Database compatible lenses

[bschokker]

Hi,
In the past I was able to find on the site from Epson a database with compatible lenses for the r-d1.
I can't find this page anymore. The reason why I ask this is the following. Is the Leica M 2.8/28mm ELMARIT compatible with my r-d1?
I found a shop here in Holland where they give 15% discount so quite interesting at the moment.

Thanks a lot.

Bert

 

[LCT]

Depends on the version of your Elmarit 28/2.8. According to the user's guide (page 17), the earliest version is not compatible. If you don't know which version it is just tell us the serial number engraved on the lens.
Edit: If it is the current 'asph' version, it is indeed compatible with R-D1 & R-D1s.

 

[bschokker]

LCT, thanks for the info. As far as I can see it should work.
If you have some time, please read the the following:
Thanks !

Leica Camera AG, Solms is exhibiting the new Leica Elmarit-M 1:2.8/28 mm ASPH. at photokina in Cologne. The Leica Elmarit-M 1:2.8/28 mm ASPH. adds a particularly compact wide-angle lens with high imaging capability to the palette of lenses for the Leica ranging viewfinder system. Thanks to the use of an ASPH.erical lens, the optical performance is once again significantly increased in comparison to preceding models. With a weight of only 180 grams, the Leica Elmarit-M 1:2.8/28 mm ASPH. is the lightest of all the Leica M lenses. The new wide-angle lens can be used both on Leica M analog camera models and also on the new digital Leica M8.

 

[LCT]

Hehe i know it my friend as i have one myself. Great little lens indeed. 3 little 'flaws' though. First a bit of vignetting you'll have to live with. the R-D1 is less forgiving that the M8 from this standpoint. Second, it is a very contrasty lens so beware of blown highlights. I underexpose by 1 EV with it personally. Third, its bokeh is slightly harsher than that of the Summicron or previous versions of the Elmarit. But knowing this you'll take great pics with this little gem no doubt about it. 🙂

 

[bschokker]

Thanks again LT. Before I buy this lens I have the opportunity to test this lens in the shop.
You're right about the underexposure with 1 EV I read it in a review today.
I'm only worried about the amount of vignetting, we'll see.
Can you post some pictures made with this lens?
Bye,
Bert

 

[LCT]

I would not overestimate the vignetting issue personally. All 28mm lenses i know of vignette more or less due to the rather 'old' microlenses of the Epsons. It is not difficult to adjust in PP in most cases with good softwares like the Epson raw converter (for B&W), Capture one, Silkypix and of course Photoshop.

 

[bschokker]

Great pictures, especially the one in B/W. You convinced me.
Next week I’ll make some test shots. If the results are satisfied, he’s mine.
By the way, do you know where I can find a database with compatible lenses for the Epson r-d1s ? I’m sure it was on the Epson site.

 

[LCT]

....do you know where I can find a database with compatible lenses for the Epson r-d1s ? I’m sure it was on the Epson site.

I guess you refer to the following link but it is not active any more:
http://www.epsonrd1.co.uk/lenses/index.html
I've just kept one scan of it unfortunately (attached).
Otherwise you will find good infos on Rich Cutlers's site but some of them (Elmar 50/2.8) are not totally accurate IMHO:
http://www.richcutler.co.uk/r-d1/r-d1_11.htm