100mm Macro Apo lens observations

[Richard Clompus <rclompus@voicenet.com>]

Dear Fellow LUGnuts,

I spoke with a service representative at Leica USA and asked about the
diaphram blades being reversed on the 100mm Apo macro lens.  She told me
this was done on a few Leica lens designs but she was not sure which other
lenses had this feature.  She was told the diaphram blades were reversed to
provide improved imaging.  I had never heard of this before but this is my
first foray into the Leica R world.

The first roll that was returned showed the hair effect I have been unable
to produce with other lenses.  You focus on sun lit blonde hair from a
distance of about 3 inches and have the lens almost wide open.  The models
hair is in complete focus but her face is out of focus.  It makes the
blonde hair almost come off the color photo.  You can count each blade of
hair.  My wife was the model.  Tremendous effect.

I am currently looking for a good condition used R6.2 camera body.  I'm not
ready for an R8.  I still lean toward mechanical SLRs until someone can
persuade me.

Any takers?

Richard
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Richard Clompus, OD
On vacation - but couldn't give up my laptop.