Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/10/14

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Subject: Re: [Leica] Questions about 19mm Elmarit R
From: Nathan Wajsman <nathan.wajsman@euronet.be>
Date: Fri, 15 Oct 1999 07:15:49 +0200

Pascal,

My lens is the old model. But the second question has now been answered by
Osterloh in "Applied Leica Technique", where he writes that the lens has a
nearest focusing distance of 30cm/12" but the markings end at 50cm/20". So my
lens is normal in the regard. Now I just need to solve the mystery about the
phantom apertures.

About electronic focus confirmation: I have made a conscious decision to avoid
bells and whistles, which is why I have chosen the SL and SL2 as my reflex
outfit. But I agree that on an electronic camera like the R8 it might be
appropriate.

Nathan

Pascal wrote:

> >1) There are two aperture click stops beyond f16, and the diaphragm
> >actually closes down further. So it appears that my lens actually closes
> >down to f22 or even f32.
>
> not on the current model. f/22 (smallest aperture) and no further.
>
> >2) The minimum focusing distance marked on the lens is 0.5m (20"). But
> >the lens can actually focus a lot closer than that, down to 20cm or so.
> >
> >I would like to hear from other owners of this lens if theirs have the
> >same features.
>
> no, mine stops at 0.3 m (30 centimeters) which is marked on the lens ring.
>
> >On another note, mounting this lens on my Leicaflex SL and trying to
> >focus in dim light really brings home the point about the superiority of
> >rangefinder focusing in such lighting conditions and with wide angle
> >lenses.
>
> You're right, of course. This is why I am once again pleading for
> electronic focus confirmation in the R8 body. It's the only way to shoot
> a good average of decent pictures in low light situations, especially
> with a non-Summilux lens. It's also the reason why I like my Summiluxes
> so much. But even then, I am having a lot of trouble, resulting in many
> lost shots, e.g. dim light interior shots.
> If Leica is not going to do something about this is a not-too-far-off
> timeframe, I am afraid I will have to look at other options.

- --
Nathan Wajsman
Overijse, Belgium

General photo site: http://belgiangator.tripod.com/
Belgium photo site: http://members.xoom.com/wajsman/
Motorcycle site: http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/1704/