R-100 macro on SL3

[MEB]

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I just got my SL3 and I have an R100 macro but no R to L adaptor.  Before I spring for one, I was wondering if anyone has tried this combo and what results?

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[helged]

27 minutes ago, MEB said:

I just got my SL3 and I have an R100 macro but no R to L adaptor.  Before I spring for one, I was wondering if anyone has tried this combo and what results?

R100 macro is great on SL3 (as for the other SL-bodies). I would also check the reasonably priced Sigma DG DN 105mm f2.8 macro. The latter is - possibly - even higher-resolving than the R100 macro. I have both, but I havn't run any comparisons. Be aware, though, that the AF of the Sigma is very. very slow; so consider (and use) it as a manual focus lens. This is at least how I use it...

[gbealnz]

I have in the last few weeks acquired an R 100mm macro apo, my dream lens. I use it (amongst other things) on my SL2, I'll try it at some stage on my Leicaflex SL2 as well.

Loving it, truly amazing piece of glass, and it is forcing me to use a tripod, and stop down a bit to gain the required depth of field.

Helged is correct though, maybe try an A/F lens of some description, Sigma, or Panasonic spring to mind. A/F and more especially auto-diaphragm would really make macro a heap easier, but if you have time to be deliberate, than you'll be hard pressed to fault the R 100.

To my mind an expensive adapter isn't really required, mine is a budget no-name version. You have the SL3, the lens, so getting an elcheapo adapter to test the water is a no-brainer.

[LocalHero1953]

Until recently I had the Apo-Macro-Elmarit-R 100mm f/2.8 3-cam together with the ELPRO (to get to 1:1) and the Leica R-L adapter. I used them only for 35mm film digitising on the SL2-S. I recently sold all three, as I replaced them with an L-mount AF Sigma lens for the same purpose.

All I can say is that, within the limits of the usage, it was excellent. As you will know it is heavy, and made heavier with the ELPRO, and inevitably has a long focus throw. It is built like a tank, though, and the Leica adapter with its tripod foot makes the balance much easier. IIRC the Leica adapter also allowed the SL2-S to recognise the lens.

[dkCambridgeshire]

There are four R 100mm macro lenses – three 100/4 Elmar R variants including a bellows version and one APO !00/2.8 Elmarit R – former date from 1978 and latter from 1987.

The 100/4 is an excellent lens when stopped down to its optimum f8 aperture. The 100/4 bellows lens has superb build quality; its telescopic lens hood is a superior design to that of the R 100/4 with focusing mount. 

[darylgo]

With an SL2 it is an excellent combination, I use mine with the Novoflex adapter rather than the crazy-expensive Leica adapter.  The lens can be heavy and with an adapter and elpro attached, I have concerns about the weight placed on the camera mount and am careful not the put greater stress when focusing.  Panasonic makes some great lenses the Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens (L-Mount) would have some advantages, small and lightweight, 1:1 without tubes or elpros.  Image quality is good from the few reviews available.   

 

[Stef63]

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If this will be your only R lens, I recommend avoiding the original Leica R to L adapter, as it has a design flaw that specifically affects this lens. One of the R cam levers causes a short circuit with the adapter contacts when the diaphragm is moved past f5.6 (either from f4 up or from f8 down). This results in the SL losing connection with the lens and displaying a message indicating that an unknown lens is mounted—a very frustrating issue.

While Leica could potentially fix this via firmware by ignoring the short circuit, their current “Leica suggested” solution involves permanently modifying the cam lever of the 100mm lens.

That said, this lens is outstanding on an SL2 (or M11), so I have no doubt it will perform just as well on the SL3.

[davidmknoble]

Older image, from my iPhotos.  SL system with R APO 100 lens.  It is incredible and has room for more even with the SL3.

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