Guest PhotoWebb.co.uk Posted March 12, 2009 Share #1 Posted March 12, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) I currently use a Leica M8 and Leica M6 as my only two cameras and absolutely love them. However, having come from an SLR background I do find myself occasionally wanting to use a longer lens. I have tried a 75 on my M8 but didn't find it that easy to use. This was just my personal experience and I do not wish to start a debate about long focal lengths on M cameras. Let's just say that it was my personal preference not to use anything longer than a 50 on the M8. So, in light of the fact that I will occasionally want to shoot portraits of people when I travel and the fact that longer focal lengths make this more easy I started to look at Leica R series cameras. I have asked my usual dealer to put aside a Leica R7 and a 90mm f/2 Summicron. I am planning to pick up a 135mm f/2.8 Elmarit to add to this and probably a 50mm f/2 Summicron at a later date. Have I done the right thing? Is there any reason why I shouldn't go for this camera and lens combination? Any reliability issues? On the other hand are there any out there who can tell me that this camera and lens combination is fantastic? Maybe even show me some examples of photographs taken? I look forward to hearing from you all. Daniel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 12, 2009 Posted March 12, 2009 Hi Guest PhotoWebb.co.uk, Take a look here Leica R7 - using longer lenses than is practical with an M. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
kenneth Posted March 12, 2009 Share #2 Posted March 12, 2009 I currently use a Leica M8 and Leica M6 as my only two cameras and absolutely love them. However, having come from an SLR background I do find myself occasionally wanting to use a longer lens. I have tried a 75 on my M8 but didn't find it that easy to use. This was just my personal experience and I do not wish to start a debate about long focal lengths on M cameras. Let's just say that it was my personal preference not to use anything longer than a 50 on the M8. So, in light of the fact that I will occasionally want to shoot portraits of people when I travel and the fact that longer focal lengths make this more easy I started to look at Leica R series cameras. I have asked my usual dealer to put aside a Leica R7 and a 90mm f/2 Summicron. I am planning to pick up a 135mm f/2.8 Elmarit to add to this and probably a 50mm f/2 Summicron at a later date. Have I done the right thing? Is there any reason why I shouldn't go for this camera and lens combination? Any reliability issues? On the other hand are there any out there who can tell me that this camera and lens combination is fantastic? Maybe even show me some examples of photographs taken? I look forward to hearing from you all. Daniel Daniel, like you I came to an M6 from an SLR background. Nikon F-F2-F3HP- FM2n, not all at the same time I hasten add but rangefinder cameras are totally different and some people take to them and others feel more at home with an SLR. I did try a second hand R8 some time ago but there were one or two electronic issues that worried me. I prefer mechanical cameras so I personally felt right at home with the M6. In fact so much so that I bought a second body. Rangefinder cameras are not the ideal instrument if you want to major on telephoto work but up to 135mm focal length I do not think an M series camera can be bettered. I wouldn't rush into buying an R camera after all the R system has been discontinued and there will be some silly deals in the long term. All I would say is that if you decide to go for a Leica R camera make sure you buy it from an authorised dealer who will give you 6 months warranty because you never know why the seller has parted with it. Stick around this forum and you will gleam alot of useful knowledge that will help you resolve the issue and good luck Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBA Posted March 13, 2009 Share #3 Posted March 13, 2009 I got into the R system for a similar reason and do not see any reason why you shouldn't if you feel comfortable using SLRs and want a wider range of focal lengths, in addition to the possibility of zooms, macro, perspective control, etc. that are not practical with an M. I can unhesitatingly recommend the 90 Summicron-R as a great performer. It is the lens I use most with my SL2. Another lens I would recommend is the 180 3.4 Apo-Telyt, which was another major reason I got into R glass. It's not prohibitively expensive and performs stunningly for sharpness, contrast, color, etc. Two other good reasons to get into the R system are that the lenses are a great value for the price, and the promised R10 should be able to take existing R lenses (regardless of all the nail-biting by the rumor mill). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PhotoWebb.co.uk Posted March 16, 2009 Share #4 Posted March 16, 2009 Thanks, guys. I ended up getting a Mint Black R5 with 12 month warranty for £249! It is due to arrive tomorrow. Have my eye on a 50mm f/2 Summicron-R, 90mm f/2 Summicron-R and a 135mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R. One thing I'd like to ask is about the 3 Cam/2 Cam thing - I know nothing about this - could somebody explain to me please? Do I need to be looking for anything specifically for using on my R5? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tgray Posted March 16, 2009 Share #5 Posted March 16, 2009 I see nothing wrong with this approach, but do want to note that many manufacturers make wonderful telephoto lenses, and that you don't have to stick with Leica. A Canon 1V and a 135/2 is a great combo... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted March 16, 2009 Share #6 Posted March 16, 2009 One thing I'd like to ask is about the 3 Cam/2 Cam thing - I know nothing about this - could somebody explain to me please? Don't worry too much about the cam thing. Just buy 3-cam lenses, and you will be fine. I second the recommendation of the 90 Summicron-R. My example from the mid 70s is very sharp, draws beautifully, and cost me less than £250 about 3 years ago. http://www.andybarton.com/2007/mediafiles/l21.jpg http://www.andybarton.com/2007/mediafiles/l48.jpg Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PhotoWebb.co.uk Posted March 16, 2009 Share #7 Posted March 16, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Don't worry too much about the cam thing. Just buy 3-cam lenses, and you will be fine. I notice that looking at used lenses it is generally not specified if they are 3-cam - is it generally safe to assume that lenses are? Or is it more likely that they aren't? What is the most common? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted March 16, 2009 Share #8 Posted March 16, 2009 I notice that looking at used lenses it is generally not specified if they are 3-cam - is it generally safe to assume that lenses are? Or is it more likely that they aren't? What is the most common? If it doesn't say, then it's most likely to be 3-cam. 2-cam lenses are unusual these days, and the advert will normally say so. If you are buying from eBay, ask the seller. If you want to see what a 3-cam lens mount looks like - just ask Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveYork Posted March 17, 2009 Share #9 Posted March 17, 2009 I'm in the same boat. I've used rangefinders for the last 10+ years and now I have a trip coming up where telephotos are needed. I went through all my options -- 135mm, visoflex, ect., and came to the conclusion an SLR system was needed. For me, I like mechanical cameras, so I went for a R6.2, although an SL or SL2 sound appealing too, because of these big beautiful viewfinders I keep hearing about. I was under the mistaken impression that their meters were kaputs, because the required battery was no longer in production. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveYork Posted March 17, 2009 Share #10 Posted March 17, 2009 I notice that looking at used lenses it is generally not specified if they are 3-cam - is it generally safe to assume that lenses are? Or is it more likely that they aren't? What is the most common? You can also tell by the dating of the lens. Three cam lenses came on production w/ the R3, which I believe was 1977. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PhotoWebb.co.uk Posted March 17, 2009 Share #11 Posted March 17, 2009 You can also tell by the dating of the lens. Three cam lenses came on production w/ the R3, which I believe was 1977. That really helps - I hadn't realised it was that long ago that 3 Cam was introduced. So basically if it's not 3 Cam it's a very old lens - older than me in fact! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted March 17, 2009 Share #12 Posted March 17, 2009 There are 1, 2, 3 cam lenses as well as R only. For any R camera you need 3 cam or R only lenses (the earlier lenses were for the Leicaflex and Leicaflex SL). Also many early lenses were later converted to 3 cam, like my 35mm Summicron. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Bastian A. Posted March 17, 2009 Share #13 Posted March 17, 2009 3-cam lenses are the best choice. If you want to have an SL/SL2 in the future, you need the "old" cams, too. 1-cam --- Leicaflex 2-cam --- Leicaflex SL, SL2 3-cam --- SL, SL2, R3-R9 R-only --- R3-R9 ROM --- R3-R9 (useful only for R8/R9) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveYork Posted March 17, 2009 Share #14 Posted March 17, 2009 Did the ROM lenses come in w/ the R7? When? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michiel Fokkema Posted March 18, 2009 Share #15 Posted March 18, 2009 Did the ROM lenses come in w/ the R7? When? ROM came with the R8. I got into the R system for the same reason. All the hassle with the visoflex made me think. Might as well use a visoflex with built in meter. That's how I got my R3. I now use my R6 more then my M's. Cheers, Michiel Fokkema Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpattison Posted March 19, 2009 Share #16 Posted March 19, 2009 Daniel, take a look here... Leica FAQ - Why do R lenses come in 2/3-CAM or ROM mounts? John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerryharwood Posted March 25, 2009 Share #17 Posted March 25, 2009 Hi, I had an R7 for 6 years; I used it in combination with an 180 F3.4- this was a superlative combination. However, I did not like the combination with a 135. The R7 itself, I think, was bettyer than an R8- which I detested ! I used the R7 in every situation you can think of- But the R8 was a complete hangar queen. Hope this helps. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamey Posted March 29, 2009 Share #18 Posted March 29, 2009 Hello Daniel. I have been using Leica R since the early 70's and just love them, now having two R7's and an R8/9 combo I prefer to take the R7 to work with me as it's smaller and fits in my work bag. also own the Leica M7 and it's a great camera but not in the same class as my R's ( the M is great for low light shots and happy snaps) But for action, in my honest opinion you cannot beat the SLR. The uploaded image is taken with the R7 & 50mm f2 and Sensia 100 slide scanned on a Minolta 5400-2 The Train was at it's maximum speed of 80 kmh through this station with three thousand tons of wheat. Ken. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/79254-leica-r7-using-longer-lenses-than-is-practical-with-an-m/?do=findComment&comment=856120'>More sharing options...
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