Locking the 60 Macro-Elmarit-R on to the Leica M, with M to R adapter, Multifunction Grip and EVF results in yet another relatively light, relatively small, very well balanced and extremely versatile kit. The ability to focus from 1:2 to infinity without additional hardware is very reassuring for a lover of close views of the world’s details.
(click photographs for larger view)
The 60 works as a fine short distance portrait lens.
Oops. Forgot to reset the Manual Lens Detection. So the EXIF shows the 50 cron rather than the 60 Elmarit in the first three samples above. Rest assured every image in this post was shot with the 60 Elmarit—R; irrespective of the EXIF data.
Throwing the Macro-Elmarit-R 60 Extension Tube in the bag extends the range to include 1:1 through 1:2 with little extra weight… though may mean taking the 28 Summicron out of my fairly tiny “everywhere every day bag.” No. I can fit the tube and the 28 too!
Popping the Apo-Extender-R 2X makes a remarkable 120mm 5.6 Macro which adds working distance and different depth of field to both macro or other medium long focal length possibilities — all while taking up very little space or weight in the bag.
Now why in the world would the above photograph be tac sharp and the one below be unsharp?
Both were shot handheld at a 1/1000th of a second. Hard to imagine that the bottom one involves movement.
Both used focus assist with the “red” lighting up appropriately on the intended subject. What the hell’s going on here?
Infinity focus issues? Hard to imagine that at around f:8 with a 60 mm. Any ideas?
Leica M, 60 mm Macro—Elmarit—R
Next up: Leitz Wetzlar Summilux—R 1:1.4 / 80