Looking for a close focus lens.

[Drewus]

Hey guys,

I own an M6 with the 40mm Nokton 1.4 Classic. Absolutely the best bang for buck lens i've ever owned, but i'd like to get something that can focus closer than 0.7m for doing some more abstract shots.

I'm not looking for a super macro lens, just something that can get me in a little closer when I need it.

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[FPjohn]

You might consider a Dual Range Summicron.

yours
FPJ

 

[Sonnar Brian]

The easiest way to do this is with a Telephoto lens. Some Still gets into ~3ft, but higher magnification brings the subject closer.

Nikkor 10.5cm F2.5 on the Nikon SP, wide-open.

The Leica version of this lens goes to 4ft.

Nikkor 8.5cm f2 on the Canon P. Goes to 3.5ft in Leica Mount.

A dual-range Summicron will get you in closer, has a two-zone focus. After that, you are into Viso-Flex and Bellows.

The 90mm F2.8 Tele-Elmarit gets to 3ft, most 135's get to 5ft.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Okay- on the M8, 1.3x crop factor,

9cm F4 Collapsible Elmar gets into 3ft as well.

Not expensive - usually under $200 or so. Take a 1954 Leica M-Mount lens, put it on the M8, focus was spot-on.

 

[ferider]

In terms of field, a 90/2 Summicron @ 1m gets you roughly as "close" as a 50/2 DR Summicron @ 0.5m. Most 135mm lenses go down to 5ft or so. The "closest" you can get with one of the 0.7m 75mm Leica lenses (Summicron and Summilux). There is also the 90/4 Macro Elmar with macro adapter but it's slow and expensive.

If you are on a budget, maybe look for an 85 or 90mm lens going down to 1m.

 

[Drewus]

You might consider a Dual Range Summicron.

yours
FPJ

My god that is an amazing looking lens. But so bloody expensive 🙁

 

[Rob-F]

The dual-range Summicron of course comes to mind first. But there are other options. My 90mm Elmarit goes in just as tight as the DRS. Not as close in lens-to subject distance; but just as tight in terms of area covered.

If price is no object, consider the 90mm Macro-Elmar. What a nice compact lens! (OK, and what an expensive lens, too.) With its closeup attachment, it should satisfy most macro needs.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

On the M8 again: 90mm F2.8 Tele-Elmarit gets into 3ft as well. Runs 2x to 3x the cost of the 90/4 Elmar.

Tele-Elmarit, ~$500 or so.

The 9cm F4 Elmar again.

Mine was $100. The "Rigid" version of the Elmar can typically be picked up for $100 or so.

 

[ferider]

This is a DR Summicron at min. distance with eyes - on film / full frame.

On the M6, you can use the "SOMKY" with a collapsible Summicron (cheaper than the DR, usually) to get just as close.

 

[le vrai rdu]

My god that is an amazing looking lens. But so bloody expensive 🙁

minolta srt + 50 f2


it won't feat on your leica but it is really inexpensive, otherwise, except some 90 macro leica and summicron DR, there is no way (I mean , no simple one, not too expensive and easy to use)

 

[Sonnar Brian]

At this point- the question for the OP is: how tight do you want to get with your images? Getting an RF in as tight as and inexpensive SLR is a trick. A Nikkormat and 55/3.5 Micro-Nikkor will frame a 2"x3" subject without extension tubes and run about $75 for camera and lens. I have a Konica mount 55/3 macro lens that gets to 1:1 and cost $25.

 

[splitimageview]

Yes, a cheap FM or FE with a Micro Nikkor.

Probably should stay clear of this Micro Nikkor though.

 

[ZeissFan]

Seriously, for closeups, a rangefinder isn't the best tool. Much better to get an SLR and a couple of extension tubes.

With a rangefinder, you have the issue of parallax. Not so with an SLR.

Plus, an f/1.4 lens gives you such shallow depth of field that you must be able to focus extremely accurately. Small to and fro movements that aren't visible in a rangefinder can be seen with an SLR.

I love rangefinders, but they aren't the one-stop shop of photography.

 

[Tim Gray]

The "closest" you can get with one of the 0.7m 75mm Leica lenses (Summicron and Summilux). There is also the 90/4 Macro Elmar with macro adapter but it's slow and expensive.

Because the 75's aren't expensive?

If you can find the 90 Macro without the adapter, you used to be able to get it for less than half the price of the others. I picked mine up for $1k (still expensive, but much less than a 75 Summicron/Summilux). It probably goes for more now.

It goes as close without the adapter as any other Leica M option. With the adapter, it has a significantly higher reproduction ratio (1:3).

It is slow, but compact. It's a great travel lens that really gives you a couple of other options that you might not have in a light kit.

Other than that and the suggestions aboe, you could look at some of the older Nikkor LTM lenses that focus down to .5m. Too bad they don't couple to the rangefinder there.

If you need real close up ability, an SLR is a better tool. For the stuff I do, the 90 Macro is perfect.

 

[Phil_F_NM]

It's all been said here, as far as your options.
You said the 50 DR summicron was expensive, but in all reality, it's probably the least expensive of the choices you have which enable you to get down to .5m.
DR 'Crons are available starting at about $500 and going up. No need to buy a mint one, either. Mine is amazingly sharp and I got it 6 years ago for a few hundred.
Other than that there is the 90 Tele-Elmarit and the two Leica 75mm lenses. If a DR 'Cron is expensive then don't look at the 75's. Ouch. The 90 TE is a good lens close up but I think that the 50 DR is the best. I also think it's the best optic that Leica ever made, but that's all opinion there.

Have fun!
Phil Forrest

 

[umcelinho]

Seriously, for closeups, a rangefinder isn't the best tool. Much better to get an SLR and a couple of extension tubes.

With a rangefinder, you have the issue of parallax. Not so with an SLR.

Plus, an f/1.4 lens gives you such shallow depth of field that you must be able to focus extremely accurately. Small to and fro movements that aren't visible in a rangefinder can be seen with an SLR.

I love rangefinders, but they aren't the one-stop shop of photography.

I agree, I think for closeups an SLR would be a more appropriate tool as you will be able to focus much closer and not have any parallax issues.

 

[Dralowid]

We get to post 16 in this thread with no mention of a Visoflex of any description!?!

Obviously as sign of changing times, changing habits and changing attitudes towards equipment.

Michael

 

[Phil_F_NM]

There is another alternative as well (not counting the visoflex).
You could find a 2x teleconverter. Komura made one and a Russian optics company made one. Both are rated pretty fairly and Rich Cutler has a review on his site. They will allow your usual close focus of probably around 1 meter but you'll have 2x magnification.
Just another idea.

Phil Forrest

 

[Roger Hicks]

Another vote for an SLR. But do it properly: buy a Visoflex: http://www.rogerandfrances.com/subscription/worst dslr.html

Cheers,

R.

 

[dave lackey]

Whew! Why not just match your M body with something at least close to a metal M body with manual focus like a Nikon FM and a lens? THAT way you can just use it as an elegant solution and not bother with changing all the stuff on the M. I mean, how often are you going to be shooting macro anyway?🙂


Way cheaper and easier too.