Hi guys, Im looking for advice on the best adapters for Leica R lenses on Canon 5D mk3. I recently got bitten by the Leica bug and have purchased 4 lenses, Summicron-r 50, Summicron-r 35, Elmarit-R 90mm and the Elmarit-r 60mm Makro. They are all E55 versions.
Is there a huge difference using the Leitax adapters? I used a cheap Fotodiox on the Summicron 50, it looks really sharp close up but if I focus on something in the distance (infinity) the image appears soft. Yesterday I tried a shot of a church across a lake @ F5.6 and it definitely was not that sharp.
Having seen a few Landscape type images on here using the Summicron 50 I expected my image to be sharper ( I know the 50 was not designed for landscapes). I decided to test the fotodiox adapter before purchasing adapters for the other lenses.
Also Im finding the focus confirm chip on the adapter is not very accurate... Apparently they can be fine tuned with micro adjustment but I still cant imagine them being that useful as they work on contrast. Can anyone recommend a focusing screen for the 5D mk3 like the split prism type to help with manual focus?
After spending a few weeks on this thread I have fallen seriously in love with the leica colour/ rendering (look). There are some really stunning images on here... So thanks to you guys Im hooked
I've used both Leitax and Novoflex adapters for R lenses to EOS. Both are excellent. However, the Leitax is a screwed-on fixture whereas the Novoflex can be removed instantly if desired, for example to attach another adapter so as to use the lens on a different camera. Also, of course, you can interchange the adapter between your three R lenses so only need to purchase the one, whereas you would need three separate Leitax adapters. This flexibility argues clearly for the Novoflex in my view. Their adapters are more expensive than others but they really are the best you can buy.
I used Fotodiox without problem. There is some variation in thickness on occasion, so consider sending your adapter back for replacement from Fotodiox -- they are very good about replacements.
I eventually whittled down my R lenses to just the 60 macro, and at that time bought a Leitax style screw-on from eBay to convert the lens to Nikon F-mount. But I wouldn't do that to a number of lenses -- get one good adapter and switch R lenses on it.
Now I prefer the Zeiss Loxia lenses on Sony a7-series cameras with auto magnification in EVF.
StephenR62 wrote:
Hi guys, Im looking for advice on the best adapters for Leica R lenses on Canon 5D mk3
It sounds like you got a copy of the adapter which is too thick and is acting sort of like an extension tube not letting the lens reach infinity focus.
The determining factor with these adapters is sample variation not brand name. Fotodiox is a complete and utter crapshoot, though I have had ones which are perfectly fine. Supposedly, theoretically, you get somewhat better odds with more expensive brands like Metabones and Novoflex, but certainly not so much so as to justify the cost difference (and perhaps not even at all). Leitax seems to be made with more care, and I haven't had a bad one, but I've only owned a handful so I can't say anything with certainty there either.
Personally I prefer the more solid feel of the Leitax mount replacement, but really the most economical thing is to buy a couple copies of the Fotodiox on Amazon (easy return policy) and keep the best.
Thanks, Martin, Gunzorro and Lee for the prompt reply. I hear what you're saying Martin about using one good adapter (Novoflex) but if I'm on a job/ shoot it's probably not practical.... I tried that the other day when I was out and with the rain etc it's difficult.
Also, I've noticed there is a bit of play on the Fotodiox adapter (side to side movement of the lens) it's only subtle. I will send it back and see what the replacement is like. I know I will be using the 35 the most so will probably get that one leitaxed for now. The Novoflex adapter is £120.00 here and for that, I could get two Leitax adapters. The fotodiox adapters are £22.00, so for just over double that I can get the Leitax (also the Leitax will give me peace of mind focus wise).
Today I tried another adapter off ebay called Pixco, it's a tighter fit than the fotodiox and has the chip on for focus confirm, not that the focus confirm helps that much with focus - I envy you guys with mirrorless cameras, focus peaking etc.
I guess I need to research focus screens for the 5D mk3.
I will do some proper focus tests using a tripod with the different lens adapters.
Thanks, Martin, Gunzorro and Lee for the prompt reply. I hear what you're saying Martin about using one good adapter (Novoflex) but if I'm on a job/ shoot it's probably not practical.... I tried that the other day when I was out and with the rain etc it's difficult.
Also, I've noticed there is a bit of play on the Fotodiox adapter (side to side movement of the lens) it's only subtle. I will send it back and see what the replacement is like. I know I will be using the 35 the most so will probably get that one leitaxed for now. The Novoflex adapter is £120.00 here and for that, I could get two Leitax adapters. The fotodiox adapters are £22.00, so for just over double that I can get the Leitax (also the Leitax will give me peace of mind focus wise).
Today I tried another adapter off ebay called Pixco, it's a tighter fit than the fotodiox and has the chip on for focus confirm, not that the focus confirm helps that much with focus - I envy you guys with mirrorless cameras, focus peaking etc.
I guess I need to research focus screens for the 5D mk3.
I will do some proper focus tests using a tripod with the different lens adapters.
StephenR62 wrote:
Thanks, Martin, Gunzorro and Lee for the prompt reply. I hear what you're saying Martin about using one good adapter (Novoflex) but if I'm on a job/ shoot it's probably not practical....
Why not? Just leave the adapter on the camera body and attach your R lenses like native ones. No focus confirmation though, but that is not critically reliable anyway
StephenR62 wrote:
Hi guys, Im looking for advice on the best adapters for Leica R lenses on Canon 5D mk3. I recently got bitten by the Leica bug and have purchased 4 lenses, Summicron-r 50, Summicron-r 35, Elmarit-R 90mm and the Elmarit-r 60mm Makro. They are all E55 versions.
Is there a huge difference using the Leitax adapters? I used a cheap Fotodiox on the Summicron 50, it looks really sharp close up but if I focus on something in the distance (infinity) the image appears soft. Yesterday I tried a shot of a church across a lake @ F5.6 and it definitely was not that sharp.
Having seen a few Landscape type images on here using the Summicron 50 I expected my image to be sharper ( I know the 50 was not designed for landscapes). I decided to test the fotodiox adapter before purchasing adapters for the other lenses.
Also Im finding the focus confirm chip on the adapter is not very accurate... Apparently they can be fine tuned with micro adjustment but I still cant imagine them being that useful as they work on contrast. Can anyone recommend a focusing screen for the 5D mk3 like the split prism type to help with manual focus?
After spending a few weeks on this thread I have fallen seriously in love with the leica colour/ rendering (look). There are some really stunning images on here... So thanks to you guys Im hooked
All my R lens get Leitaxed. They fit really well for Nikon. 50cron R should be very sharp at distance so you need figure out why is not sharp infinity. Is that because you can't reach infinity or pass infinity or it is just not sharp. (how you focus it?)
I would n't suggest you invest Leitax right away. Take some time with the lens until you sure you are going to make commitment for the R lens, then invest Leitax. First buy a 2nd hand Novoflex might be a good solution and just attached it on the Canon and change lens like native lens, see how you like the lens this way. If you don't like them, just sold without too much loss.
Leica R glass are nice but optically there are many new lenses already surpass them at less cost. The beauty of them is how they rendering images and how the manual process inspire you and of course if you love the craftsmanship of beautiful metal manual lens like me.
Certainly, there are lenses which surpass Leica R although not (for the best versions) I think, at lower cost unless they are dedicated to a certain system. For me, the beauty of Leica lenses - M or R - is their combination of qualities and, since the advent of mirrorless systems, their adaptability to different camera bodies. Sure, they will be beaten by certain system specific glass in terms of optical perfection but that's not the point. At least not for me.
Thanks again for all the info. It sounds like the novoflex could be a good option if it's easy to use (leave on the body)... They are obviously a lot better to use than the cheaper ones.
I completely agree with Waterden. Modern lenses are sharp but in my opinion a lot of them are too clinical and lack character. I have my modern canon L glass which I use for commercial work (auto focus etc)... I originally got into vintage lenses Contax and a few others for video as they gave the image a more organic feel. For me, Leica lenses have a different style of rendering, soft and sharp at the same time with subtle tonal transitions. Theres a lot of advertising photographers and film makers that use vintage glass for the feeling it gives to the image.
Playing around with vintage lenses has made me feel passionate about photography again.... Just wish I had got into Leica R lenses a few years ago when they were not so expensive
Also if I move to a different camera system I just get them adapted.
What do they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder
I have at least one spare Leitax adapter for Canon EF, having switched from shooting EOS to Pentax K-1.
Please PM me if you're interested in buying it StephenR62. I personally like the Leitax solution and product quality (as I do Novoflex, for an even more expensive option).
