[waardij]

 

The lens is  pretty good for a 50mm prime (probably better than anything you can get for a

DSLR), but looking at the enormous focus shift, I fail to see how it can rate

so high. probably the focus shift is less of a problem at larger distances, but

nearby even at f8, the original focus distance is not completely covered yet.

given that the M9 does not allow for stopped down live view, I would consider

this lens useless for near focus work. And yet it scores four and a half stars?




 

[mst]

probably the focus shift is less of a problem at larger distances, but

It is, yes. And DOF captches up here, too. The bokeh fringing sample images are shot at the lens' minimum focus distance.

given that the M9 does not allow for stopped down live view, I would consider
this lens useless for near focus work.

Well, actually the whole system is useless for close focus work

-- Markus

[frank]

Well, actually the whole system is useless for close focus work


-- Markus

 

Why? Because precise foucusing is impossible for close work? Just curious.

 

Frank

[mst]

The rangefinder in Leica M cameras has a working range of infinity down to 0.7 m. So, if want to focus to anything closer than that, you need either a ruler, luck or lots of patience.

There is one exception: the 90mm f/4 compact macro, which adds "glasses" to the rangefinder. But is still far from "real" macro lenses.

-- Markus

[dave9t5]

Methinks that the new Leica M-...well, just M, with Live-View is the perfect opportunity for Leica to re-offer much of their lens line with limited edition close-focus versions...available for only a little more money than their more mundane "normal-focus" versions.