To Focus Close or Not to Focus Close, That is the Question

[tappan]

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Regarding the newer lenses that are offering close focus for all of us M lens-users.
I am curious.
For YOU, Is this something that you will be interested in?
Today, at the a Leica Store Boston, I tried the new 28mm Summicron-with closer focus.
NICE lens. Very sharp and contrasty, and not too big. I put on my visoflex 020 on my M10-P. I am intrigued as I do not now own a 28mm. I am looking at this and the newer type Elmarit 28mm.
It felt like a Q. Is this a case of having your cake (or Q 🙂) and eating it too? I have to admit--> It felt VERY different, did not feel like a Leica.
It made me think that I have a big decision to make in my Leica M experience. On one hand it feels like it would be a great family camera, and great for environmental portraits-->
 A "Q-type" camera without the auto focus. On the other hand it really would be a big departure from what I know about Leica. The limitations (some would say strengths) of the traditional lenses. I think it really is a question of shooting style. 
Would love to hear others' thoughts. Thx
Mark

[DrM]

I love the close-up option (35APO&50luxII). It adds to the versatility without compromises. 

[maxpower]

I went for the new 35mm Summilux-M because it is a bit more compact (I know this has been subject of debate, but having a retractable hood vs one that you screw on/off and then have to keep separate to me was a size benefit). But also because I thought it would be useful to have close focus for those few times I wanted it, like when my cat is on my lap. 

Well, I use it so rarely because it's just not fun to use in my opinion. I got a rangefinder because I want to use a rangefinder, having to focus with the LCD (I sold my Visoflex because I didn't like it) is just not a fun experience for me. Focus peaking had mixed results for me, I feel like I get better results without it. So yeah, I don't regret getting it and I am happy with the lens, but rarely use it below 0.7m, so  I wouldn't do it again personally. 

Right now I don't have a different camera, but I do think different cameras different usecases. The times I want to use close focus I'll just use my phone, as I said it's usually just my cat being too close to me anyway so no artistic photos.

Whether that applies to you, I can't say. 

[Alberti]

My close focus started with a Nikkor-HC 50mm LTM, that will focus to 45cm. 
I found it was great for trips to museums where I like to record some objects, for instance. Looking at statistics (LR) I note that I use it almost half as much as my Summicron 50mm. So the CF function has something going for it. 
That said, I do not think I’m willing to add a large (big lens) Lux with CF too, having one without it.
As regards wider 35mm lenses, CF is very interesting. 
An APO 50mm would be interesting too with CF . . . 

[evikne]

I would like to have at least one lens with a good reproduction ratio, which is why I miss my 75mm Summilux. But all the other lenses don't need to have this capability.

[Jeff S]

I use RF only with my M bodies, so no interest at all in focusing shorter than .7 m. Added lens design and operational complexity is a negative for me. Even my SL 24-90 focuses as close or closer than these new M lenses. 
 

Jeff

[evikne]

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10 minutes ago, Al Brown said:

My Summicron 75 APO has one of the best reproduction ratios of contemporary M lenses -> 1:7.
The 75 lux has a reproduction ratio of 1:8.

The 75 Lux would fit better with my other pre-ASPH lenses, but if money was no object, I'd love to have a set of modern APO lenses as well.

[wda]

I already have dedicated lenses for close distance shots, so I have neither need nor desire to upgrade my present lenses.

[RMF]

As far as the Leica close focus lenses I own both the 35 FLE v2, and the 35 APO…honestly I really don’t like the haptics of the close focus implementation and would chose to forgo it if I had the choice again for the FLE (but I like the retractable lens hood of the new 35 fle v2 and this particular copy is perfectly calibrated so,I’m holding on to it). The ‘bump’ from normal to close focus really should be much more distinct and I find that it gets it my way and is distracting when focusing right around that “bump’ range. Just my two cents.

[cboy]

Dual range is nothing new. It's been a limitation for rangefinders since inception but now since advent of of LCD/EVF it is less less an issue, which is why there has been an argument for an EVF M since close focusing has always been an add-on instead of integrated into the M system.

[Khomaz]

I recently bought a 35mm FLE and a 50mm lux ASPH both the previous versions. Using mostly M9 and M6 TTL cameras, I wouldn't have much use for the CF at the moment. Took a while to take the decision - since the resale value of the newer versions would surely be higher and compatibility with future cameras (EVF M?) better - but ended with going with the old versions. After 10+ years with Leica rangefinder cameras the 70 cm focus range has become so familiar that I often just hold the camera in front of the subject for those crazy angle snaps. But I'm sure the decision would've been a lot harder if I have had a live view rangefinder camera instead. At least the option of close focus should make each of us consider why we chose the rangefinder system in the first place.

[tappan]

It's funny, I almost feel like George Bailey turning down the amazing possibilities of Mr. Potter's offer in the movie It's a Wonderful Life. I mean, the allure of close focus!......but then the reality of why most of us got into rangefinders to begin with. The simplicity, the bright viewfinder not blocked out when shutter is pressed.
Mark

Edited February 16, 2024 by tappan

[tappan]

3 minutes ago, Khomaz said:

I recently bought a 35mm FLE and a 50mm lux ASPH both the previous versions. Using mostly M9 and M6 TTL cameras, I wouldn't have much use for the CF at the moment. Took a while to take the decision - since the resale value of the newer versions would surely be higher and compatibility with future cameras (EVF M?) better - but ended with going with the old versions. After 10+ years with Leica rangefinder cameras the 70 cm focus range has become so familiar that I often just hold the camera in front of the subject for those crazy angle snaps. But I'm sure the decision would've been a lot harder if I have had a live view rangefinder camera instead. At least the option of close focus should make each of us consider why we chose the rangefinder system in the first place.

VERY well put!

[rogxwhit]

For me, a closer focus and probably other things as well could be a benefit, but at what cost?  Ability is a thing, but enjoyment is a thing too. 

I have a couple of Zeiss ZM lenses that focus to 0.5m.  I use them happily on my digital M body - its rangefinder tells me what to do.  But it's a sweet experience.

If I want to burst that envelope, I can mount any M lenses onto my Nikon Z 7ii, with its excellent evf.

I go out with either camera according to my whim.   

I like the clear view of the rangefinder.  And its compactness.

 

 

 

[Pika898]

I think it is good to have at least one lens in the kit with this capability. For me it’s on the 50 lux. I could live with .7m on my 35 cron. 

[Alberti]

Some mindful affirmations on a CF Summicron, how easy it would be:

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. . a little bit Closer . . 

> 50mm F/2 approx. 45cm CF lens, M10r

Edited February 17, 2024 by Alberti

[RexGig0]

I would not need to acquire the Close Focus version of the Summilux-M 50mm ASPH, because the Magnification Factor of my APO Summicron-M 75mm ASPH enables it to perform the equivalent task from its MFD of 0.7m. (Edited to add: I see that Al Brown already mentioned this, in an earlier reply post.)

I recently learned that my Leica Elmarit-R 35mm f/2.8 Version III lens can actually focus as closely as 0.2m, so, with my Novoflex adapter, I am equipped to shoot closely, with a 35mm lens. I had bought this lens, in order to have a quickly-available, inexpensive 35mm option, at the same Leica dealer where I had bought my Summilux-M 50mm ASPH and M10, in 2018. Because I had added 35mm M lenses, since then, I was considering selling my Elmarit-R, 35 III, but, its close-focusing capability makes it a “keeper.”

I also have the Zeiss 18mm f/4 ZM, a nice lens, as we can see in Al Brown’s reply post and image. (Thus far, I have only used mine for a few mundane test images.)

I do not specifically plan to acquire any of the newer Close Focus M lenses primarily because of their Close Focus capability, but, retirement and inflation have been limiting my “buying power,” anyway. Plus, I have a Leica Macro Adapter M, which enables my on-hand M lenses to be used at closer range. I am glad I bought the Macro Adapter M, pre-owned, when I did, some time ago, because they seem to be perpetually unavailable from Leica dealers. 

 

Edited February 19, 2024 by RexGig0

[spydrxx]

No interest in a M iteration of close focusing lens. I've tried lots of solutions over the years. These days I just use my Sony A7RII with a whole variety of close focus and/or macro lenses when I want close focus capabilities. IMHO unless you have Visoflex or Live View capabilities on a RF body, it is a waste of $ and time. Best to use a DSLR/SLR/Mirrorless body for close up shots. Or even an Iphone.

[KFo]

Close focus?  I've never missed it.  I have a 90 macro elmarit M and adjustable close focus adapter that I bought for a special project...haven't touched close much less macro since.  I do like the 90 though.

I think my Voigtlander 21 f/4 LTM focuses to .5M but with that lens its not a big deal; the DOF conceals a wealth of sins anyway.

For close (restaurants etc) I use the dreaded iPhone.  Highly capable within it's scope and always available 😎

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Hallo,

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[Alberti]

On 2/17/2024 at 12:14 AM, tappan said:

It's funny, I almost feel like George Bailey turning down the amazing possibilities of Mr. Potter's offer in the movie It's a Wonderful Life. I mean, the allure of close focus!......but then the reality of why most of us got into rangefinders to begin with. The simplicity, the bright viewfinder not blocked out when shutter is pressed.
Mark

But then many of us already also got into the electronic viewfinder of RF camera's and using that when needed: M240, M0, M11 . . .