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LEICA-R help needed - which serial numbers/versions to look for?

Samir Patel

Samir Patel

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Hi All. I decided that as far as my next purchase for lenses I wanted to pickup a small set of Leica-R's (likely after I save up for an Epic)

I was thinking of only the Summicron 35, 50, 90 for now.

Can you tell me which versions/serial numbers I should be looking for? They are so confusing 1 cam, 2 cam, 3 cam, rom and then I saw some people refer to also V1 and V2. I would like to note I will never use these on a Leica camera so not sure if I need the latest version (though I don't know if that makes a difference)

Also would it be smartest to modify these for Nikon mount so I can use on a D800, R1 dumb nikon mount and if needed just use a nikon to canon adapter for using on 5D or Scarlet(canon mount) - this seems like the way to go for most compatibility but maybe I am missing something.

Sorry for all the questions. I tried to use Sanjin's referenced document but I couldn't make any sense of it. Thanks all.
 
As you said, Samir, it is extremely complicated! In general, wih Leicas, the later serial numbers and versions are more desirable. Look for serial numbers over 3000000...preferably over 3400000. ROM lenses are the last version of most models and are the most sought after (and expensive) but the ROM chip that communicates with the Leica body doesn't do anything on an Epic or Scarlet, so not buying those is a way to save some $$. Some lenses, like the 19mm 2.8, came out as an original V1 design that was later radically redesigned into a "new, improved" V2 version. In the case of the 19mm, the V2 is much more desirable, but is almost double the price of the V1. As with any used lens, condition has a lot to do with price. My rule of thumb is - buy from reputable sellers (there are some on eBay that specialize in Leicas) and buy the best condition lenses you can find. Hope this helps a little.
 
Most Leica owners say there is absolutely no quality difference at all between Canada and Germany manufactured lenses. However, lens snobs definitely prefer the German ones. If you are buying with the thought that you might want to sell them at some point in the future, it might be worth considering German lenses...otherwise it shouldn't matter.
 
Hey again everyone. Have a few question for you Leica-R specialists.

I invested back in August in my first Leica Lens: Summicron 35. Got it for a bargain price since it had some paint chipped off on the exterior but had not affect on image quality.

In planning for the future I would like to build up a small set of a 19, 50, 80/90 to round out my set with the 35.

Now the questions:
1.) In my research I saw that the 90/2 seems to be the bargain for the tele as I don't like the images I found of the 80/1.4 (they seemed to display this haze when wide open similar to a faulty 85/1.4 contax I suspect I had). Here is what I mean in an example from a review -
http://www.overgaard.dk/leica_80_summilux-R_14.html
In the first photo on the podium which I suspect was white with black text it looks ugly to me the rendering. Even the white under the coat seems to be spilling over.

So I was considering the 90/2 instead of the 80/1.4 - what do you all think (the ones of you that have used maybe both 90/2 and 80/1.4 on RED).

2.) Should I pay the premium to go for a 50/1.4 over a 50/2? Seems like the prices are in some cases 2.5x the price of a 50/2.

3.) 19v1 or 19v2? I know the v2 was improved but was it $2000 worth of improvement when shooting on RED? I have seen v1s typically asking in the range of $1200 but v2s usually around $3200. Is the 19 v1 totally useable if the rest of the set is complete and then maybe just selling and upgrading to the v2 AFTER saving up for EPIC and DRAGON upgrade from Scarlet?

4.) I know this one is typically user preference. But if you were in my position with owning only a 35/2 what would be the next step? Go first for the 19 or the 50 or the 90/80. Then which one next, then next to complete the set?

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks guys.
 
19 version 2 is leagues ahead of the v1. Make sure to read the "puts column" about each lens and to check pebbleplace for version numbers
http://www.pebbleplace.com/Personal/Leica_db.html

If you have the money someone is selling their 70-180 on getdpi for 7k. Its better than the primes and even better than the canon 70-200
http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?105279-FOUND-on-getdpi-Leica-R-70-180&highlight=

let me know if you have any questions I've spent way too many hours finding my lenses
 
As far as the 50mm Summicrons go, the V1 is smaller in size and has 6 iris blades versus the V2 being slightly larger and having 8. People like to choose the V1 because it looks more "leica" and "organic" while the V2 is more controlled in its flare, color, etc.
 
Thanks Chad. I'm thinking then maybe the 19 will be the last focal length I should get and just splurge for the v2. (Unfortunately that will have to wait until after the upgrade to EPIC.) Yeah I saw that 70-180 but way out of my budget for the moment. I am also invested in the 70-200 but typically only use that zoom for stills on a 5D.

I'm leaning:
go for 90/2 next. Then make a decision on 50/2 or 50/1.4 next (but leaning 50/2). Focus on saving up for an Epic before the window to upgrade from Scarlet to Epic runs out. Then go for the 19mm last.

BTW I love the 35 cron and am addicted to glass.
 
Saumene Mehrdady said:
As far as the 50mm Summicrons go, the V1 is smaller in size and has 6 iris blades versus the V2 being slightly larger and having 8. People like to choose the V1 because it looks more "leica" and "organic" while the V2 is more controlled in its flare, color, etc.
Click to expand...

Saumene, would there be an improvement in sharpness between v1 and v2 50's?
 
I have a full set of Leica R's

my favorite lenses ive ever owned...

Ive owned Zeiss ZF set, cooke 25-250, cooke 20-100, kowa cine prominar full set, lomo standard speed full set..

my serials are in the 293000 range.. and they look amazing
 
I love my set of Leica R lenses. I have a set of Old lenses, because is like the soft look. They are all from around 1979. They do flare a lot. Specially when you shoot with big soft flares, like big windows in the back.
I think most lenses give you problems like you described with the 80mm when you shoot at the widest stop.
My set range is from 15 to 180 with 2.8 and 2.0 lenses, the 1.4 were to expansive. because I use them on documentaries I like the small size of the lenses. I would recommend to de-click the iris.

Good luck with the lenses.

Here is a short movie shot on the leica's. Only the wide shot in the classroom is with a totinka 11mm. And it was shot on a sony fs100.
http://vimeo.com/42127161
 
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Saumene Mehrdady said:
As far as the 50mm Summicrons go, the V1 is smaller in size and has 6 iris blades versus the V2 being slightly larger and having 8. People like to choose the V1 because it looks more "leica" and "organic" while the V2 is more controlled in its flare, color, etc.
Click to expand...

I think people choose v1 because its cheaper and they don't know better. v1 is a 60's design
 
Greg M said:
I think people choose v1 because its cheaper and they don't know better. v1 is a 60's design
Click to expand...

I chose the old version because I liked the look more... of course, the low price was an added bonus :)
 
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