G.L. Optics Leica R Super Speed-Reviews?

[Kenny Mosher]

Just wondering if anyone has any reviews or experience with the GL Optics Leica R Rehoused lenses? I own their Sigma 18-35 and the build is super nice, but I have had some issues with the focal distances not being entirely accurate.

The lenses can be seen here at the bottom of the page:

http://www.cinemaglass.com

Any information would be appreciated!

Thanks
-Kenny

 

[Christopher Barrett]

I have the GL 18-35 and a rehoused set of Leica R Superspeeds by Van Diemen. If you're thinking about building a fast set this way, I'd reconsider. The Sigma dosen't cut too well with the Leicas. All are great lenses but the Leicas have a feel all their own. I'm thinking about getting Nan's Sigma 50 and maybe the 80 if he's doing them. That should be a nice fast set!

Cheers,
CB

 

[Mike P.]

I have the GL 18-35 and a rehoused set of Leica R Superspeeds by Van Diemen. If you're thinking about building a fast set this way, I'd reconsider. The Sigma dosen't cut too well with the Leicas. All are great lenses but the Leicas have a feel all their own. I'm thinking about getting Nan's Sigma 50 and maybe the 80 if he's doing them. That should be a nice fast set!

Is there a Sigma Art 80mm?

I know he sells the 35 & 50 for $3500-4k... It'd be rad if he put out a rehoused Sigma set with 18-35 + 50 & 80 for like $7500. That'd be a lot of coverage of fast glass.

 

[Christopher Barrett]

There is the 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM, but I guess it's not in the "Art" line. What up Sigma???

 

[Kenny Mosher]

I have the GL 18-35 and a rehoused set of Leica R Superspeeds by Van Diemen. If you're thinking about building a fast set this way, I'd reconsider. The Sigma dosen't cut too well with the Leicas. All are great lenses but the Leicas have a feel all their own. I'm thinking about getting Nan's Sigma 50 and maybe the 80 if he's doing them. That should be a nice fast set!

Cheers,
CB

Thanks Christopher! How do you like your rehoused Leica's? Do you happen to know how much he charges for a set?

 

[Christopher Barrett]

I totally dig them. They're not as sharp as modern glass, but they feel really nice on digital. There are prices on the Van Diemen site, about $7500 US a lens if you buy the glass from them. They also take forever. I think it was 6 months or more after I sent my Summiluxes before I got them back. The rehouse on my GL 18-35 is not as nice, but Nan is also much cheaper.

 

[Mark Andersen]

Has anyone had experience with Lensworks in California for re-housed Leica R glass? The price seems pretty reasonable.