Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/11/25
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Dear Stefan, I also think that $750 is too much for a R4. The newer models (R5 and up) are of improved durability. Another point is that you want it mainly for macro. Even though I own a nice SLR Camera (Canon A-1), I don't like SLRs for macro and long telephoto work, I mentioned that earlier in the group. The moving mirror causes a vibration of your setup EXACTLY THEN, WHEN THE PICTURE IS TAKEN! Even a good and stable tripod might not improve this, as the camera+lens is only supported at one point and can oscillate around this point. Also when shooting without tripod, (no macro or tele), the sharp pictures from our M Cameras benefit from the lack of a shaking mirror. So to become really happy with macros, you should have a R Camera that allows manual Mirror-Lock-Up. Only the R6, R6.2, R7 and R8 do have this feature (Thanks for Jim Brick for pointing this out). In my opinion, the best solution, and especially when you want it BECAUSE OF the macro, is a Visoflex III and a focussing tube or bellows. I have paid for my Visoflex III and 16464 focussing tube the equivalent of $280 on a camera show. You can use the lens heads of several 90 or 135 M lenses (which do you have already?) I suppose that you do not own the R Macro 60 mm lens already, so why not go for a used Elmarit-V 3,5/65mm? With your M6, you can even use the built in lightmeter (by moving the mirror manually) and don't have to calculate with the apertures. If you have any questions about which lenses fit will to what focussing ring, and the resulting minimum distances, feel free to ask. Gerd