Chapter 2
Leica R-Lenses
13
The distortion is close to zero, and the lens can be used with
good effect for architecture and reproduction.
Vignetting is low with a drop of 0.7 stops. My comparison pictu-
res indicate that in practical use the difference in light fall off
between one and two stops is less important visually than the
numbers seem to indicate. The apochromatic correction has
been described in the Summicrons ection and the same applies
here too. Without supplementary equipment the Apo-Macro-
Elmarit-R reaches a magnification of 1:2. With the Elpro lens it
is possible to get to 1:1. This lens has been calculated specifi-
cally for the Apo-Macro-Emarit-R. Still one will see a slight drop
in contrast at the wider apertures and when maximum magnifi-
cation is required you could stop down to the middle and smal-
ler apertures.
The Apo-Extender-2 creates a focal length of 200mm and an
aperture of 5.6. This is fine for emergency situations, but the
relatively small aperture will not give much pleasure.
You sometimes can read the statement that the Apo-Macro-
Elmarit-R is too sharp for portraiture. I do not share this view.
The superb image quality already at 2.8 allows for a clear defi-
nition of the finest modulation of color hues and brightness dif-
ferences on film. This aperture has limited depth of field and
both effects work together to create images with high realism
and good depth impression. Paul Wolff and Renger-Patch would
love to use this lens!
0
5
10
15
20
Y'[mm]
-5
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
1
2
3
4
5
[%]
Relative Distortion
0
5
10
15
20
Y'[mm]
0
20
40
60
80
100
[%]
2.8
5.6
8.0
Vignetting
