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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Leica R Cine Conversion - aprox $8000 high quality 7 lens prime set in Canon EF

Opinions from anyone who's used the Leica Vario-Elmar-R 28-70mm F3.5-4.5 ROM?

I've read some mixed things about it. Enticing at under $1k with a nice focal range. I currently own the 35-70 f4, which is great...but am curious about his one too.
 
I rejected that lens as part of my set because of the variable F stop. I chose the 35-70 f4 as well and it is far superior optically, just a tad slow. I had a 35-70 f2.8 as well, but sold it because the mechanics sucked. It wouldn't hold focus through the zoom and it didn't have the typical Leica feel. The zoom was inconsistent and sticky in spots, and the whole thing felt a little janky. And mine was essentially a brand new lens! I think the 35-70 f2.8, while optically great at a fixed focal, was clearly designed as a still lens - with no thought to being par focal. My 70-180's however, are perfectly par focal and razor sharp, with great contrast and color rendition. Their only flaw is some veiling flare at f2.8 on the long end.

Each Leica R has its own characteristics -- and story -- and that makes it kinda fun. But if you get the last version of every lens and get a good copy, they are amazing lenses.

I have a full set of every prime from 15mm to 280mm plus the two zooms. The 70-180mm works the most. But that's mostly true on interview driven pieces…

M
 
Mark M said:
Opinions from anyone who's used the Leica Vario-Elmar-R 28-70mm F3.5-4.5 ROM?

I've read some mixed things about it. Enticing at under $1k with a nice focal range. I currently own the 35-70 f4, which is great...but am curious about his one too.
Click to expand...

The 28-70 is, I believe, not really a "Leica", but instead an entry level 3rd party zoom rebadged by "Leica"...most likely as a kit zoom. A very similar (if not the same) zoom exists in the Contax lineup as well (for similar budget/kit reasons, I assume).

Though it may have the Leica R coatings, I don't imagine it would have as much of an "R" look as other true Lieca Zooms and primes.

best
 
Thanks for the feedback/info Mark & Nick. Pretty consistent with much of what I've gathered, though a couple photographers who own it along with the 35-70 f4 like both for different reasons, which had me curious (along with the sub $1k price:) But in my limited experience, Leica's rebranded/outsourced/borrowed designs just aren't the same as 'true' Leica R glass so probably best avoided, especially for cine-work.

Though only a couple hundred were made, I believe a few redusers own the 35-70 2.8. I wonder if they had theirs serviced or simply live with the shortcomings due to the amazing optical quality. Regardless, its a lens I'd love to play with someday :)
 
Mark Pedersen said:
Each Leica R has its own characteristics -- and story -- and that makes it kinda fun. But if you get the last version of every lens and get a good copy, they are amazing lenses.
Click to expand...

No joke! Have never been so enthralled with glass until these Leica Rs came along starting with the 60 Elmarit & 100 APO.
Now well over a dozen LRs later... no wonder I'm coming up short on Dragon upgrade ;)
 
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