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Archive 2016Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!
p.32 #1Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!
Well, the Zeiss 85/4 weighs about 300 grams compared to the Leica 90/4 macro Elmar at about 250. The Leica 90/2 apo is about 500, hardly a heavy weight for its aperture.
MTF's are not always comparable, but the 90/2 apo looks a bit better than the Summarit:
90/2: https://static.bhphotovideo.com/lit_files/104980.pdf
90/2.5: http://www.overgaard.dk/pdf/Summarit-M-90-mm-Technical-Data_en.pdf
Zeiss 85/4 for reference: https://www.zeiss.com/content/dam/Photography/new/pdf/en/downloadcenter/datasheets_zm/tele_tessar4_85zm_e.pdf
90/4 macro-Elmar mtf: http://www.overgaard.dk/pdf/Macro-Elmar-M_90_mm_Technical_Data_en.pdf
Agreed that for weight, cost, and for just landscape, the Zeiss ZM 85/4 seems most practical. For a cost no object, maximum portability 90, the Leica 90/4 macro-elmar might be as good or better. For all round versatile 90 with a landscape emphasis, I submit it is still hard to beat the Leica 90/2 AA, albeit at a cost.
MTF's are not always comparable, but the 90/2 apo looks a bit better than the Summarit:
90/2: https://static.bhphotovideo.com/lit_files/104980.pdf
90/2.5: http://www.overgaard.dk/pdf/Summarit-M-90-mm-Technical-Data_en.pdf
Zeiss 85/4 for reference: https://www.zeiss.com/content/dam/Photography/new/pdf/en/downloadcenter/datasheets_zm/tele_tessar4_85zm_e.pdf
90/4 macro-Elmar mtf: http://www.overgaard.dk/pdf/Macro-Elmar-M_90_mm_Technical_Data_en.pdf
Agreed that for weight, cost, and for just landscape, the Zeiss ZM 85/4 seems most practical. For a cost no object, maximum portability 90, the Leica 90/4 macro-elmar might be as good or better. For all round versatile 90 with a landscape emphasis, I submit it is still hard to beat the Leica 90/2 AA, albeit at a cost.
Sep 06, 2016 at 05:50 PM
p.32 #2Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!
Luvwine wrote:
Well, the Zeiss 85/4 weighs about 300 grams compared to the Leica 90/4 macro Elmar at about 250. The Leica 90/2 apo is about 500, hardly a heavy weight for its aperture.
MTF's are not always comparable, but the 90/2 apo looks a bit better than the Summarit:
90/2: https://static.bhphotovideo.com/lit_files/104980.pdf
90/2.5: http://www.overgaard.dk/pdf/Summarit-M-90-mm-Technical-Data_en.pdf
Zeiss 85/4 for reference: https://www.zeiss.com/content/dam/Photography/new/pdf/en/downloadcenter/datasheets_zm/tele_tessar4_85zm_e.pdf
90/4 macro-Elmar mtf: http://www.overgaard.dk/pdf/Macro-Elmar-M_90_mm_Technical_Data_en.pdf
Agreed that for weight, cost, and for just landscape, the Zeiss ZM 85/4 seems most practical. For a cost no object, maximum portability 90, the Leica 90/4 macro-elmar might be as good or better. For all round versatile 90 with a landscape emphasis, I...Show more →
If the Macro-elmar is up with these lenses at infinity (and I'm not saying it isn't) it would be super impressive. Macro lenses are often optimised either for macro or for 1:10 or some milder magnification. The result is that they test very well at typical IMATEST (or DXO) distances - but that of course is not infinity. It is a *gorgeous* little thing though. I'd love to see how it does compare at infinity with the ZM as a compact alternative.
EDIT: just looked at the published MTFs of both, To the extent that they are comparable it looks as though the ZM is a little sharper stopped down in the outer field. But, surprisingly, it looks as though the Macro-Elmar has somewhat (even) better contrast! The 10 lpm lines are remarkable. Are Leica MTFs test results, or calculated?
Well, the Zeiss 85/4 weighs about 300 grams compared to the Leica 90/4 macro Elmar at about 250. The Leica 90/2 apo is about 500, hardly a heavy weight for its aperture.
MTF's are not always comparable, but the 90/2 apo looks a bit better than the Summarit:
90/2: https://static.bhphotovideo.com/lit_files/104980.pdf
90/2.5: http://www.overgaard.dk/pdf/Summarit-M-90-mm-Technical-Data_en.pdf
Zeiss 85/4 for reference: https://www.zeiss.com/content/dam/Photography/new/pdf/en/downloadcenter/datasheets_zm/tele_tessar4_85zm_e.pdf
90/4 macro-Elmar mtf: http://www.overgaard.dk/pdf/Macro-Elmar-M_90_mm_Technical_Data_en.pdf
Agreed that for weight, cost, and for just landscape, the Zeiss ZM 85/4 seems most practical. For a cost no object, maximum portability 90, the Leica 90/4 macro-elmar might be as good or better. For all round versatile 90 with a landscape emphasis, I...Show more →
If the Macro-elmar is up with these lenses at infinity (and I'm not saying it isn't) it would be super impressive. Macro lenses are often optimised either for macro or for 1:10 or some milder magnification. The result is that they test very well at typical IMATEST (or DXO) distances - but that of course is not infinity. It is a *gorgeous* little thing though. I'd love to see how it does compare at infinity with the ZM as a compact alternative.
EDIT: just looked at the published MTFs of both, To the extent that they are comparable it looks as though the ZM is a little sharper stopped down in the outer field. But, surprisingly, it looks as though the Macro-Elmar has somewhat (even) better contrast! The 10 lpm lines are remarkable. Are Leica MTFs test results, or calculated?
Sep 06, 2016 at 06:12 PM
p.32 #3Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!
Fred Miranda wrote:
Towards the edges, the ZM is much sharper even when focusing on the edge. (which would give a soft center)
At f/8, field curvature is somewhat masked for the Leica but the ZM has a substantial contrast/resolution advantage and it's better corrected for CA.
Perhaps I have a bad copy of the Leica but it's very well centered and razor sharp for portraits. (close distance)
I can post some crops if requested.
I current shoot with three 85-90mm lenses because they excel at different purposes. The 85GM is my go to portrait lens, the Leica 90/2.5 is my travel companion and the 85/4 ZM is my landscape telephoto.I don't have any experience with the 90 Cron, but I don't believe you have a bad copy of the Summarit, Fred, as my experience with it on an a7r is similar to yours. If my memory serves me correctly, stopping down to f5.6 wasn't enough for sharp corners and I usually stopped down to f7.1. I too wondered whether I had a less than perfect copy, since I felt that the 75 Lux I tested at one point was somewhat sharper across the frame at f5.6 than the Summarit. My Elmarit 90 2.8 too is better than the Summarit.
I'd be curious what others with more experience with Leica glass like Charles, think about this, since I found it interesting that the old Lux outperformed the newer Summarit.Perhaps the Summarit is optimized for close distances which I have to confess, it's brilliant at that. I mainly use it for portraits when packing light.
However, as far as my copy goes, the unusual field curvature for a telephoto, lack of contrast and astigmatism towards the edges makes it a poor choice for landscapes.
I may rent the Elmarit and try it out.
Fred I had look at the MTFs for the Apo Summicron and the Summarit. At infinity it looks like the APO summicron is almost as good wide open as the Summitar at f4! So it is indeed significantly better, at least at infinity. Not personally tempted in the least given the cost, and the niceness of the Batis as an all-round short tele....(Good though the APO summicron is, it hasn't got the speed of the GM for a portrait specialist lens, not the size/weight of the ZM as a hiking specialist, so I see it competing in the all-round space occupied by the Batis for a lot less money and likely similar performance)
Chris_88 wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
Unless the 90/2 AA is way better than the 90/2.5, it's really no contest. I just tested both at infinity (Zeiss 85/4 ZM and Leica 90/2.5) and I confirm my findings. The ZM is very flat field wide open and the Leica has significant field curvature at f/4. (Infinity distance)Towards the edges, the ZM is much sharper even when focusing on the edge. (which would give a soft center)
At f/8, field curvature is somewhat masked for the Leica but the ZM has a substantial contrast/resolution advantage and it's better corrected for CA.
Perhaps I have a bad copy of the Leica but it's very well centered and razor sharp for portraits. (close distance)
I can post some crops if requested.
I current shoot with three 85-90mm lenses because they excel at different purposes. The 85GM is my go to portrait lens, the Leica 90/2.5 is my travel companion and the 85/4 ZM is my landscape telephoto.
I'd be curious what others with more experience with Leica glass like Charles, think about this, since I found it interesting that the old Lux outperformed the newer Summarit.
However, as far as my copy goes, the unusual field curvature for a telephoto, lack of contrast and astigmatism towards the edges makes it a poor choice for landscapes.
I may rent the Elmarit and try it out.
Fred I had look at the MTFs for the Apo Summicron and the Summarit. At infinity it looks like the APO summicron is almost as good wide open as the Summitar at f4! So it is indeed significantly better, at least at infinity. Not personally tempted in the least given the cost, and the niceness of the Batis as an all-round short tele....(Good though the APO summicron is, it hasn't got the speed of the GM for a portrait specialist lens, not the size/weight of the ZM as a hiking specialist, so I see it competing in the all-round space occupied by the Batis for a lot less money and likely similar performance)
Sep 06, 2016 at 06:27 PM
p.32 #4Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!
DavidBM wrote:
MTF's are not always comparable, but the 90/2 apo looks a bit better than the Summarit:
90/2: https://static.bhphotovideo.com/lit_files/104980.pdf
90/2.5: http://www.overgaard.dk/pdf/Summarit-M-90-mm-Technical-Data_en.pdf
Zeiss 85/4 for reference: https://www.zeiss.com/content/dam/Photography/new/pdf/en/downloadcenter/datasheets_zm/tele_tessar4_85zm_e.pdf
90/4 macro-Elmar mtf: http://www.overgaard.dk/pdf/Macro-Elmar-M_90_mm_Technical_Data_en.pdf
Agreed that for weight, cost, and for just landscape, the Zeiss ZM 85/4 seems most practical. For a cost no object, maximum portability 90, the Leica 90/4 macro-elmar might be as good or better. For all round versatile 90 with a landscape emphasis, I submit it is still hard to beat the Leica 90/2 AA, albeit at a cost.If the Macro-elmar is up with these lenses at infinity (and I'm not saying it isn't) it would be super impressive. Macro lenses are often optimised either for macro or for 1:10 or some milder magnification. The result is that they test very well at typical IMATEST (or DXO) distances - but that of course is not infinity. It is a *gorgeous* little thing though. I'd love to see how it does compare at infinity with the ZM as a compact alternative.
EDIT: just looked at the published MTFs of both, To the extent that they are comparable it looks as...Show more →
Some may also wish to consider the Rodenstock 80mm f4 Apo Rodagon N Enlarger lens. I have and am using it with my A7r and my Cambo Actus. It is quite small and light and can also be fit into a Helical which I would expoect should also work with the Tech Art AF adapter. The lens is quite sharp and should be used with a UV filter and a hood and with the Actus I can use it for both shift, rise/fall and tilt/swing.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/44520-USA/Rodenstock_452341_80mm_f_4_APO_Rodagon_N.html
https://static.bhphoto.com/images/images500x500/1272978279000_44520.jpg
The lens without a Helical lists for $970 but I paid $350 for an E+ one on Ebay.
Below are photos taken with the lens on my tripod mounted A7r and Cambo Actus straight out the camera with the LR defaults. The first image is the full frame and the second is a 100% crop. Focusing was on the chimeys of the houses hundreds of feet away and shot at f11. Image taken out my back Kitchen Door.
Rich
Rodenstock 80mm Apo Rodagon N, f11, ISO 100 on A7r/Cambo Actus
Rodenstock 80mm Apo Rodagon N, f11, ISO 100, 100% Crop on A7r/Cambo Actus
Edited on Sep 06, 2016 at 07:14 PM · View previous versions
Luvwine wrote
Well, the Zeiss 85/4 weighs about 300 grams compared to the Leica 90/4 macro Elmar at about 250. The Leica 90/2 apo is about 500, hardly a heavy weight for its aperture.MTF's are not always comparable, but the 90/2 apo looks a bit better than the Summarit:
90/2: https://static.bhphotovideo.com/lit_files/104980.pdf
90/2.5: http://www.overgaard.dk/pdf/Summarit-M-90-mm-Technical-Data_en.pdf
Zeiss 85/4 for reference: https://www.zeiss.com/content/dam/Photography/new/pdf/en/downloadcenter/datasheets_zm/tele_tessar4_85zm_e.pdf
90/4 macro-Elmar mtf: http://www.overgaard.dk/pdf/Macro-Elmar-M_90_mm_Technical_Data_en.pdf
Agreed that for weight, cost, and for just landscape, the Zeiss ZM 85/4 seems most practical. For a cost no object, maximum portability 90, the Leica 90/4 macro-elmar might be as good or better. For all round versatile 90 with a landscape emphasis, I submit it is still hard to beat the Leica 90/2 AA, albeit at a cost.
EDIT: just looked at the published MTFs of both, To the extent that they are comparable it looks as...Show more →
Some may also wish to consider the Rodenstock 80mm f4 Apo Rodagon N Enlarger lens. I have and am using it with my A7r and my Cambo Actus. It is quite small and light and can also be fit into a Helical which I would expoect should also work with the Tech Art AF adapter. The lens is quite sharp and should be used with a UV filter and a hood and with the Actus I can use it for both shift, rise/fall and tilt/swing.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/44520-USA/Rodenstock_452341_80mm_f_4_APO_Rodagon_N.html
https://static.bhphoto.com/images/images500x500/1272978279000_44520.jpg
The lens without a Helical lists for $970 but I paid $350 for an E+ one on Ebay.
Below are photos taken with the lens on my tripod mounted A7r and Cambo Actus straight out the camera with the LR defaults. The first image is the full frame and the second is a 100% crop. Focusing was on the chimeys of the houses hundreds of feet away and shot at f11. Image taken out my back Kitchen Door.
Rich
Rodenstock 80mm Apo Rodagon N, f11, ISO 100 on A7r/Cambo Actus
Rodenstock 80mm Apo Rodagon N, f11, ISO 100, 100% Crop on A7r/Cambo Actus
Edited on Sep 06, 2016 at 07:14 PM · View previous versions
Sep 06, 2016 at 06:31 PM
p.32 #5Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!
just read this entire thread. *whew* I am dead sold on this. Cannot wait to get one. Thanks for all the killer info!
Sep 06, 2016 at 06:42 PM
p.32 #6Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!
joelconner wrote:
just read this entire thread. *whew* I am dead sold on this. Cannot wait to get one. Thanks for all the killer info!
It's an amazing little gadget. It's like a whole new world
just read this entire thread. *whew* I am dead sold on this. Cannot wait to get one. Thanks for all the killer info!
It's an amazing little gadget. It's like a whole new world
Sep 06, 2016 at 06:56 PM
p.32 #7Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!
One thing I cannot seem to remember after reading all of the pages. I know some mounts you can use regular adapters and not the pricey ones from Techart. I am specifically needing a m42 and minolta MC to leica m. Thanks!
Sep 06, 2016 at 08:11 PM
p.32 #8Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!
joelconner wrote:
One thing I cannot seem to remember after reading all of the pages. I know some mounts you can use regular adapters and not the pricey ones from Techart. I am specifically needing a m42 and minolta MC to leica m. Thanks!
I got mine off of Amazon, work fine..
Well, I should add I always have that damn m42 flange issue on one of my super-takumar m42's, but I have that issue with or without the TAP. My m42 helios had no issues at all. These were the Fotodiox ones, m42 and CY specifically.
I've got R, MD and FD coming but they had to ship from China, so it's more waiting.. :\
One thing I cannot seem to remember after reading all of the pages. I know some mounts you can use regular adapters and not the pricey ones from Techart. I am specifically needing a m42 and minolta MC to leica m. Thanks!
I got mine off of Amazon, work fine..
Well, I should add I always have that damn m42 flange issue on one of my super-takumar m42's, but I have that issue with or without the TAP. My m42 helios had no issues at all. These were the Fotodiox ones, m42 and CY specifically.
I've got R, MD and FD coming but they had to ship from China, so it's more waiting.. :\
Sep 06, 2016 at 08:39 PM
p.32 #9Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!
great, thanks. I am specifically going to use with two helios, so that is great to know. Much appreciated!
Sep 06, 2016 at 08:41 PM
p.32 #10Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!
DavidBM wrote:
Towards the edges, the ZM is much sharper even when focusing on the edge. (which would give a soft center)
At f/8, field curvature is somewhat masked for the Leica but the ZM has a substantial contrast/resolution advantage and it's better corrected for CA.
Perhaps I have a bad copy of the Leica but it's very well centered and razor sharp for portraits. (close distance)
I can post some crops if requested.
I current shoot with three 85-90mm lenses because they excel at different purposes. The 85GM is my go to portrait lens, the Leica 90/2.5 is my travel companion and the 85/4 ZM is my landscape telephoto.I don't have any experience with the 90 Cron, but I don't believe you have a bad copy of the Summarit, Fred, as my experience with it on an a7r is similar to yours. If my memory serves me correctly, stopping down to f5.6 wasn't enough for sharp corners and I usually stopped down to f7.1. I too wondered whether I had a less than perfect copy, since I felt that the 75 Lux I tested at one point was somewhat sharper across the frame at f5.6 than the Summarit. My Elmarit 90 2.8 too is better than the Summarit.
I'd be curious what others with more experience with Leica glass like Charles, think about this, since I found it interesting that the old Lux outperformed the newer Summarit.Perhaps the Summarit is optimized for close distances which I have to confess, it's brilliant at that. I mainly use it for portraits when packing light.
However, as far as my copy goes, the unusual field curvature for a telephoto, lack of contrast and astigmatism towards the edges makes it a poor choice for landscapes.
I may rent the Elmarit and try it out.Fred I had look at the MTFs for the Apo Summicron and the Summarit. At infinity it looks like the APO summicron is almost as good wide open as the Summitar at f4! So it is indeed significantly better, at least at infinity. Not personally tempted in the least given the cost, and the niceness of the Batis as an all-round short tele....(Good though the APO summicron is, it hasn't got the speed of the GM for a portrait specialist lens, not the size/weight of the ZM as a hiking specialist, so I see it competing in the all-round space...Show more →
You got me thinking on the Batis 85 David. I've never tried it because my 85GM is so good...but as you wrote the GM is a specialty lens and not the best travel companion.
I will take a look at the Batis as eyeAF is very helpful at this focal length. The Leica 90 Summarit + TAP weights the same as Batis 85.
Fred Miranda wrote
Chris_88 wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
Unless the 90/2 AA is way better than the 90/2.5, it's really no contest. I just tested both at infinity (Zeiss 85/4 ZM and Leica 90/2.5) and I confirm my findings. The ZM is very flat field wide open and the Leica has significant field curvature at f/4. (Infinity distance)Towards the edges, the ZM is much sharper even when focusing on the edge. (which would give a soft center)
At f/8, field curvature is somewhat masked for the Leica but the ZM has a substantial contrast/resolution advantage and it's better corrected for CA.
Perhaps I have a bad copy of the Leica but it's very well centered and razor sharp for portraits. (close distance)
I can post some crops if requested.
I current shoot with three 85-90mm lenses because they excel at different purposes. The 85GM is my go to portrait lens, the Leica 90/2.5 is my travel companion and the 85/4 ZM is my landscape telephoto.
I'd be curious what others with more experience with Leica glass like Charles, think about this, since I found it interesting that the old Lux outperformed the newer Summarit.
However, as far as my copy goes, the unusual field curvature for a telephoto, lack of contrast and astigmatism towards the edges makes it a poor choice for landscapes.
I may rent the Elmarit and try it out.
You got me thinking on the Batis 85 David. I've never tried it because my 85GM is so good...but as you wrote the GM is a specialty lens and not the best travel companion.
I will take a look at the Batis as eyeAF is very helpful at this focal length. The Leica 90 Summarit + TAP weights the same as Batis 85.
Sep 06, 2016 at 08:43 PM
p.32 #11Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!
I've been getting a lot of info from this site which has helped me make sense of my just arrived adapter - your insights are really appreciated. Two questions:
1. I've just downloaded the update app from the Techart site and its offering a version 4.0 update released on the 5th of this month. Has anyone tried this?
2. Has anyone got the other app (LM-EA7-Config.apk) to work - I presume from its interface that this is intended to allow one to set up a customised set of apertures and focal lengths - I was hoping to customise it so I could put in a 180mm option for my ApoLanthar, for which the adapter works very well as a focus adjust after a coarse manual focus. It seems intuitive at face value, but fails to find the adapter.
John
1. I've just downloaded the update app from the Techart site and its offering a version 4.0 update released on the 5th of this month. Has anyone tried this?
2. Has anyone got the other app (LM-EA7-Config.apk) to work - I presume from its interface that this is intended to allow one to set up a customised set of apertures and focal lengths - I was hoping to customise it so I could put in a 180mm option for my ApoLanthar, for which the adapter works very well as a focus adjust after a coarse manual focus. It seems intuitive at face value, but fails to find the adapter.
John
Sep 07, 2016 at 12:05 AM
p.32 #12Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!
Your right there is a new version 4. I'll do it in the morning
Sep 07, 2016 at 12:21 AM
p.32 #13Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!
I just updated to version 4 without any issues but can't find anywhere any info on what changed from v3 to v4....
Sep 07, 2016 at 12:39 AM
p.32 #14Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!
Fred Miranda wrote:
I just updated to version 4 without any issues but can't find anywhere any info on what changed from v3 to v4....
Perhaps it will be less crashes and battery leakage - and anything to report on the other app?
I just updated to version 4 without any issues but can't find anywhere any info on what changed from v3 to v4....
Perhaps it will be less crashes and battery leakage - and anything to report on the other app?
Sep 07, 2016 at 12:44 AM
p.32 #15Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!
I just tested with the ZM 35/1.4 and AF feel MUCH faster even in low light with version 4.
I will test more in the morning.
No obvious new features as far as I can see.
I will test more in the morning.
No obvious new features as far as I can see.
Sep 07, 2016 at 12:45 AM
p.32 #17Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!
navmannz wrote:
Perhaps it will be less crashes and battery leakage - and anything to report on the other app?
I could never get the 'configuration' app to find my adapter...I will try again tomorrow with version 4.
Fred Miranda wrote
I just updated to version 4 without any issues but can't find anywhere any info on what changed from v3 to v4....I could never get the 'configuration' app to find my adapter...I will try again tomorrow with version 4.
Sep 07, 2016 at 12:46 AM
p.32 #18Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!
GMPhotography wrote:
Fred F90 for Bluetooth
Yes, f/90, take a picture and then turn the camera off.
Then on your phone, make sure that bluetooth is "on" and the phone "lock" is turned off. Also be sure it has more than 50% battery. Then run the update using the app.
It's pretty easy but took about 6 minutes to complete.
Fred F90 for Bluetooth
Yes, f/90, take a picture and then turn the camera off.
Then on your phone, make sure that bluetooth is "on" and the phone "lock" is turned off. Also be sure it has more than 50% battery. Then run the update using the app.
It's pretty easy but took about 6 minutes to complete.
Sep 07, 2016 at 12:47 AM
p.32 #19Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!
Working now . So to turn Bluetooth off
Sep 07, 2016 at 12:52 AM
p.32 #20Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!
They really improved AF with the new version. The ZM 35/1.4 @f/1.4 is focusing in almost complete darkness using AF-C (I didn't try AF-S yet), "small" focusing point outside the center area. The motor is also moving much faster...I'm impressed.
Sep 07, 2016 at 12:55 AM