Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2004/06/21
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I bought my first used Leica LTM in 1952, a Model III factory-converted to a IIIa. I have enjoyed Leica photography since that time, though since requiring full-time eyeglasses, I have also used other systems. Now retired, there is no way I can afford a $2500 lens, though I enjoy reading about the advances in these systems. Do any of you recall the days when a Leica was only a dream for you? Because I'm on a budget, my SLR is a Pentax Spotmatic SP, for which I have an SMC Takumar 55mm 1.8, a great lens, a Soligar 35mm 2.0 Retrofocus, and a Hanimex 135mm 2.8. The 35mm will focus down to 1 ft. I also have a Soligar 2X Converter, which, when used with the three lenses, gives me a wide selection of focal lengths. This combination is exceptionally good with the 35mm, since it provides a 70mm, close functioning combination. My question is this. How much does the use of the doubler impair the quality of the image? To my eyes, I see very little degradation from the images I make with a lens alone. I don't have the equipment to study large enlargements, so I thought I would turn to some of you for your thoughts. Jim Nichols nicholsj@edge.net