Leica R Glass with Nikon/Canon DSLR

[jaapv]

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Have a look at the www.leitax.com webpage, and find your R lenses. There are very clear instructions as to how to change the mounts.

 

The most difficult, apparently, is the 60 Macro, but I managed that one OK. Just watch out for the very tiny screws that Leica use!

 

And still no Vario lenses

[andybarton]

I am not sure what the issue is with regards to the zooms not being convertable to Nikon mount, but David Llado has done a great job with the primes.

[Jeff S]

Although I sold off my R camera and lenses years ago, this is an interesting thread for me. Had the R10 come out, I probably would have considered it. Now, I'm looking at Canon and Nikon as a body to use with a tilt shift lens for some architectural and landscape work. But, I wouldn't make that investment unless I had another high quality lens or two...zoom would be ideal...to also put on the body. I'd invest in used R lenses if I found the right combination.

 

So, keep posting guys...you're help with my research.

 

Jeff

[psquared]

What would be great would be if we could do a side-by-side comparison of the 5DII and the D700 (or even models from further up the food chain), with the same lenses, in the same conditions.

 

I would love to see that, but I would also throw in the DMR -- I still feel that it's still competitive if not better at lower ISO's than the alternatives -- and the Sony into the mix. That would make it a logistical nightmare if you actually want to use the exact same lens for all the testing. For someone like me, who wants to use the R lenses on DMR (or film R cameras), Canon is the only option ... other than 4/3 or micro 4/3 cameras.

 

As a side note, I feel that the files coming out of 5DM2 are actually better than the 1DsM3 or any other previous full-frame Canon DSLR files.

[rick_dykstra]

Now this is a useful thread! Thanks to all.

 

For Peter - I've been scouring the internet looking for you! Should have just browsed here first.

 

I saw your video made with Canon 5D MkII and the Leica 800/5.6 (APO-Telyt-R module lens?).

 

5D MkII video with Leica R 800/5.6 - Warning - Nudity - Sex Scenes

 

This, and taking stills with the 5D MkII, is one of my options now there's no R10 coming. So, may I pick your brains please? There's no character limit for replies.

 

- how do you find the 5D MkII's viewfinder when using the f5.6 focus module (800/5.6, 560/56) in the f8 to f9.5 and even f11 range? Care to compare with the R8/9 and DMR viewfinder?

 

- any greater difficulty achieving correct focus, given the increased depth and less differentiation between focus and out of focus?

 

- which of the Canon 5D MkII focussing screens have you used? The following from DPreview: The Eg-A Standard Precision Matte - the supplied focusing screen, bright and with a normal matte. The Eg-D Precision Matte with grid - a more matte finish, easier manual focusing, also includes a grid pattern. The Eg-S Super Precision Matte - even more matte but obviously slightly darker, optimized for F2.8 and faster lenses.

 

- can you please test or report on the ability of the live view rear display mode to compensate for brightness when the aperture is stopped to f8, 9.5 and 11.

 

- how do you find focussing accurately using live view and the rear display?

 

- has the auto ISO aspect of the 5D MkII's HD movie mode been a problem with stop down use of Leica lenses?

 

- now that you have the 5D MkII do you still use your DMR? If so, what is it that keeps you going back?

 

- which Leica R to Canon adapter are you using? Impressions?

 

- can you share any other links to movies made with Leica long lenses on the 5D MkII

 

- what camera support was used for the movie linked above?

 

Thanks! Rick.

[rsolomon]

its so clear to me - there is a market for a Digilux 4 - not to mix threads

[psquared]

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Hi Rick,

 

I like the 5DM2. It does produce good files. However, they still don't touch the DMR in ISO <= 400 in terms of clarity or colors. This is what keeps bringing me back to the

DMR. I also think the R9/DMR is better for me than 5DM2 in terms of ergonomics -- except for the exposure compensation. I much prefer to keep my left hand on the lens than move it to the camera to work on the exposure compensation.

 

The viewfinder in the 5DM2 is quite good. I would say that it's comparable to R9. I use the plain matte focusing screen on the R9 and Eg-S screen on the 5DM2. The brightness of the viewfinder with these screens installed is equivalent in the two systems. I do not find the Eg-S screen too dark. I actually think the Eg-S screen is a bit better than the Leica matte screen for focus discrimination. I think Canon's claim of greater defocusing near critical focus point, using Eg-S screen is true. I do see a little more snapping into focus compared to the Leica matte screen.

 

I almost always shoot wide open with the APO 800/5.6, and even when I do stop down, I focus wide open and stop down before exposure. However, I have used the 1.4x and 2x APO extenders with the 800/5.6. Even with the extenders, at f/8 and f/11 equivalents, I find the VF brightness acceptable in 5DM2.

 

I do really like live view and 10x magnification for critical focusing -- but not with the long lenses. If my arms were twice as long, live view focusing might work. It's impossible for me to use my left hand to turn the focusing ring at the same time having my head and eyes a foot behind the LCD to watch the live view screen and keeping the lens steady. I also find the shutter lag during live view unacceptable. The mirror does not come down and back up when the shutter is released during live view. But, the delay in switching off live view and getting the sensor ready to take a picture does cause a slight shutter lag. That can make all the difference in the world between a great bird portrait with everything in the right place and a trash bin image with the bird's head turned to the wrong direction. However, for a leisurely landscape setup, live view works great.

 

What makes live view so great for focusing is the ability to magnify the image on the screen. One cannot do this while taking a movie. So, I find focusing during a movie difficult. I did take the tern mating movie at f/8 with the bare 800/5.6. You can see the difficulty I had with focusing during the movie. The live view does compensate for small apertures under reasonable lighting conditions.

 

As far as controlling exposure during a movie, a recent firmware upgrade made manual controls possible, so you can control the ISO and other exposure parameters.

 

I have used Cameraquest adapters. I have also used Novoflex adapters, and I do think Novoflex adapters are the best. They fit very tightly, and this does not loosen much with time. With the Cameraquest adapters, the fit does loosen up, and you need to adjust the tension on the adapter from time to time. However, no matter how tight the fit, I still find some play when one of the modular APO-Telyts is mounted on a Canon camera. I did try a focus confirm chip on the adapter when they first came out. I wasn't impressed that they helped much, so I have not been using them.

 

I use a Gitzo 1327 with a center column, a leveling base, and a Wimberley II for my support. It's a compromise in steadiness, I know, but I do use the center column a lot to quickly bring up the lens for birds high up in the trees or birds in flight. That set-up was what I used for the movie. I have not done any other movies with the long lens. I did post a link to one with the APO Elmarit 180 earlier in this thread.

 

You can browse some wildlife pictures taken with the 5DM2 and 800/5.6 here: Troop 2 BSA Santa Monica, CA Albums.

 

Some videos with the 80 lux at very low light (campfire) can be found here:

Troop 2 BSA Santa Monica, CA Albums.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Peter

 

Now this is a useful thread! Thanks to all.

 

For Peter - I've been scouring the internet looking for you! Should have just browsed here first.

 

I saw your video made with Canon 5D MkII and the Leica 800/5.6 (APO-Telyt-R module lens?).

 

5D MkII video with Leica R 800/5.6 - Warning - Nudity - Sex Scenes

 

This, and taking stills with the 5D MkII, is one of my options now there's no R10 coming. So, may I pick your brains please? There's no character limit for replies.

 

- how do you find the 5D MkII's viewfinder when using the f5.6 focus module (800/5.6, 560/56) in the f8 to f9.5 and even f11 range? Care to compare with the R8/9 and DMR viewfinder?

 

- any greater difficulty achieving correct focus, given the increased depth and less differentiation between focus and out of focus?

 

- which of the Canon 5D MkII focussing screens have you used? The following from DPreview: The Eg-A Standard Precision Matte - the supplied focusing screen, bright and with a normal matte. The Eg-D Precision Matte with grid - a more matte finish, easier manual focusing, also includes a grid pattern. The Eg-S Super Precision Matte - even more matte but obviously slightly darker, optimized for F2.8 and faster lenses.

 

- can you please test or report on the ability of the live view rear display mode to compensate for brightness when the aperture is stopped to f8, 9.5 and 11.

 

- how do you find focussing accurately using live view and the rear display?

 

- has the auto ISO aspect of the 5D MkII's HD movie mode been a problem with stop down use of Leica lenses?

 

- now that you have the 5D MkII do you still use your DMR? If so, what is it that keeps you going back?

 

- which Leica R to Canon adapter are you using? Impressions?

 

- can you share any other links to movies made with Leica long lenses on the 5D MkII

 

- what camera support was used for the movie linked above?

 

Thanks! Rick.

[george_b]

Do any of these adapters off automatic stop down of the lens iris? I have a couple of adapters which work fine but as in addition to manal focusing (no big deal since i did that on my R7 all time) but I still have to manually stop down which can be a pain checking the focusing at small apertures and resultant dimmer viewfinder.

[lct]

Do any of these adapters off automatic stop down of the lens iris?....

Unfortunately no. They would need a micro motor to move the aperture cam of the lenses i presume.

[Jeff S]

Can someone chime in and tell me if the following is accurate? My understanding is that Canon EOS dslrs will not auto-aperture stop-down with non-Canon lenses, but that the Nikon d700 will do so with some lens manufacturers other than Nikon...including Zeiss but not Leica.

 

If so, then the Leitax solution for Canon or Nikon leaves something to be desired versus using, say, Zeiss lenses on the Nikon. But, then there's the whole Leica vs Zeiss comparison.

 

Or, do I have this wrong?

 

Jeff

[andybarton]

Leica lenses definitely do not stop down on the D700 (or any other Nikon) as there is no way for the body to move the cam in the lens to stop it down. The viewfinder is, however, nice and bright and, on my wanderings this afternoon, I have not noticed any real problem using the lenses I have converted even when they've been stopped down to f5.6

 

I have had the Leitaxes only a few days now, so I am happy to share my initial thoughts on them and on the D700, when used with them.

 

1. They are very easy to fit to your R glass. Although some are more difficult than others, none from what I can see are more difficult than the 60 Elmarit, and I did that one OK.

 

2. Stop down metering isn't as convenient as wide open metering, of course, but any Leica -> Brand X solution suffers from this "issue".

 

3. Fitting the lens in an anti-clockwise motion isn't an issue. It becomes second nature after 5 minutes.

 

4. The D700 is a very nice camera indeed. I would like a "hand strap" as was fitted to the DMR though, as it's not a lightweight and the strap definitely makes it more secure to hold.

 

5. The AWB is outstanding, even in mixed light

 

6. The metering is excellent too

 

7. The battery life would make a M8 owner cry into his schnapps. The manual reckons that you get 1600 odd frames from a single charge, and my tests concur with this. All RAW + jpgs

 

8. I don't like a whole load of buttons, large and small, thrown around the body of the D700 seemingly at random. And there are two revolving wheels to contend with too. KISS is a good mantra, as always.

 

9. The menu system is also very complex, but there seems to be a "User Menu", into which you can copy your most used items. In my case, I need to copy over the setting of the lens item - each of your non-native lenses can be inserted into the menu, so that at least the camera knows what focal length you are using (60mm doesn't feature, btw, only 58mm)

 

10. A new strap is essential. Unless of course, you like having "PLEASE ROB ME OF MY EXPENSIVE CAMERA" in one inch high gold lettering on a black background over your shoulder.

 

11. The digital rangefinder works very well, and I am getting used to the fact that you can set whereabouts in the viewfinder the calculation will be made. It's easy to forget though, as the target circle is pretty small (does glow a nice red in low light though)

 

12. I would have liked to have seen interchangeable screens for it, but it seems that Nikon reserve those for their top end product.

 

All in all, I am very pleased with it, and the mounts, and am glad to have my full frame lenses back again.

 

An example taken last evening is here:

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/people/92652-you-ever-going-put-thing-down.html#post969861

[jlancasterd]

Can someone chime in and tell me if the following is accurate? My understanding is that Canon EOS dslrs will not auto-aperture stop-down with non-Canon lenses, but that the Nikon d700 will do so with some lens manufacturers other than Nikon...including Zeiss but not Leica.

 

If so, then the Leitax solution for Canon or Nikon leaves something to be desired versus using, say, Zeiss lenses on the Nikon. But, then there's the whole Leica vs Zeiss comparison.

 

Or, do I have this wrong?

 

Jeff

 

My understanding is that the Nikon D700 will automatically stop down with current Zeiss AIS non-AF lenses, but each lens has to be 'keyed in" to the camera, and given an identity in the menu when first used, so that the camera will recognise it for EXIF purposes, because the Zeiss lenses aren't "chipped". I'm tempted by the 35/2.0 Distagon, which received a very good report in Reid Reviews, as did the 50/1.4 Planar.

 

Voigtlander AIS lenses (20, 40 and 58mm) are "chipped" and can be used in exactly the same way as a Nikon non-AF lens, they will automatically stop down and the D700's digital rangefinder is used to focus them. I was using a Voigtlander 20mm on a D700 this afternoon and can confirm that lens operated perfectly, and the identity and exposure details have definitely gone into EXIF. I'm also very pleased with the quality of the images at ISO 1600 and 3200.

[andybarton]

Don't forget that Zeiss lenses focus and change their aperture in the opposite direction to Leica lenses. Now THAT would be confusing, I reckon.

 

In my case, I have a number of Leica R lenses, which in the second hand market are now practically worthless. The Leitax solution is a good one - for me. Going out and buying another load of lenses isn't.

[lct]

Can someone chime in and tell me if the following is accurate? My understanding is that Canon EOS dslrs will not auto-aperture stop-down with non-Canon lenses, but that the Nikon d700 will do so with some lens manufacturers other than Nikon...including Zeiss but not Leica...

Carl Zeiss sells special lenses made by Cosina for Canon, Nikon, Pentax and M42 bodies. They allow for full aperture metering with Canon, Nikon and probably other dedicated cameras. About Canon, see Zeiss ZE Lenses for Canon EOS - photo.net

[Jeff S]

Thanks to all for clarifications. Looks like my interpretation is correct.

 

So, kind of a mixed bag for me. I want to use some tilt/shift lenses, and seems Canon is the only manufacturer with a decent range. But, if I use Leica or other non-Canon lenses, there is the lack of auto-aperture stop-down.

 

Then, there is the D700, which seems like a great camera, and can auto stop down with a variety of lenses, but I don't know of any decent tilt/shift lenses by Nikon or Leica, and the Zeiss/Hartblei ones are too pricey.

 

Would be nice to know what the eventual Leica solution(s) will be for R lenses. I'm not in a rush, so I'll continue to lurk here and see what else comes about. Sean Reid's review are helpful too for me in the meantime.

 

Jeff

[jlancasterd]

Thanks to all for clarifications. Looks like my interpretation is correct.

 

So, kind of a mixed bag for me. I want to use some tilt/shift lenses, and seems Canon is the only manufacturer with a decent range. But, if I use Leica or other non-Canon lenses, there is the lack of auto-aperture stop-down.

 

Then, there is the D700, which seems like a great camera, and can auto stop down with a variety of lenses, but I don't know of any decent tilt/shift lenses by Nikon or Leica, and the Zeiss/Hartblei ones are too pricey.

 

Would be nice to know what the eventual Leica solution(s) will be for R lenses. I'm not in a rush, so I'll continue to lurk here and see what else comes about. Sean Reid's review are helpful too for me in the meantime.

 

Jeff

 

Jeff

 

Nikon make 24mm, 45mm and 85mm tilt/shift lenses which fit the D700, see: Nikon UK - Products - Catalogue - NIKKOR Lenses - Perspective Control

And the same Schneider 28/f2.8 PC-Super Angulon shift lens that Leica sold under their own name for the R cameras is available in Nikon and Canon mount. You may even be able to get the mount changed by Schneider, or their local agents.

[andybarton]

Whilst I appreciate that this is all useful stuff, can we please keep this on topic - i.e using Leica glass on alternative manufacturers' bodies, as opposed to using alternative manufacturers' glass on their bodies?

 

After all, this IS the Leica forum

 

Thanks

[Jeff S]

Whilst I appreciate that this is all useful stuff, can we please keep this on topic - i.e using Leica glass on alternative manufacturers' bodies, as opposed to using alternative manufacturers' glass on their bodies?

 

After all, this IS the Leica forum

 

Thanks

 

Sorry for the tangent. I started this since I'm interested in possibly acquiring R lenses (which I used to own, but sold:(), on a dslr body. This lead to a comparison, for me, of the R lenses versus other options. I'll refrain from further posts here, but will continue to monitor since the thread is useful.

Jeff

[andybarton]

I would say that if you didn't have a lot of Leica R glass around, then it's definitely going to be a better solution to buy glass originally designed to fit the body.

 

But, if, like me, you have a fair amount of money tied up on the shelf looking for a digital body, then it's good to know that there are solutions out there that, while not quite as convenient, do allow us to move forward with full frame digital SLRs.

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Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[Jeff S]

Yeah, but that Leica glass is all the difference...reason I've shot with Ms for 20+ years, and R system along the way. I'm still looking forward to see what Leica does for guys like you, however...or, maybe even for me...down the road.

Jeff