Need Leica help

Photoguy365 · Jun 9, 2018

I just purchased a Leica R4s Mod P body for a really good price. So now I need to pick up a good 50mm lens. Are there any R series 50mm lenses that I should avoid? This is my first Leica, and I am really looking forward to running a roll of Tri-X through it.

howardpan · Jun 9, 2018

This resource should be of use to you. Here’s a list of the different Leica R lenses:

https://www.apotelyt.com/photo-lens/leica-r-catalog

And here’s a link that explains the different versions or generations of the R mount standards.

Personally, I always meter manually with a handheld meter so I am happy to use older single CAM lenses v the ROM lenses. This gives you more options to choose from.

I also prefer the Summicron lens over the Summilux lens. It’s lighter and cheaper. I cannot tell the difference based on the images shot.

summicron1 · Jun 9, 2018

As long as it is a 3-cam model, you should be good. Most R lenses have three cams, but they made a few with only the third, or "R" cam, which is really a little prong shaped like Utah that engages with a lever in the camera.

2-cam lenses will not use the auto features of the R4 body, but will work in manual mode. There aren't a lot of those around, though -- the 3-cam ones are most common. And don't waste money on an ROM lens -- your camera doesn't need that feature.

There's no bad glass in any of them.

Theo Sulphate · Jun 10, 2018

Another link to good info on the R lens:

http://www.photoethnography.com/ClassicCameras/index-frameset.html?Lens-R.html~mainFrame

Photoguy365 · Jun 10, 2018

Thank you for the help! When I worked at my University’s PR dept in the mid 90s, they had a Leica R6 with a 50mm lens that someone had donated. I used it on occasion and always thought it was a very nice camera. I’m looking forward to getting the R4s in and starting the Leica journey.

locutus · Jun 10, 2018

One other thing to look out for with Leica R lenses, some of the older ones take 'Series' format filters, which is a pain in the bum.

If you go look for a 50 Summicron (and definitely a nice lens at not an impossible price) go for the later ones that take 55mm filters.

Chuckwade87 · Jun 11, 2018

I have the 50mm Summicron R (3-cam) (made in Canada). I really enjoy it.

bimmey · Jun 12, 2018

This might be what your looking for.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/pho...le/leica-50mm-f2-summicron-r-3-cam-lens/cat/2

Ebony Williams · Sep 4, 2018

Photoguy365 said:
Thank you for the help! When I worked at my University’s PR dept in the mid 90s, they had a Leica R6 with a 50mm lens that someone had donated. I used it on occasion and always thought it was a very nice camera. I’m looking forward to getting the R4s in and starting the Leica journey.

Great camera to start with! It can be very discouraging reading all the bad reviews about this model on the internet. Got mine from eBay (pristine condition, boxed and original accessories and all) but...spent 250$ on repairs. The battery door was corroded but the camera was barely used. I believe the camera had been sitting in the box for years about being used. Found a lens from Tamarkin camera (Chicago Leica dealer) and I couldn’t be happier. Very pleased and am glad I invested in repairs and lens. Sadly underrated.

Mozg31337 · Sep 5, 2018

If you down't need a faster lens, go for the Elmarits f2.8, which should be a bit cheaper than the Summicrons. I got the R4 with 28mm and 90mm Elmarits at a really good price. Currently in CLA with JP Camera Repair in Edinburg and should be back with me by the end of the week. can't wait to try it!

Ebony Williams · Sep 5, 2018

Mozg31337 said:
If you down't need a faster lens, go for the Elmarits f2.8, which should be a bit cheaper than the Summicrons. I got the R4 with 28mm and 90mm Elmarits at a really good price. Currently in CLA with JP Camera Repair in Edinburg and should be back with me by the end of the week. can't wait to try it!

I have an Elamite f2.8 90 as well. What kind of film would you recommend using with this setup? I recently tried ilford 400. Any other recommendations?

Mozg31337 · Sep 5, 2018

It all depends on the type of look you like. Colour vs BW. With BW - contrasty like Kodak TriX with punchier look but less shadow detail vs Ilford HP5+ with less contrast but more details in the shadows. Grain vs Less grain (Like Delta 3200 vs Delta 100). I suggest you try a few to see what you like. I like HP5, Delta 100 and Fuji Acros 100, but everyone is different.

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