[Leica] Re: 50/2 R and Flare

[drodgers@nextlink.net]

Bob:

You wrote:

>>I have used Leicaflex lenses for 30 years and flare has never been a
problem. However, I have not found a lens yet which will not flare at with and
intense ligth source at the "right" angle. I do not have the latest ASPH
lenses in the M mount, however.<<

Thanks for your input. The 50/2 is the only R lens I own. It's a relatively new
3-cam lens, though I use it on an older SL. I haven't used it a great deal. The
fact that it flared badly on several occasions surprised me a little. I use
Leica M and Contax and I can't remember the last time I've seen any lens in
either system flare badly.

I chalked it up the the "right" angle, as you mentioned. But I was a little
curious when I noticed the position of the meter cell in the SL. It sits right
below the film frame. It appears that a bright light source slightly above the
image in the viewfinder, could strike it and reflect onto the film. This
situation existed each time I noticed flare with the 50/2 R. However, the SL has
been around for so long I'm sure the issue, if it existed, would have come up
before now.

The 50/2 R was my first R lens. I recently picked up a 28/2.8 Elmarit R. I'm
going to get another body. Either an R7 or R8. Then a new 180/2.8 and a 100/2.8
APO. I made the mistake of handling a new 180/2.8. It focused so smoothly I was
sold on the spot.

To bad Leica doesn't have a body like the RTSIII. I've been reading the posts
about the R8 motor drive. They need to do something pretty quickly. When I use
an SLR instead of an M it's for one of three reasons;tele-lenses, motor drive
and zooms. I can live without zoom lenses, but not the other two.

Dave