Very cheap Leica M7 alternative. Also Leica R alternative.

[claude_batmanghelidj]

OK, what I really want is an M6 with a Summicron 50. But........in the meantime. How

about a Canon SLR with AE and a 50mm Summicron? All told this set-up cost me $150. I

get AE, a Summicron, and a lightweight combo, with life-size viewfinder. I can focus with

both eyes open. I lose, low light capability, and a more lighteweight compact camera. Still

it works very well as a Leica R alternative.<div></div>

[neal_shields]

Will it focus at infinity? I assume that there is an adapter between the lens and the camera?

[jeff_wilson13]

Might be best to tape over the 'Canon' so nobody steals it.

[claude_batmanghelidj]

Yup. Focuses to infinity. The Canon FD/R Leica adapter is the "other" option for Leica R

lenses. Camera: $50, Adapter: $100, lens: free.

[stephen_w.]

Well done Claude.

 

"Might be best to tape over the 'Canon' so nobody steals it."

 

LOL

[nasmformyzombie]

Lens "free"? Is it hot?

[claude_batmanghelidj]

It's a long story. I got the lens with an SL and a 135. The whole deal was $250. I sold the

135 for $275, and the SL for around $180. So the 50 cost me -$200. Go figure!

 

I am very keen on the Leica R lenses I have. I really liked the 135, but I traded it for a 90

that I like even more. Leica SLR gear is the hidden secret. The stuff is available very cheap

if you keep your eyes peeled. And it really is that much more superior to all other SLR

lenses.

[doug_nelson1]

What you have there, Claude, is a great little street shooter. I put a 28R on my AV-1, using that adapter, set for hyperfocal at maybe, f8, and use the resulting dim viewfinder picture for framing only. Actually, its fun to use a $400 lens on a $40 body. Using the 50, you can focus wide open, then stop down. Actually the AV-1's viewfinder isn't all that bad. Hint: if you have a lot of sky, push the little compensation button on the side to give it a stop and a half more, or the sky will cause the AE system to underexpose. When I try to use a Leica R 90 on the AV-1 or even on my F-1 with one of their truly bright screens, I have trouble focusing accurately.

[claude_batmanghelidj]

Doug, not sure what you mean. The 90 is always easier to focus, even on the EOS bodies.

It should be that much easier on an MF SLR. Why do you have trouble with it?

[doug_nelson1]

Dunno, Claude, still trying to figure this one out. I am doing OK focusing the Canon 85 f1.8 on all Canon bodies, but can't seem to focus the 90 f2.8 Leica R on a Canon F-1, or even on a Leicaflex SL. SLOOOW painstaking stuff like extreme close-ups seem to be just fine, infinity is fine, but I am having trouble with anything in between. I do notice that I cannot focus my eyes on some things at about a meter away. I think the problem is my eyesight.

[wdavidprice]

Claude...where did you get the adapter?...who makes it?

[alessandro_dolci]

I like this lens very much, clever people have leica lenses for nothing !!! You can also use it wide open without bothering to stop down. I take it everywhere without fear of damaging it. Well done Claude !

Alessandro

[andrew robertson]

How about a Canon 50 f/1.8?

 

It's about 1/2 a stop faster than the Summicron and is well liked as well.

[claude_batmanghelidj]

<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/leica-to-canon-FD-body-

adapter_W0QQitemZ7567148288QQcategoryZ30059QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcm

dZViewItem">You can buy the adapter from this guy.</a>

[jtk]

...and if you wanted REALLY wonderful results you could use a 1.4 FD SSC :-)