Auto Up, Why not!?

[B-9]

To make a long story short, I've been thinking more and more about getting closer. When I did a search, I came up with very little on these interesting attachments.

I own a Serenar 50/1.9 and its a great lens, it ultimately replaced my Summar. Now I've never owned a DR Summicron or Macro Elmar, and have no experience in using my rangefinders close up.

I was wondering, why are these not often utilized? Or discussed?

With the little information I managed on google, it is usable on a M camera.
Does anyone have experience using this with a M?

Considering the relatively cheap prices, Im already set on buying one.
I think it would be a great piece to add to my Serenar collection.

Now that I have a CV 50/2.5, I'm not using the Canon as much.
Ide love to make it my dedicated close up lens.

Any tips or tricks?
As usual this is me making small talk!

 

[Mackinaw]

People don't use auto-ups much because SLR's are better for close-ups than a rangefinder. I have an auto-up buried away someplace in my junk box that I have't used since 1977. Just don't see any need for it, especially since it's easier to slap a macro lens on my SLR.

Jim B.

 

[B-9]

I agree, this is not a strong point of rangefinders.

I just have a interest in using one I suppose.
I sent you a PM Jim, Thanks for your response.

 

[rhl-oregon]

Don't know why it wouldn't work on an M. It was nice cutting my Canon 50 1.8 minimum focus from a meter to 22 inches. Now I need one for my 50 1.4. They can be found in great shape cheap with cases--there's one here where I got mine (for 40% this price): http://www.collectiblecameras.com/home.php?cat=70

 

[wintoid]

I've been thinking about this too. I have Canon's 50mm f1.5 and I have located an auto ups for it, but just not clear about whether I could use it on an M9.

 

[B-9]

If I'm not mistaken, the Auto up meant for the 50/1.8 is also used on the 1.5
It's look very much the same as the 50/1.9 version with different clamp size.
Ide assume if it would work with a film M it would work with a M9!

But I know about as much as the next guy, get it, try it out!

 

[rbiemer]

I think the difficulty might be whether or not the viewing lens lines up correctly with the RF and VF windows on the camera(s) you want to use it on?
Otherwise, I can't see any reason why it wouldn't work.
Rob

 

[B-9]

I've got one on its way, although I won't be able to test it until my Serenar comes back from Youxin. Then expect photos!

I intend to use the auto up and 50/1.9 on both my M4-2 and M3.
Let's hope the views isn't to awkward.

 

[VinceC]

Accurate, well-composed framing is one of the difficulties. These work great (I've only used on a Nikon RF) and I often keep one in the bag, but usually just for infrequent detail shots.

 

[ZeissFan]

I've used close-up setups with various rangefinders, and the results generally have been good.

However, they are a bit clunky to use, because you usually are attempting to focus on a single point while moving the camera laterally to frame your shot.

An SLR is the better tool for this job.

 

[B-9]

I think we've managed to conclude a SLR is superior for close-up.

Well, I have a Nikon F and F2 with lenses.
Ide still like to use the Auto Up.

 

[KoNickon]

Go ahead and use it! One of the shortcomings of a rangefinder is its closeup capabilities; anything that helps in that regard is a good thing. If the auto-up is made by the camera's manufacturer, you can expect it will work well and not degrade the image.

As someone else said, framing can get tricky. Also, sometimes it's harder to see the rangefinder image for accurate focusing. But those are minor tradeoffs.

 

[ZeissFan]

I think we've managed to conclude a SLR is superior for close-up.

Well, I have a Nikon F and F2 with lenses.

I'd still like to use the Auto Up.

Luckily, photography isn't ruled by the Taliban, so we get to do what we want.

Give it a go. It's sort of fun. I still use my various close-up adapters for rangefinders. In fact, I just bought a set for a Contax I and II, and I'm looking forward to using it.

Your depth of field is very shallow, so it's best to stop down to f/8 or smaller. There's nothing wrong with shooting wide open - just be aware of the shallow depth of field.

A smaller aperture will help compensate for small focusing errors. On the downside, you end up with a slower shutter speed, which might pose a problem if you're shooting handheld on a subject that is moving slightly. If you're photographing a small insect or flowers, for example, you really notice how a slight breeze will seem like a huge wind.

That's part of the fun and challenge of shooting in the macro/micro world.

 

[VinceC]

Which Auto-Up do you have? Mine is an Auto-Up II that focuses down to 14 inches. As others have said, it's a lot of fun. Having it in your bag is a lot smaller and lighter than carrying around an SLR. And, arguably, an Auto Up is easier to close-focus than an SLR, especially if you're not using a tripod.