

( I am looking at adding lenses, but for various reasons I may have to have a lens without a F stop ring )

suggestions please?

* and I usually set the aperture to an appropriate one and leave it. But, I have to change it quickly sometimes.
* leaving iso and speed to sort themselves out mostly, but with the need to quickly override via comp.

what works for you, with non ring lenses?

 

 

Edited February 1, 2024 by davidrc
Typos and additions.

[tommonego@gmail.com]

I am not sure why you can't use the top dials to set your f stops, I have fstops on the left wheel, shutter speed on the right (I use a CL). I believe the default is fstops on the right wheel, shutter speed left, I changed this in the menu. You have 1/3 f stop adjustment. When I switch TL lenses, the camera picks up thelast f stop used on the lens, sometimes if I have used the lens inside then go outside I have to be conscience of this. 

Changing, adjusting fstops has never been a problem, I use my camera on manual 90 percent of the time. I have 2 TL lenses, the 23 Summicron and the 11 - 23 Super Vario Elmar. All my other lenses are M lenses and 1 55mm f1.4 Chinese lens. I have no problem switching between the manual f stop and TL lenses .

Edited February 2, 2024 by tommonego@gmail.com

[davidrc]

6 hours ago, tommonego@gmail.com said:

I am not sure why you can't use the top dials to set your f stops, I have fstops on the left wheel, shutter speed on the right (I use a CL). I believe the default is fstops on the right wheel, shutter speed left, I changed this in the menu. You have 1/3 f stop adjustment. When I switch TL lenses, the camera picks up thelast f stop used on the lens, sometimes if I have used the lens inside then go outside I have to be conscience of this. 

Changing, adjusting fstops has never been a problem, I use my camera on manual 90 percent of the time. I have 2 TL lenses, the 23 Summicron and the 11 - 23 Super Vario Elmar. All my other lenses are M lenses and 1 55mm f1.4 Chinese lens. I have no problem switching between the manual f stop and TL lenses .

Thanks.

It’s not that they won’t work.

couple of points in there. Firstly, it’s about how I am using the camera. Having the F on the lens means in preferred A mode I only have to use one wheel. The left wheel is not easy to get at quickly. I am going to file down a spot in front on the thumb grip…see other topic thread.

secondly, the pickup of last F stop used!!!….what did I say?….missing the (not so) obvious.

Having got the train of thought back to a non F lens, other selections will play a part.

like yourself, originally, I thought and used manual mode. But I found that meant continually being slowed down by wheels.

well, not exactly, I think the camera was primarily for as much auto use as possible.  The manual flexibility is good, but slow.

an F stop lens really helps.

I find talking and bouncing ideas off helps to solve.  As many know and point out, soft buttons controls bring traps for the unwary.

which looks to inc me. 

[davidrc]

7 hours ago, tommonego@gmail.com said:

I am not sure why you can't use the top dials to set your f stops, I have fstops on the left wheel, shutter speed on the right (I use a CL). I believe the default is fstops on the right wheel, shutter speed left, I changed this in the menu. You have 1/3 f stop adjustment. When I switch TL lenses, the camera picks up thelast f stop used on the lens, sometimes if I have used the lens inside then go outside I have to be conscience of this. 

Changing, adjusting fstops has never been a problem, I use my camera on manual 90 percent of the time. I have 2 TL lenses, the 23 Summicron and the 11 - 23 Super Vario Elmar. All my other lenses are M lenses and 1 55mm f1.4 Chinese lens. I have no problem switching between the manual f stop and TL lenses .

I think I was gravitating towards the same set up. Which I may have done prior to the sigma…..But that lends itself more to M mode, which means my only quick ergonomic exp balancing control is with the speed, on the right.  And out of parameter means twiddling.

but, I will go back and revisit and try now more familiar.   

[tom0511]

For me it works well. I use mostly A. I use the 2 wheels, one for f-stop, the other for exposure compensation. Plus the CL even has a small display on the top plate showing the f-stop.

I dont see any restriction compared to other cameras. Of course a f-stop at the lens is different, but its the same for SL lenses for example, and also for S lenses.

 

[Le Chef]

I don’t see an issue. Configure the wheels to whatever function you prefer. I have Aperture Priority set and use the left wheel for aperture and the right wheel for exposure compensation. All that gets put into a profile and saved.

[davidrc]

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4 hours ago, Le Chef said:

I don’t see an issue. Configure the wheels to whatever function you prefer. I have Aperture Priority set and use the left wheel for aperture and the right wheel for exposure compensation. All that gets put into a profile and saved.

Well there is for me, if you consider my viewpoint that an aperture on a ring is more helpful and efficient and you are not tied down to two wheel use.  Maybe you have big hands? Who knows.

The point is on A mode, set the wheels either way round you want, it is more restrictive as iso cannot be on auto.

I an trying to fathom a way around this, to minimise wheel use.  Reading other comments in a thread reveals.

Perhaps trying P?  Different options bring a different arrangements which may be quicker in some situations, which is the basis of the question….of others experiences.  The combos are simple, back impact greatly in ways in use.

Different “I do it this way”, may indeed help me.  A and the way you mention is likely to feature strongly, twice already.

It may be best other than a F stop lens…..and there are not many made, not primes.

[davidrc]

P mode helps, I can see why A mode would be popular. They are all slower in use than a F stop lens use. Allows some added flexibility and speed.

Keep trying combos, but I don’t think anything will get close, no substitute for what a F stop lens brings.  Pity the L mount does not have more of them.  

[Le Chef]

3 hours ago, davidrc said:

The point is on A mode, set the wheels either way round you want, it is more restrictive as iso cannot be on auto.

 Not so. I shoot Aperture Priority most often and set the left wheel to change Aperture. The left button allows me to change between P/A/S/M. The right wheel is for Exposure Compensation. I use the right button to set ISO. Most often that is set to Auto. If I want to change ISO from Auto, I tap the right button and that lets me use the right wheel to change ISO. Tap that button again and the right wheel reverts to Exposure Compensation. All those options are detailed in the instruction manual.

[davidrc]

12 hours ago, Le Chef said:

 Not so. I shoot Aperture Priority most often and set the left wheel to change Aperture. The left button allows me to change between P/A/S/M. The right wheel is for Exposure Compensation. I use the right button to set ISO. Most often that is set to Auto. If I want to change ISO from Auto, I tap the right button and that lets me use the right wheel to change ISO. Tap that button again and the right wheel reverts to Exposure Compensation. All those options are detailed in the instruction manual.

I too Chef like to major on the right wheel for regular changes. That’s why I like (d) the f stop on a lens. It gives more choice.

I am trying this method:

assess the approx iso for whatever is being shot (if a change is needed) and set it…. > P* set > right assigned to switch between iso change, and exp comp as needed. > Right wheel for aperture and SS following it paired.

if out of suitable range or any setting unsuitable, a quick right press to take iso where needed. 

It leaves the adjustments mainly with the right wheel…..this sort of gets me where I need things and using without a f stop on the lens.  Not bad at all.

 

 

 

 

Edited February 3, 2024 by davidrc
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