Should I buy the R9?

[TomB_tx]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Just my take on 35 lenses on Leica R: I bought my M4 in 1968 and had 35, 50, & 90 lenses for it. in 1969 bought a Leicaflex SL and had 50, 100 macro, and 135 lenses for it. Later added other R & M and 24, 35, 60, 90, 250 & 400 lenses for the Rs, and 21 & 135 for the Ms,  I carried both bodies in my large kit.

I gravitated to use the M for 50 & wider and R for 50 and longer (and macro). 35 on an R body never worked well for me as I felt I couldn't focus as accurately as with 35 on an M body.

For a first R lens I'd recommend a 50 as I think the "user experience" is better. Meanwhile 35 has become my standard lens on M - since you have an M6 get a 35 for it - The VC Nokton 1.4 ver 2 is a bargain and works very well on the M6.

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[250swb]

4 hours ago, Helge said:

 

There are definitely more important parameters to decide about 😉

 

Like what?

Choosing a lens with screw in filters immediately guides you to the more recent lenses, isn't that a good idea? Or are there older lenses that are better than newer lenses? Are newer lenses more likely to be in better condition or worse condition? And is it important if you want to use filters that you ensure you carry two filter systems around just to be a martyr? 😉

Edited June 13, 2024 by 250swb

[dkCambridgeshire]

Leica R Vario Elmarit 35-70mm f4 ASPH ROM (1997-2009) will out-perform all other R prime lenses within its aperture range and focal lengths and also offers a good close-up option. But s/h examples are scarce; R enthusiasts keep them. One of the few R zooms designed by Leica Solms, it was manufactured by Kyocera in Japan. 

Edited June 13, 2024 by dkCambridgeshire

[Helge]

Exactly!

Not the filter thread is important, there are other things like quality, performance and condition. They are all not or only pretty weakly connected to to the way the filter is been attached 😉 There are lenses not changed a lot by moving from series filters to threaded filters.

I personally use filters on extremely rare occasions and only for B/W. Carrying a second or third filter doesn’t matter at all, they are definitely not heavy 😀

[250swb]

22 minutes ago, Helge said:

 

I personally use filters on extremely rare occasions and only for B/W. Carrying a second or third filter doesn’t matter at all, they are definitely not heavy 😀

So stop looking down your nose at people who may want to use filters, or want a built in lens hood, or choosing from the pool of newer lenses with less chance of haze, fungus, or dust, or perhaps just in better cosmetic condition. It's absurd to say none of it matters especially because they are often a similar price like for like.

[Helge]

You did not understand one word, it seems?

I‘m definitely not looking down any part of my body 😀

But it is pretty absurd, to select lenses by filter thread, other parameters make a difference 😉

(Like condition or performance)

You did never put your filters on a scale, it seems? The weight can be neglected for sure, even more in comparison to the rest of the gear😎

Edited June 13, 2024 by Helge

[250swb]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

5 hours ago, Helge said:

You did not understand one word, it seems?

I‘m definitely not looking down any part of my body 😀

But it is pretty absurd, to select lenses by filter thread, other parameters make a difference 😉

(Like condition or performance)

You did never put your filters on a scale, it seems? The weight can be neglected for sure, even more in comparison to the rest of the gear😎

You’ve still not said what those parameters are given it was the first thing I asked you? If given the choice between starting out in an R system with a newer lens or an older lens why would you start out by choosing a mix of lenses that aren’t fully compatible across those you may typically want to use?
 

It’s a simple question why thread mount filters or Series filters don’t need to be mixed if buying now and not ‘evolving’ a system over time? And if you can’t answer it I’ll tell you why, and it’s all about the ‘I’ve never had a problem’ type of response (like yours) in internet threads, and it means that person hasn’t bothered to look and consider the OP’s question but only wants to state a narrow personal view. If the R system is new to somebody the world is their oyster and they don’t need to work through Leica’s evolutionary struggles regarding CAM’s etc. But if it’s old to you you live with what you’ve adapted to, but please don't dump your ‘old’ standard onto anybody else who has the opportunity start the R system from fresh.

[sanadsaad]

Thank you all for your help! I've picked up a Summilux R 50 with an e55 filter thread. I was debating between the summicron R ROM 50 and Summilux but at the same price, I figured go with the Summilux. The ROM version of Summilux with an E60 filter gets amazing reviews but is priced well out of my range. For that price I'd rather invest in an M lens. And the Summilux (serial 3498817) is a v1 lens correct? 

[TomB_tx]

With an E55 filter thread it would have v.1 optics but with a newer body design with retractable hood and rubberized focus ring grip. I have both this and the earlier body design and performance is identical. It’s a good match for the R9.

[sanadsaad]

The R9 arrived today. Absolutely pristine. Like a brand new unboxing! It's such a gorgeous camera. I have shot with a lot of film cameras and after holding this in my hand, I understand the Leica design philosophy. Everything is where it needs to be. Fits perfectly in my hand. Such simplicity. Can't wait for the summilux to be delivered on Monday! And thank you all for your help :)

[sanadsaad]

Just received the lens. Oh.....my.....God. Why did I wait this long? The view through the finder, the shutter sound, the mirror slap, the ease of focusing with where my left hand would naturally be. I'm going to have so much fun with this camera! So glad I was able to buy this setup and get to use it in the digital era. Any recommendations for a good strap? I use hawkesmill for my M but if you guys have any recommendations for something stylish that pairs well with R9 and comfortable, I'm all ears! 

[simonr]

On 6/8/2024 at 12:10 AM, Helge said:

My favorite lens is the 2.8/60mm Macro Elmarit in the 3CAM E55 (95355) version. Should be available for approximately 400-500£

The 35 mm Elmarit was already mentioned.

I think the 35 ELMARIT version 2 is the better version.... of course.