I started giving a Leica list out to individual colleagues and the request kept coming, so we decided to share it with everyone on the blog. These lenses are only R-Mount, they are the cream of the crop and through variest test we have found them to be excellent.
PROS:
- Slightly warm in color, I alter my color temp. 200 degrees colder to counteract
- Wonderful Contrast and color reproduction
- Creamy
- Lenses do not breathe while racking focus
- Better cinema style focus rack then other still lenses
CONS:
- Flare easily, will need to have lens hoods, matte boxes and french flags to help combat losing contrast
- After we de-clicked the lenses the blades on the f-stop ring close while shooting. Be sure to tape your f-stop every time you shoot so your exposure doesn’t drift
- Older lens technology, not up to date coating
- Out of focus highlights will give you a stop sign effect because of not having as many iris blades
This lens set was put together with love and commitment to excellence by my good friend David Marconi and Eva Jay http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0545861/. He is a writer/director and has fallen in love with this technology. David is directing a movie in the fall of 2010, where we will be taking the Leica’s and our Canon 5D’s to the Moroccan desert to shoot a thriller.
In early June David asked me to take this group of lenses and put them to the test. We used them on a Medal of Honor commercial with Bandito Brothers and a Nike commercial that Robert Elswit, ASC photograghed http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005696/
Fotodiox lens adapters are the tightest fitting and will focus at infinity.
Here are the best websites according to David and Eva for factual info. about the Leica’s.
http://elrectanguloenlamano.blogspot.com/2008/07/leica-magical-word-with-great-future.html
http://www.pebbleplace.com/Personal/Leica_db_Comments.html
| Leica Lenses | MIN. F-STOP | MAX. F-Stop |
| 15 mm Elmarit -R ASPH ROM Leica | 2.8 | 22 |
| 19 mm Elmarit -R Leica | 2.8 | 22 |
| 21 mm Super-Angulon-R Leica | 4 | 22 |
| 28 mm Elmarit-R Leica | 2.8 | 22 |
| 35 mm Sumilux-R Leica | 1.4 | 16 |
| 50 mm Summilux-R Leica | 1.4 | 16 |
| 80 mm Summilux-R Leica | 1.4 | 16 |
| 90 mm APO- Summicron-R Leica | 2 | 16 |
| 35 mm Leica | 2 | 16 |
| 60 mm Macro Leica | 2.8 | 22 |
| 100 mm Macro Leica | 2.8 | 22 |
| 280 mm Apo-Telyt-R Leica | 2.8 | 22 |
| 280 extender Apo Extender-R 1.4 x | ||
| 180 mm Telephoto-Apo-Summicron-R Leica | 2 | |
| Apo-Telyt-R Modular Leica lens system | ||
| 280/400/560 mm Lens Head Telephoto-Leica-R | ||
| 400/560/800 mm Lens Head Telephoto-Leica-R | ||
| 1x 280/400 – Focus Module | 2.8 | |
| 1.4x 400/560- Focus Module | 4 |
Tags: HDSLR Cameras, lense choice, Lenses, mounts for cameras, spon-canon
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on Saturday, July 3rd, 2010 at 2:30 pm and is filed under Lenses.
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Hi Shane,
Excellent forum! I have learned alot.
Initially I was going to purchase the “Red” however, decided on the Canon 5d ii. Been playing around with it for a month now. Found the Canon 24-105mm lens so, so. Bought the Canon 50 mm f/1.4 to see the performance. Then I ordered the Distagon T 21mm f/2.8 ZE. Still waiting for it to arrive. Noticed your pro Leica stance and I would have went for Leica if I would have found this blog earlier. Next lens will be a Leica. It has been a fun journey so far.
So for the Leica lenses:
1. Need the Mount
(ebay: Fotodiox Leica R – Canon EOS lens mount adapter PRO – $79.95)
2. R Lense
(use the pebbleplace site as pointed out for whether the lens will work:
http://www.pebbleplace.com/Personal/Leica_db.html )
By the way, your videos are fantastic.
Much appreciated,
Ron – from Edmonton – lots of snow still on the ground.
PS. I thank everyone else who has contributed information too! Thanks.
Ron, Thank you so much for those kind words, sounds like you are on your way. I would go with the Leitax mounts, these are the best. Don’t mess around with the fotodiox. I find that each lens gives you a different feel. You have to choose the project and then choose the lens that fits the style and look of that project.
Shane, I’ve been building my collection of Zeiss and Leica R lenses for decades now, and I wonder how you adapted the Leica wide angles-15,19, 35 Summilux- for the 5D II. Thanks, Fredrick Dent
Fredrick Dent, I had Duclos lenses shave the rear element and use Leitax mounts.
Shane, That sounds like a winner. Thanks, Fredrick
Hi Shane,
Thanks for the advice on the Leitax mount. Looked at my tracking # for the 21mm Zeiss I ordered – going thru customs. Once I play around with the Zeiss, then the next step is the Leicas. I’ll probably be picking your brain before I purchase a Leica, if you don’t mind.
By the way, I thought you were younger than me till I saw the website saying you were born in 1964 – good year, my year of birth too. Have a good one, and keep up the great work.
Cheers,
Ron
Ron, I am glad you found those. They are the best because the physically become a part of the lens not something you snap on. 1964, yes a good year. Thank you for all of your support.
Hi Shane,
I received the Zeiss 21 mm lens now. Been playing around with it. I found the information that you previously posted about the Zeiss is dead bang. I am switching back and forth in my thoughts and now thinking of getting another Zeiss without trying a Leica (sales guy is trying to encourage me to stick with Zeiss – although I value your opinion 1000x over his opinion). With the Leica, does it hold up better on the “big” screen compared to the Zeiss? Or is it a fine line? I can manipulate looks in post.
By the way, you are in a league way above the rest, which very few ever attain. You’re work is simply amazing. Thanks again for your blog.
Ron, Thank you so much for those kind words and your continued support. You have to do that test for yourself. I can only tell you what I believe and that is that I love Zeiss for a specific look and Leica’s for all of my looks. You have to see what fits your creative as a cinematographer.
Hey Shane,
Downloaded your T4 Episode 5 and Navy Summer Short. Burned to disc. Tried them on 50 inch TV – both awesome – looks like an expensive film camera was used – even my wife was very impressed (she gives me a hard time all the time). Then projected the 2 videos on my 150 inch screen from my HD projector. T4 was still awesome. Navy Summer Short, still awesome however, some scenes slightly weaker (in look) to other scenes – still incredible. Both videos look like you worked some voodo magic to achieve such high quality. Now here’s three questions.
1. What lens did you use for your T4 episode?
2. Do Leica’s blow up the best on the big screen?
3. Will a Zeiss blow up okay on the big screen?
Still pondering which way to go on the lenses down the road. I probably will play the lens game as I play poker, “all in” once I make a final decision.
Cheers
Shoichi,
To get the slick marks we super glued the p touch labels on the sides of the lenses, but those are just for reference. When using any still lenses we actually run out a tape measure whenever we change lenses and label the Bartech. Even if you have a ring made up the marks can be off slightly and result in a soft shot. Anything to give the focus puller a fighting chance is good for the dp to keep in mind.
Mikey
Hello Mike,
I did the same(tiny distance numbers on focus barrels made with a p-touch…) on location in the Philipines for focus pullers there to treat them like film cameras, which they’ve been using for last many years. It worked except that pulling on still lenses are still hard, even on Leicas… no Bartech just modullar follow focus.
Some company in Switzerland modifies Leica Rs and put an exterior housing over the lens, along with geared focus and iris(after de-clicking). Not sure worth $$$ though.
Hi Shane/Elite Team,
After all of your advise on Leica glass, I bought a 35, 50, 90 and 35-70 Leica Lens. I have to say that I am very happy with the results, and all of your advise that you have given on your website has been invaluable to me. And I have filmed my first short using a 7D and the leica glass for the 48hr Sci Fi challenge. I am please with the results and wanted to share the video with you to get your opinions. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgDP2kwvj1E&hd=1
It was a struggle to do it all in 48hrs but I am now in the final 10 videos for the competition, so fingers crossed! Once again thankyou for all of your help and advice.
Kind Regard
Jonny Franklin
Johnny, I’ve been sitting on the fence with respect to the leica lenses. I’ve been going thru all of Shane’s posts on the leica. Your short does show that the Leica glass is a step above.
You may want to mark April 30, 2011 on your calendar, see link below.
http://cinetechnews.com/2011/04/12/technicolor-cinestyle-picture-profile-for-canon-dslr/
Ron, I am meeting with Technicolor on Thursday to go over there new picture style for the Canon’s. I will report back once I get my beta.
Shane: very interested in your meeting with Technicolor. Very eager for your report back. Keep up the fantastic work.
Mike Edwards, I will give you a report once I vet this baby out. Thank you for the support.
Hi Ron,
Im really happy with the results that the Leica lenses provide, its hard to make
Anything look bad using them, i would definatley recommend to all. Thanks for the tip on the technicolour cine style, I’ll definatley be giving this a go. Shane have you tried this come style yet, if so what where your thoughts.
Shane, the technicolor profile appears to be the real deal. Tried it this morning and will try it later in some extreme conditions.
Here’s a guys post:
http://zech-fstop.blogspot.com/2011/04/new-picture-style-from-technicolor_29.html?spref=tw
Look forward to your comments.
Cheers,
Ron
Hey Everyone,
Tried some outside, “crappy situation shots” and technicolor performed amazingly! With and without nd filter. In post (AE), Shadows and Highlights were solid. No problems with any applied effects so far. Curves (adopted from photo5 – used various contrasts from weak to strong)performed perfectly! Colors held. My 2 cents. Used a Zeiss for the test.
Cheers,
Ron
Hi Shane!
You get a lot of positive feedback from readers of your blog – and here’s some more.
A few months ago I quit 10 years of programming computers and started a film production
company with a scriptwriter friend.
My main source of inspiration, the springboard which made the decision an easy one…is your blog.
[Emotinal music fading, roaring applause, and curtains closing]
Now please don’t interpret the thank you as a positional play for the following question – I really love you blog! :)
My question though, is this.
I’m starting a Leica -R kit from scratch on a pretty tight budget. I’ve found two used lenses on e-bay
and I’m curious which option you would approach.
1. A somewhat scratched Super-Angulon-R Leica 21/4, plus an Elmarit-R 90/2.8 for a total of $900.
2. A Summilux 50/1,4 for $950.
I know you’re a super busy man, but if you, or any of your colleagues, want to help a rising star, just kidding, a
budding filmmaker – I would very much appreciate the help.
To get a sense of where I’m at, regarding taste and technique, please check out http://www.backnbauer.se.
Cheers and sorry for my crappy english
Patrick from Sweden
i’m not the authority on this, but if you’re on a budget, and you look around at the forums, you could get a 50 summicron f2 and a 35 summicron f2 for that. Or alternatively a 35 summicron F2 and 90mm summicron f2 for a bit more if you search around. Check out pebbleplace website for all the leica serial numbers and versions, very helpful. 35 and 90 will get you quite far on a budget. If you want wide i’d go for the 19mm version 1 over the 21 angulon. Also, you can get a 50 1.4 for a better deal than 950, aim for 750. With these things, it’s better to save your money and get stuff not scratched etc and in decent condition. Check out forums like the leica forum, fred miranda, photo.net etc, often great deals on there. It’s hours of research, but i’d put in the work if you’re serious, you’ll also learn a hell of a lot on the way…
just one persons opinion of course:)
Keidrych,
Thank you so much for your elaboration on this issue – awesome!!
It so happens that I found a seller this morning offering a 35, a 50 and a 90, all f2.
Also, thanks a bunch for the links – will check those out pronto. :)
Patrick
Patrick,
Hey, this is Mike Svitak. My rec would be to get something a little more versatile, like the R 35-70mm t3.5 zoom. You can probably find one of these for around $700 USD in pretty good shape. I feel like the 50/90 combo might be limiting. Zooms are a good way to start thinking about how you are going to be composing your images. Then go for the primes. Good luck!
Mike
Mike,
Excellent recommendation! We are doing a lot of preparatory work on location and it never occurred to me
that using the zoom to explore composition and matching primes, would be much smother than switching.
Thanks!!
Hello Shane,
You stated as a con that:
“Older lens technology, not up to date coating”
But didn’t explain it. What is wrong about the coating?
Thanks.
John Novotny, There is nothing wrong with the coating other than it is out of date, better technology has arisen and lenses now deliver much more contrast. I find that the Leica’s deliver the perfect contrast and color as well as flaring. I like the older glass because it is not as sharp. Sharp and HD don’t mix, all that translates to is your footage looking like video.
Hello Everyone,
I’ve finally decided to go the Leica route too. Ordered the following lenses: 28, 35 f/2, 50 f/2 and the 90 f2.8.
Cheers.
Hi Ron!
Congrats to landing the Leicas!
I’m struggling hard to build a Leica kit myself – having a hard time deciding on what to invest in.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on wether or not the less light sensitive versions of the
35 and the 50 would be enough. I’m afraid that I’m never going to be shooting down at f2 anyway, but
rather closer to f4. Any thoughts on this would be much appreciated.
Best regards
Patrick
Ron, rock that stuff out my man. You will be very happy with the results.
Hi Ron – good to have you on board. I’m an avid alt lens user and I have a full set of Zeiss ZF primes and of course, Leica Rs (28/2.8, 35/2, 50/2, 90/2). I prefer the 90/2 over the 90/2.8 due to the dreamy 3D quality of the images from the faster lens.
Shane mentioned earlier to choose lenses that aligns with your creative requirements so I will add that having a full set of Zeiss glass in the future would likely be beneficial to your growth as a filmmaker. There are so many awesome lenses out there to experiment with and use. It’s like having access to different pallets.
Hi Patrick,
I’m dealing with a guy from Toronto, Canada. He has been in business for many years. When I receive all the lenses, I’ll let you know how the transaction completed (ie. were the lenses as they should be, etc.). He has reasonable pricing and is willing to negotiate. He has his lenses checked and cleaned by a technician.
It was recommended to go with the 90 f2.8. He said it is a great lens. And to spend extra for an f/2, was not needed.
Here’s an example of the 90 f2.8: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPumYDE3nXQ
The 35 mm, he recommended the f/2. He said it is an awesome lens(the 35 f/2 is better than the f/2.8).Here’s a review of it for further info.
http://slrlensreview.com/web/leica-slr-lenses-133/wide-angle-slr-lenses-138/438-leica-summicron-r-35mm-f2-e55-lens-review.html
For the 50 mm, he recommended the f/2. And the 28 mm, there is only the f/2.8.
He said alot of people go for speed and pay extra for it. It doesn’t mean it is better unless it is needed.
And as Shane has said, the Leica’s are the best choice. I found him correct on all his statements so far. Of course, I have to try to prove him wrong and end up finding out what he already knows and has said.
And look at Jonny Franklin’s video shot with the 7d and with Leica Glass
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgDP2kwvj1E&hd=1
The look is a definite step above in my opinion. Awesome little video too.
Once I get my glass and give it a go, I’ll let you know how things went.
Cheers,
Ron
Hi, Ron!
I just wanted to thank you for being so kind and provide such a thorough answer – brilliant!!
I’m currenlty using a Canon 24-70 zoom – so I’m hoping that the switch to Leica Primes will
be “recognizable” :)
Cheers
Patrick
I have a question regarding Elmarit -R 19mm version 1.
Does this lense have to be shaved if used with the Leitax adapter?
If yes, does anyone have any tips on where this can be done in Europe?
Best regards
Patrick
Patrick – if the lens is a Version 1, model# is 11225 and the serial# from 2735XXX to 3500000, you should be fine.
It is an awesome lens, by the way.
Pat, check the link out with respect to the elmarit r 19mm.
http://www.pebbleplace.com/Personal/Leica_db.html
By the way, received 2 of my lenses (2 still coming) and waiting for adapters.
Cheers,
Ron
Ron,
Awesome!! Thanks a million for that – I’ve checked and the 19mm I’m about to order is
the right one. Would be great to hear about your impressions about the lenses you got.
Are you going to use Leitax for adaption?
Cheers
Patrick
Hi Patrick,
I ordered 3 different adapters. I’ll probably eventually go with the Leitax.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Zykkor-Leica-R-Lens-Canon-EF-EOS-Body-Mount-Adapter-/120618583069?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c156d841d
http://cgi.ebay.com/Fotodiox-Leica-R-lens-Canon-EOS-EF-Mount-adapter-R-/390087415194?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5ad305959a
And a Chinese brass mount (Pixco).
I want to see how these fit and if I can “glue” them. First I want to see if the Leica performs which it should. Shane suggests the Leitax and he plays with the stuff. I’ll probably end up going that route.
I haven’t received my mounts yet. So once I get them and try the lenses, I’ll let you know how things turned out.
Cheers,
Ron
Hey Patrick,
Received my Zykkor adapter. Was pleasantly surprised – solid, tight fit!
I tried my 50 mm f/2 and it is impressive. Post production was amazing. I did have a few issues with the color red on some playground metal posts. Other than that, the colors and the look were exceptional. I’ll be trying my 90 mm tomorrow. Hopefully my 28 and 35 arrive soon. Shane knows his stuff. Leica!
Hi Ron!
Wow, I’m getting super exited reading your first impressions of the Leicas – my Elmarit 19mm arrived today.
I’m very close to buying a Summicron 35mm f2 and a Macro-Elmarit 60mm. Hoping to close the kit with a
Summilux 80mm and an Elmarit 180mm.
What adapter did you decide to go with? I’m reading Shanes blog every day and I get the impression he
recommends the Leitax adapter.
Another question, would you mind disclose how much you paid for the 35, 50 and 90 and the condition of
each? Would be nice to compare with what I’m seeing around here (Sweden).
Cheers
Patrick
Shane,
Thank-you for being kind to share your thoughts about the Leica lenses. I tried my 50 mm today, and couldn’t believe how wonderful it performed. Simply put, WOW!!! Thanks again.
Cheers,
Ron
Ron, I am so glad you are happy with the Leica glass, it is truly amazing.
Shane,
The lenses are awesome! I should have listened to you right off the bat! I should be getting my other 2 lenses next week. The guy,that I ordered them from, has the lenses checked and cleaned by a technician.
Here’s the link to the place I ordered my lenses in case anyone is interested. The owner, Alex, is the guy to talk to. He knows his Leicas. http://www.setadelstudios.com/
Cheers,
Ron
Patrick,
Go with the Leitax adapters for your lenses. They are solid. As for prices, they are always in flux. You can expect to pay around $1000 USD for each of the lenses you mentioned. Always search the COMPLETED LISTINGS on ebay to see what price the lenses are selling at. Good luck!
Michael
Hi Michael!
Thank you so much for the recommendation – I will go with the Leitax then.
Received the 19mm a few days ago and I think the price was great (just under $1000 USD).
Now I’m racing to find a Summicron 35mm and a Macro 60mm to complement.
Some rental services here are pushing for 7D with pl-mount and Arri Ultra Primes.
Would love to hear your opinion on pro/cons between 5D+Leica vs 7Dplmount+Arris U.Primes.
Best regards
Patrick
Hey Patrick,
I have the following Leica’s now:
28 mm, 35 mm f/2, 50 mm f/2, 90 f/2.8 and waiting on a 135 mm f/2.8 (bought that one from ebay). When I bought the other lenses from Setadel, I negotiated a better price. So if you buy from a camera store, it doesn’t hurt to ask them to sharpen the pencil abit(see if they’ll give a better deal).
I’ve been experimenting with the lenses. Each lens has its own personality. The 90 f/2.8 seems to be overlooked. It is amazing – practically nil for distoration. The others are amazing too.
How is your 19 mm lens?
Regards,
Ron
Hi Ron!
Wow, that’s a nice collection you’ve built – and in very little time! :)
I haven’t had the time to try out the 19mm, since I’m in the middle of an assignment.
Thanks for the tip on haggling with the vendors! :)
Cheers
/Patrick
Hello Mike Svitak
I got a question for you. I own a Summicron 90 (E55). I need a step up ring for my tiffens 77mm, but it is hard to find the right step up ring, because my “Cron” although it is called E55, it is 56,4mm more or less. I was wondering if you have that lens and what solution did you find for your front donut.
Thanks to all
Wonderfull people
Hi Mike – contact Matt Duclos at Duclos Lenses. He made all the cine-style step up rings (77mm) for all my Leica Rs. The workmanship and product is amazing. I believe Shane use’s Matt’s services to cine-mod his Leicas with focus rings, front step up rings and iris de-clicking. All this for about $250 per lens.
http://ducloslenses.com/Duclos_Lenses/Main.html
Thanks Eric.
My pleasure, sir. And I meant, “Hi Ignacio”. Sorry about that. I think I have to learn how to read :)
Our 90mm has the step up ring from 55mm to 77mm.
[...] AND CREAMY: There’s a reason why Shane Hurlbut, ASC loves Leicas and sys they hold up on the big screen better than most other lenses. The sharp, low [...]
Hello Shane, even though I don’t have the budget for “real” Leica lenses, I am considering using the Voigtlander equivalents, in M mount, specifically, the 50mm 1.1, and the 35mm 1.2 primes. Do you know/have heard if they don’t breathe like their more expensive Leica cousins? On a side note, I am very interested on applying to the boot camp, I know it’s not open this year but would be very interested in taking it next year if you manage the time to dictate it.
Thanks a lot for all the information you beam out through your blog, it has been immensely helpful in my productions down here in Colombia.
Ruben Fernandez, the M mounts do not work on the Canon’s. You will have to try and find Leica R’s that fit it your budget. The bootcamp is still on hold until I see where my schedule is. Thank you so much for your kind words and support. You are very welcome, glad I could help out.
What’s the proper step up ring for a Leica Elmarit-R 19mm F2.8 – version 2 to a 77mm ND filter?
Do you guys use electric tape or a step up ring?
Best regards
/Patrick
Hi!
Has anyone experienced severe vignetting when using:
Canon 5DMk2 -> Leica Elmarit 19mm/F2.8 -> Fotodiox Stepdown 82mm-77mm -> 77mm UV Filter?
Cheers
Patrick
Patrick, yes, lose the stepdown ring and use electrical tape with your 77mm ND’s
Awesome!
Thank you so much for the help, Shane!! :D
Cheers
/Patrick
wow macro guide…
[...]Leica R Mount Lenses for the Canon HDSLR’s | Hurlbut Visuals[...]…
fotokopirni stroj|kopirni stroj|kopirni stroji|najem fotokopirnega stroja|fotokopirni stroj canon|servis kopirnih strojev|servis kopirnih strojev canon|fotokopirni stroji|barvni kopirni stroji…
[...]Leica R Mount Lenses for the Canon HDSLR’s | Hurlbut Visuals[...]…
Hi Shane,
I just got a Leica R Set , all lens mint / EX+.
ready to be cine-moded by Duclos
19mm V2 2.8
28 V2 2.8
35 1.4
50 V2 1.4
80 1.4
100 APO Macro
What do you recommend, shave the mirror, remove the mirror or shave the rear of the housing? Pros and Cons.
Keep on with your very good work, I’m learning a lot from your blog.
Cheers from Brazil!
Daniel Primo, Shave the lens. It works beautifully. Don’t mess with the camera.
Hi Shane,
You’ve heard this before a million times, but I just have to say that your work is incredible and an inspiration to me. I appreciate your willingness to answer questions and help other fellow cinematographers in their craft.
I’m thinking about investing in Leica R’s for use on a 5D (Mark III eventually), 7D, and especially on the Scarlet. My one major concern right now is breathing. I bought a Zeiss 50mm ZF 1.4 to test out for a little while and seeing your comments and other examples I’ve seen, I’m concerned about the breathing on the Zeiss lenses. But, also when I saw this lens test it made me concerned because of how much breathing I was seeing with the Leicas. https://vimeo.com/33707458
Has this been a concern for you at all in certain rack focuses? Would you say the breathing is better or worse in the Leica’s than the Zeiss lenses?
Either way I figure that if they’re both going to breathe, might as well go with the more often better looking one which appear to be the Leica R’s. Thanks!
Peter
Peter Borrud, Thank you so muhc for those kind words. All still lenses breathe to some extent. The Leica’s breathe just as much as the Zeiss. It really comes down to the look and feel that you want to achieve. Zeiss will give you a cooler, contrasty look. Leica are more lower contrast, warmer in tone, and very sharp.
Hey Shane
you wouldn’t happen to know what the name of the Nike commercial shot by Robert Elswit would you? I’d love to see the spot… perhaps you even have the link.
On a separate note how much of a problem are front element scratches? I bought a Leica 90mm F2.8 and noticed when I got it that it has a roughly 2mm scratch on the front.
Regards
Chris Miles
Quick question. Thinking of adding to my Leicas. With respect to the 19 mm is Version 1 okay to go with, or should a guy get the version 2 and do some shaving (is version 2 that much superior)?
Ron. The version 2 is definitely a superior lens.
Hi Shane
I am interested in buying Leica r lenses f2( normal and tele ) and f2.8 ( wide and tele )due to budget :). Can you tell me which version I should look for or which version do you have. Is there much difference between version 2cam and 3cam in optical performance.
Thank you and stay brave:)
Regards
Aleksandar
Aleksandar, yes, go with the f2 version
Aleksandar, obviously the faster the better. I like the 2.0 and the 1.4′s myself. The coating and sharpness from version 2 to 3.
Version 2 to 3 ? whats that?
Leica’s on ebay OCT 2012:
50mm 1.4 is $1200+, f2 $300-700.
35mm 1.4 is $3K+, f2 $900+, f2.8 $300+
90mm f2 is $500+.
19mm f2.8 is $1200+.
I think the word is out, not many bargains around. But here’s the catch, even the 35 f2.8 has better definition
corner to corner than a canon L zoom. Perhaps Canons latest 24-70L II is getting there but at $2400 a pop.
I could get two or three Leica’s.
Whats a bargain? :))
Hey Shane,
You might want to check out the new Leica Camera with HD video. You can use Leica R lenses on it with an adapter. Check out 5:40 to observe the video in action.
https://vimeo.com/49464083
Cheers
Hey Shane,
Here’s something of interest. LEICA M GLASSS on the Canon 5D2.
http://72.32.6.157/~rbensonarch/blog/?page_id=247
Cheers
Hi Shane,
I wanted to ask you the ultimate question. New Canon 6d. tight personal budget, enough money for one or two lenses for stills & of course video. What do you go with? Leica? Canon Zoom? Used Zeiss prime?
What two lenses are in your bag?
Thanks for a great site and all your sharing.
Ray
Ray, I have no idea about the 6D. Lenses I would go with a 24mm and a 50mm. Best lenses Canon makes. If you are going Leica then I would go with a 21-35mm zoom and then the 80mm. No zooms
I never upgraded the 5d classic, but now canon don’t support it I might just have to :-(
Hi, so I know I’m really late to the party but I have fallen in love with the images I am seeing from the 60mm 2.8, which is on the list. But what I am also hearing is that the focus pitch is very steep, meaning a little focus adjustment makes a large difference. Does anyone have any experience with this lens? Is pulling focus difficult?
Why do you say to dont mess with the camera? these lenses are so expensive, more than 5d camera it self… Matthew Duclos strongly reccommended me to shave the mirror instead the camera… I’d be more inclined to shave a 5D’s mirror than cut any of my lens since you can always send the 5D in for repair and tecnology always change, cameras come and go very quickly… can you give more reasons to shave the lens instead the mirror? Thank you for your feedback and all the information on this blog.
Daniel – We have 15 cameras, and it’s easier to shave down one lens. However, if you only have one camera shaving the mirror makes more sense.