Re: [Leica] Leica R 180mm lens

[Bud Cook <budcook@ibm.net>]

Sattha,
I've owned a 180 Elmar-R since 1977.  I bought it in Germany from a very
knowledgeable dealer who recommended it over the original 180 Elmarit-R.

I've taken many comparison shots between this lens and my other R lenses using
Kodachrome and I can't tell the difference in resolution, color transmission or
contrast when the slides are projected with a Prodovit.

This is a very convenient lens for travel.  It's close to the size of a 135 and
is not nearly as heavy as the Elmarits.

The only possible drawback I can think of with the lens is that it's too slow to
use conveniently with a 2X extender. However, f/4 is a perfectly usable aperture
with this lens.

BTW, one problem with the 180 f/3.4 is that it won't focus very closely.  This
could be a serious problem for some users.

Bud

ctkhor wrote:

> I recently posted that I am building up my Leica R system with a few lenses,
> one of which is the 180/3.4 Apo-Telyt. This lens was recommended in Brian
> Bowers' book "Leica Reflex Photography" as the best 180's ever made. A good
> friend also recomend it highly and I have seen the exceptional pictures made
> with it. However, an excellent to mint condition lens cost $1000 + and that
> eats into my budget. Doug Herr was so kind to recommend the 180/4 Elmar
> instead which is priced attractively enough for me to buy used.
> Unfortunately, I know next to nothing about this lens. Can anyone in the LUG
> group who have experience with please comment on its performance with
> regards to resolution, colour rendition and contrast.
>
> To Leica users like Eric Welch who have experience with both Nikon and
> Leica, how does it compare to the AF Nikkors 80-200 f2.8D and 180 f2.8D?
>
> Thank you.
>
> Sattha