[Leica] Leica R lenses on Nikon bodies with the Leitex bayonet

[cummer at netvigator.com (H&ECummer)]

On 14 Jan 2009, at 2:01 AM, lug-request@leica-users.org wrote:
>
> My initial impression is that the Leitax bayonet is a really good  
> option
> for anyone who wants to use R lenses on a Nikon body. I like the fact
> that it's a permanent bayonet attached to the lens, and not just an
> adapter. It meters on the D700 -- aperture preferred, though you can't
> use the thumb wheel to change apertures. You must change the  
> aperture on
> the lens. The viewfinder is good enough for bright scene focus. Focus
> assist also works when needed. I used it in the above shot.
>
> Again, more to come. Here's a link to the Leitax web site.
>
> http://www.leitax.com/
>
> I corresponded with David Llado -- of Leitax -- before I bought the
> bayonet. He's really great to work with. Howard Cummer originally
> introduced me to Leitax. I bought the 90 from Lugger Dave Allen  
> (because
> a few years back I foolishly sold all my R lenses).
>
> DaveR

Dear David,
Thanks for your extensive report.
I am glad that the bayonet change was easy and trouble free. I have  
three bayonets in the mail and will be changing my 19 Elmarit Version  
1, my 90 Summicron and my old faithful 180 APO f3.4 as soon as the  
bayonets arrive.
Should be later this week. David Llado told me that ROM lenses may  
need special attention so I am holding off changing my 28 Elmarit ROM  
and 100 Elmarit APO Macro ROM until others have done it. The 100  
Elmarit also requires a 10 hole bayonet - not the 6 hole the other  
lenses use. I am most interested in the performance of my 19 Elmarit  
on the D700 and whether it will be suitable for panos. I think the  
mating of Leica R glass with the D700 is a marriage made in heaven -  
the best glass on a state of the art digital body with wonderful low  
light high ISO performance. The fact that you get focus confirmation  
is just icing on the cake.
I look forward to seeing some sample pictures. Mine will be up as soon  
as they are made.
Cheers
Howard