Elmar 50s on the R-D1?

[kermaier]

Hi all, who knows which Elmar 50mm lenses can/cannot be collapsed on the R-D1?
Thanks,
Ari

 

[tajart]

i have two, 3.5 & 2.8 thread mounts, both of which seem like they would be too deep when collapsed, though i don't know for certain since i didn't want to take a chance of pushing up against the sensor. i've only done a couple shots with the 2.8 and it looks like it has nice characteristics.

 

[LCT]

I own two current Elmar's from 1994 & 2004 and two Epson bodies, R-D1 & R-D1s.
Both lenses touch the roller cam of the rangefinder when i collapse them.
Do the test carefully. You'll see that the tube does not slide as smoothly as on a Leica M for instance because the bottom of the tube hits slightly the roller cam each time you collapse it.
Also my 1994 version touches something else into the body when focussed at infinity.

 

[kermaier]

Anyone know about the older 50/2.8 M-mount?

 

[LCT]

Anyone know about the older 50/2.8 M-mount?

My 1962 version can be collapsed with no problem on R-D1 & R-D1s. Less sharp and contrasty than the current version. Easier to avoid blown highlights with digital. More flare though. Slightly harsher bokeh as well. Also the tube rotates when focusing so polar filters are not handy. Close focus 1m instead of .7m.

 

[LCT]

Simple way to avoid problems:

 

[kermaier]

My 1962 version can be collapsed with no problem on R-D1 & R-D1s. Less sharp and contrasty than the current version. Easier to avoid blown highlights with digital. More flare though. Slightly harsher bokeh as well. Also the tube rotates when focusing so polar filters are not handy. Close focus 1m instead of .7m.

Thanks, LCT, that's good info. Sounds like this version is the only one that can be safely collapsed on the R-D1. (BTW, why do you have a guard on your barrel to prevent collapsing if it's not a problem?)

My Canon 25/3.5 LTM has aperture and focus rings on the same rotating barrel, so I'm used to that particular ergonomic infelicity already. I prefer having a focusing tab, so that's an advantage of the older 50/2.8 over the latest one, for me anyway.

Do you get bad flare even with a hood?
Do you have any example pictures from this lens on the R-D1?

Thanks,
Ari

 

[LCT]

...why do you have a guard on your barrel to prevent collapsing if it's not a problem?...Do you get bad flare even with a hood?....

The guard is on my 1994 version. Flare at f/2.8:

 

[LCT]

F/2.8 as well:

 

[LCT]

Same, 100% crops:

 

[kermaier]

OK, results-wise, the newer version is clearly superior to the old.

 

[LCT]

For color works the current version is the way to go IMHO.
Here at 200 iso, raw developed with Capture One v4

 

[kermaier]

Update: I recently got a Canon 50/3.5 LTM, which collapses fine on my R-D1.