Best lenses for leicaflex?

[david.elliott]

To answer your question specifically:
Macro = 60mm
Telephoto = 90mm Elmarit and 180mm apo/3.4

All these lenses are affordable in 'Leica Land.' Absolute steals when compared to their M cousins. The 60mm and 180mm are iconic R lenses. Leica got it right. Both versions of 90mm elmarit are comparable to the last M mount elmarit.

Give big consideration to the microprism focusing screen of the SL for your SL2. This screen shines with both telephoto and macro. Much better in these areas then the split image found on the typical SL2.

Could you please describe the difference in the focusing screens in more detail? I'm not quite clear on what you mean. Isn't the vast majority of the screen the same with the sl2 just having a split image section as a 'bonus' ?

 

[david.elliott]

First and foremost make sure the SL2 works as it should and that the prism is not desilvering (look at the edges in finder) and check all speeds ( high speeds tend to go off).

Make sure you have a ser 6 filter for the 50. The lens performs better at wide opening with it, believe me it is true.

The original 35 2.8, 90 2.8, and 135 2.8 that were marketed with the camera back when are more than decent lenses.

The last 90 2.8 is better at infinity, not so good up close as it goes soft under 6 feet.

The later version of the 135 is marginally better wide open. You can Identify by curve of rear element and it`s size. I do not remember exact details.

Proper Elpros for close up work simply great on the 50/90/135. They MUST be the proper ones based on filter size. Adapter rings CAN NOT be used as you change the spacing of the add on elements to the original. 180 4.0 uses the Elpro 4, works fine. This is not listed anywhere

35 2.8 with 55 mm filter thread is the best 35 to get. Will cost more than ser 6 original 35 2.8. Buy if you need 2.8

DAG can add cams to any single cam lens for around $100 to make it meter with the SL/SL2.

35 4.0 Curtagon is nice if you like a shift lens.

60 2.8 macro is very good

100 4.0 is good close up, terrible at distance. 100 4.0 bellows is the same.

180 4.0 is a nice travel lens and not expensive.

250 second version with rotating tripod socket and internal focus is nice. Get a shoulder stock with it. The original with fixed socket is a poor handling lens, decent optically.

There is a 350 4.8 companion to the 250 Telyt. Also nice

400 and 560 6.8 + same shoulder stock are good tele lenses.
Later ones better if you have an oil well.

100 APO 180 2.0 & 2.8 APO, 280 4.0 APO are world class best ever made lenses. Need two oil wells, but maybe someday. The others I mentioned are affordable.

I will repeat, the original furnished lenses are quite good but make sure the body functions as it should first.

24 2.8 is not nice. 21 4.0 is ok, need 8 for very sharp corners. 28 2.8 is same as original furnished lenses.

The 60 will be similar quality to your Takumar which I used as an enlarging lens for large prints. The preset and auto diaphragm versions of the Takumar are equally good and among the best Pentax made.

I'll be sure to check that the camera functions properly, but it should be good to go. I bought it from Igor and he said that the viewfinder and meter were overhauled and adjusted (respectively) by Leica in 1999 or 2000.

Will look into the filters this weekend. Good call.

Again, elpros sound interesting. Going to have to look into those!

Thank you for the info regarding the other lenses. I'll check the backyard for oil deposits this weekend, but my guess is that, being in Maryland, I'm probably out of luck. Oh well, one can dream - right?

My takumar is the super multi coated version which I absolutely adore. It is awesome.

 

[steveyork]

Could you please describe the difference in the focusing screens in more detail? I'm not quite clear on what you mean. Isn't the vast majority of the screen the same with the sl2 just having a split image section as a 'bonus' ?

The focusing screen on the Leicaflex SL is a coarse center microprism in a circle roughly depicting the meter spot, with finer microprisms going out to the corners and sides. Like all microprism focusing screens, (the H screen for the Nikon F comes to mind too), the image just pops into focus in a dramatic way. Especially for telephoto and macro, focusing is quick and easy. The only exception is low light and colored filters.

The Leicaflex SL2 typically has a split image focusing screen with a band of microprisms circling it. The split image is great for low light, wide angle lenses, when there's plenty of time to focus, and, I suppose, for folks with not so good eyesight. If you also use the band of microprisms, it is, arguably, the best of both worlds; just not so convenient as a full circle of coarse microprisms.

 

[david.elliott]

The focusing screen on the Leicaflex SL is a coarse center microprism in a circle roughly depicting the meter spot, with finer microprisms going out to the corners and sides. Like all microprism focusing screens, (the H screen for the Nikon F comes to mind too), the image just pops into focus in a dramatic way. Especially for telephoto and macro, focusing is quick and easy. The only exception is low light and colored filters.

The Leicaflex SL2 typically has a split image focusing screen with a band of microprisms circling it. The split image is great for low light, wide angle lenses, when there's plenty of time to focus, and, I suppose, for folks with not so good eyesight. If you also use the band of microprisms, it is, arguably, the best of both worlds; just not so convenient as a full circle of coarse microprisms.

Thank you Steve!

 

[awilder]

Here's some technical info I copied on the Elpro 3 designed for 90 mm Leica R lenses indicating it focuses close enough to give a 1:3 repro ratio:

"90mm f/2.8 or f/2.0 -R 61 to 30cm 241x161mm to 108x72mm 1:6.7 to 1:3"

I no longer own Leica R equipment but when I had the 1st version of the 90/2.8 and the Elpro 3 on my Leicaflex SL many years ago, it was a spectacular performer.

 

[Nokton48]

A friend of mine had a Leicaflex SL and the 180mm F2.8. Always thought it would be a hoot to put together an original Leicaflex shooting combo.

That 180 2.8 sure was sweet!

 

[david.elliott]

Well, the camera arrived and it looks to be in fantastic condition. WIll shoot a test roll this weekend.

The lens mounts to it fine, but is apparently a 3 cam only lens (even though it says 'for leica r only' in huge capital letters on the bottom of the lens). It is missing the second cam and therefore will not meter on the sl2. No big deal - I am used to using an incident meter as most of my cameras do not even have a meter.

 

[Ronald M]

"For Leica R only" means exactly that, R3. R4 etc. The is no first cam for original Leicaflex or second cam for SL or SL2.

Also not sure if they are backwards compatable to be able to add. Also check if it will meter stopped down. I suspect it will.

 

[david.elliott]

Good morning Ronald,

The box for the lens says for leicaflex sl2 in addition to the more recent models of the time, but you are correct - no second or first cam present.

Just checked and you are also correct about the metering. The lens does meter stopped down. Thanks!