stuart_richardson Posted March 28, 2006 Share Posted March 28, 2006 I know that later production models of the 180mm f/2.8 APO Elmarit R will work with the 1.4x extender, but I am curious as to how to tell whether my particular lens will work. Looking at the rear, the rear glass is recessed about 1cm from the top of the rom contacts. I did not buy the lens new, so I am not sure if it was made after the change. If anyone has an idea as to how to determine this, I would appreciate it. I am considering in investing in a tele-converter, and I think a 250mm f/4 APO sounds better than a 360 f/6. Also, it is easy to find fairly cheap Leica 2x converters, but no old 1.4x will fit (or at least I don't think so...). I figure I will use a 2x less often, so getting an older one would be a better buy than the new APO version. Anyway...if anyone has the low-down on this I would love to hear it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_huang6 Posted March 28, 2006 Share Posted March 28, 2006 Hi Stuart, wasnt aware that there were several versions to the 180F2.8 APO elmarit. I have one and can test it out with my old 1.4 apo extender (its the one that was made for the older 280F2.8 apo telyt). What is the serial number of your 180? Cheers, Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuart_richardson Posted March 28, 2006 Author Share Posted March 28, 2006 Well Paul, that seems to be the word on the street. It is also listed in the description of the lens at Adorama. I would love to hear if you old one works, but I think it might be a different 1.4x than the one currently on offer. I could be wrong of course. The serial number on my lens is 38155xx. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_huang6 Posted March 28, 2006 Share Posted March 28, 2006 I had the newer 1.4 APO extender but sold it. Didnot find any difference to the older one. Will be going home soon. Will test and let you know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raymond_tai Posted March 28, 2006 Share Posted March 28, 2006 The current 180mm f/2.8 APO has been redesigned to take the 1.4x apo extender by moving the rear element back a bit. There is nothing on the lens to indicate which version it is. I guess if you feel metal scraping against glass when mounting the 1.4x then you have the early version :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_huang6 Posted March 28, 2006 Share Posted March 28, 2006 Urrrrrgh : - ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raymond_tai Posted March 28, 2006 Share Posted March 28, 2006 Stuart, I have the new version and the rear element is recessed about an inch from the ROM contacts. I guess this is how to tell the versions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuart_richardson Posted March 28, 2006 Author Share Posted March 28, 2006 Raymond -- Wanna trade??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canfred Posted March 28, 2006 Share Posted March 28, 2006 My 180 apo is the older version number 3798--- the 1.4 extender can not be used. Recess from the rom contacts measures 10.98mm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raymond_tai Posted March 28, 2006 Share Posted March 28, 2006 >Raymond -- Wanna trade??? Just so you can use the 1.4x? I have the 1.4x extender and the difference isn't huge. The 2x APO is probably more useful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael_b._elmer Posted March 28, 2006 Share Posted March 28, 2006 Leica offers to rebuild older 180/2.8 APO lenses to take the 1,4 apo-extender. I don't know the price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_huang6 Posted March 28, 2006 Share Posted March 28, 2006 Hi Stuart, Just checked. My serial number is 3897XXX. Had a close look. I dont think I should test it out. The clearance seems to darn close! Maybe we could check with Leica.Cheers,Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCL Posted March 28, 2006 Share Posted March 28, 2006 Doug Herr mentions on his website that the early models couldn't use the 1.4 adapter unless modified, but later models could. No indication of where the line of demarcation is though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuart_richardson Posted March 28, 2006 Author Share Posted March 28, 2006 Ok, well I checked with Leica, and the lens can indeed be modified. The cost is 625 dollars and about 8 weeks in Germany. I think I will just go with the 2x...that will work on all my other lenses too, so it might be a better idea anyway. It seems both routes have something to recommend them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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