Leica Tri-Elmar 16-18-21: fantastic lens but with a big problem

[wolan]

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Hi 

I went out for a first shooting with my Leica Tri-Elmar 16-18-21 and I noticed a problem that has messed up a lots of photos.

You can see it in the picture below. The filter on the (Leica-provided) filter holder is causing a reflection of part of the scene that bounces back on the sensor. If I cover the two openings on the filter holder with my finger then everything is ok. Why has the filter holder those two open slots in the first place? Is there a third-party filter holder that is closed and does not causes this problem? For the time being I'll have to use some gaffer tape...

Thanks

 

 

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[dg4mgr]

vor 12 Minuten schrieb wolan:

Why has the filter holder those two open slots in the first place?

The openings are there for looking through them with the optical viewfinder. So it blocks less of the viewfinder frame, and you can see the effect of a polarizer when using the optical viewfinder.

[Robert Blanko]

Just searched via Google and I think I understand your problem now... https://www.foto-koester.de/objektive/filter/244990/leica-filterhalter-e67-fuer-m-1-4/16-18-21?sPartner=Google&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjOWfy9G1hAMVWahoCR0y9QMlEAQYAiABEgIBK_D_BwE

 

Maybe you could find an appropriate step-up adapter which could serve the same purpose but without openings.

Or maybe you could print a smart cover ring with a 3D printer which could allow to open and close the openings.

[W124]

I closed these openings simply permanently with some tape to use ND Filters on the WATE.

Btw. there comes a plastic inlay together with the holder 14473, see the pictures

https://www.mkkcamera.com/leica-filter-holder-14473-e67-for-16-18-21-4-0-asph-473/

 

 

Edited February 18, 2024 by W124
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[mmradman]

Leica filter adapter comes, or used to perhaps, with blocking ring that is inserted inside to cover two elongated holes, lens dates from M8 days so it was necessary to block unwanted light contamination as M8 was sensitive to IR.

[mmradman]

On 2/18/2024 at 9:06 PM, W124 said:

I closed these openings simply permanently with some tape to use ND Filters on the WATE.

Btw. there comes a plastic inlay together with the holder 14473, see the pictures

https://www.mkkcamera.com/leica-filter-holder-14473-e67-for-16-18-21-4-0-asph-473/

 

 

It works on full frame camera without issues, at least I haven’t seen any.

[FunkyGuy]

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I have another question that you might be able to help me with. I picked up a used WATE today and notice that it make a strange noise when moving focal length from 21-18-16. It doesn't seem to make the same noise moving it back to 21mm. Is this sound normal? Thanks!

[W124]

That sounds not normal, I can change focal length without any  noise and it feels completely smooth

Edited March 29 by W124

[Sharpdressed]

The thread title is totally misleading. The lens is fantastic. One of the best for the M system.

[FunkyGuy]

"That sounds not normal, I can change focal length without any  noise and it feels completely smooth"

I think I may have found the problem. When moving through the focal length, there is a movement of glass in the rear of the lens. When the lens is off the camera, I hear almost nothing. When it is on the camera I hear the noise that seems to be air escaping from around the mount. When I move it slowly, I don't hear the noise... it only when I move it fast. I would think that would be normal. Do you hear the same?

[W124]

vor 16 Stunden schrieb FunkyGuy:

"That sounds not normal, I can change focal length without any  noise and it feels completely smooth"

I think I may have found the problem. When moving through the focal length, there is a movement of glass in the rear of the lens. When the lens is off the camera, I hear almost nothing. When it is on the camera I hear the noise that seems to be air escaping from around the mount. When I move it slowly, I don't hear the noise... it only when I move it fast. I would think that would be normal. Do you hear the same?

As I don't own a digitial M anymore I can compare with my M3 and adapted to a Sony A7SII only. 

For me sound and feel is similar with both bodies and lens only.

[FunkyGuy]

In case others have observed the same issue..... I sent Don at DAG a video of the sound and he says that 70% of the WATEs he gets in makes the same noise. (They were not sent in complaining about the noise.) He said that the sound was normal and was no reason for concern.