p.29 #1 · Official: Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 III E-mount
Well the funny thing is we are all going to face this. I know a lot of folks gave up shooting Leica RF because there eyes just can't do it anymore. Frankly it's a major reason I bought Sony because of focus peaking and the 12.5 mag feature. It really helps
AGeoJO wrote:
Yes, I am getting lazy in my old days. I definitely prefer AF now, even for (ultra) wide angle focal length .
p.29 #2 · Official: Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 III E-mount
After testing the new version of the Leica Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH on the A7RII, I was very impressed by the corner resolution and contrast but unfortunately, field curvature was too high, almost unusable for landscapes. (probably because of the thicker cover glass)
So, I was worried about that when testing the WATE but was surprised by the low inwards field curvature. Perhaps its telecentric design is a good match for the Sony sensor. I would say FC is even less pronounced than what I find in the Loxia 21's. There is a slight mid-field dip at wider apertures but at f/8, the image is very flat field. Even focusing on the center at infinity, the corners area is still razor sharp. After seeing that and loving its rendering, I decided to pull the trigger.
I am not entire convinced on the Batis 18/2.8 but will never sell my Loxia 21/2.8 even though the WATE performs similarly at f/8.
I'm trying to decide on an adapter now. I think I want a helicoid one, and need one with very tight tolerance.
Features
Revitalize your Leica M mount glass with this DLX Series Stretch Adapter from Fotodiox which not only lets you use the lenses on a full-frame or APS-C Sony E-mount body, but offers enhanced focusing capabilities. This adapter features a focusing helicoid that can move the lens farther forward while attached, acting much like an extension tube to shorten the minimum focus distance of the optic. This system can also reach further back towards the sensor, guaranteeing infinity focus with nearly every lens. The brass and aluminum adapter also sports a focusing tab to make use much easier.
p.29 #5 · Official: Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 III E-mount
GMPhotography wrote:
I'm actually trying to decide that as well Fred. I want one for my VC 35 1.7. Be nice to close focus this lens it's like 1.3 meters or something.
I do think it's the tele-centric design is why it works
Joshua let me borrow his HAWK adapter and it's very nice, especially because it's possible to adjust the lens hard stop at infinity. Helicoid travel is 5mm and it's very light.
There is also the Kipon: (Not sure about the travel extension)
p.29 #7 · Official: Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 III E-mount
GMPhotography wrote:
I ordered the fotodiox stretch. I like the tab on it
Got it on amazon since I have a credit there
Let you know what I think
The Hawk's adjustable infinity stop is quite amazing on the WATE. As far as I know, this is the only adapter that let's you do that.
I can now set the lens focusing ring to the infinity hard stop and get perfect sharpness from center to edges at all focal lengths (16, 18 and 21)
Too bad this one is going back to Joshua on Monday. It's perfectly aligned.
p.29 #8 · Official: Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 III E-mount
Fred I think that is what Fotodiox is saying as it can go back and forth. Going by the description above. I'll see if that is the case. It must be fairly new since no reviews on it. I can always return it too. I have a cheapy Fotosy one on now
p.29 #9 · Official: Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 III E-mount
Okay so here is Hawks description
Features
The Leica M Lens to Sony E-Mount Camera Macro Helicoid Adapter V5 from Hawks adapts an M Mount lens to a Sony E-mount camera but goes a step further by utilizing a helicoid to enable a closer focus distance than the lens can otherwise provide. The movement of the helicoid pushes the lens away from the sensor and, like an extension tube, provides closer focusing capabilities. This Version 5 adapter features a large, button-style lens release tab for easily mounting and removing lenses from the adapter. Additionally, an integrated focusing tab aids in precise focusing control and the adapter is solidly built for smooth, well-damped lens movement.
Minimum Focus Distances for Select Lenses with Helicoid Extended
Summilux 35mm f/1.4: 11" / 28cm
Summilux 50mm f/1.4: 16.9" / 43cm
Noctilux 50mm f/0.95: 16.9" / 43cm
Summicron 50mm f/2: 15" / 38cm
Hektor 73mm f/1.9: 28.7" / 73cm (requires separately purchased M39 to Leica M adapter)
Summicron 90mm f/2.0: 28.7" / 73cm
p.29 #11 · Official: Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 III E-mount
GMPhotography wrote:
Seems the same. Hmmmm
The travel extension may be the same at 5mm which is really good.
Here is where the Hawk adapter is different:
1) It has an infinity lock. That means that when it's locked you won't inadvertently rotate the adapter ring when shooting. To rotate the helicoid, you must first unlock it. (I like this feature for peace of mind)
2) The adapter infinity lock is also adjustable. Meaning, if your lens infinity hard stop is not at true infinity, you can adjust the adapter to make the lens true infinity be on the actual hard stop. That's is incredibly helpful.
Now, I don't even need to focus the WATE. Just set to the lens infinity hard stop and I'm done!
p.29 #13 · Official: Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 III E-mount
Finally got a chance to test my copy. I've never really tested a lens and would appreciate getting different eyes on the shots. These were taken from a tripod, f/8, ISO 100, infinity hard stop. It was a little windy on the roof so I was doing my best to shoot during lulls. Imported to LR, no lens correction selected, no fiddling with any sliders. Just cropped and exported (again with no sharpening selected). Appreciate y'all's thoughts!
p.29 #17 · Official: Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 III E-mount
Fred Miranda wrote:
The travel extension may be the same at 5mm which is really good.
Here is where the Hawk adapter is different:
1) It has an infinity lock. That means that when it's locked you won't inadvertently rotate the adapter ring when shooting. To rotate the helicoid, you must first unlock it. (I like this feature for peace of mind)
2) The adapter infinity lock is also adjustable. Meaning, if your lens infinity hard stop is not at true infinity, you can adjust the adapter to make the lens true infinity be on the actual hard stop. That's is incredibly helpful.
Now, I don't even need to focus the WATE. Just set to the lens infinity hard stop and I'm done!...Show more →
Thanks Fred.
2) The adapter infinity lock is also adjustable. Meaning, if your lens infinity hard stop is not at true infinity, you can adjust the adapter to make the lens true infinity be on the actual hard stop. That's is incredibly helpful.
The adjustable infinity lock is the key feature! Earlier versions of the Hawk's Factory adapter didn't seem to have that feature. Nor am I aware of other adapters with that feature. But I probably overlooked some.
The key word is adjustable. There are other adapters with an infinity lock that are not adjustable.
p.29 #18 · Official: Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 III E-mount
Hi there BoneCounter.
That looks like the one I had and sent back.
It seems CameraQuest has another shipment coming in in about a month and a half.
I plan to try then again.
Good luck to you.
p.29 #19 · Official: Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 III E-mount
Chuck Coyne wrote:
Fred very interesting test results. I've had this in the shopping basket at B&H several times over the last year but always hesitating to pull the trigger. I'm just not a fan of using adapters if it can be avoided. However, this tiny Leica really has some special appeal to me. May I ask what adapter are you using with the Wate? Also is it the newer version of the Wate with the new 6 Bit, updated for digital that you bought? Currently with a price reduction special going on at B&H?
Thanks, Chuck
I think Fred and I both use the non-helicoid version of the CV adaptor. I've used a few with my WATE and this one gives the best results by far. The CV helicoid adaptor is not great with the WATE.
My dealer carries both the CV and the Novoflex and strongly suggested I get the CV because the construction of the Novoflex makes it more prone to being off centre.
As far as I know there's only one version of the WATE, which was released at the same time as the M8. Some may not be 6 bit coded (mine is) but I din't think there's any mechanical or optical differences. I also have the 67mm filter adaptor which I use with my Lee filters (you need to tape the RF window slots though).
p.29 #20 · Official: Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 III E-mount
flash wrote:
I think Fred and I both use the non-helicoid version of the CV adaptor. I've used a few with my WATE and this one gives the best results by far. The CV helicoid adaptor is not great with the WATE.
My dealer carries both the CV and the Novoflex and strongly suggested I get the CV because the construction of the Novoflex makes it more prone to being off centre.
As far as I know there's only one version of the WATE, which was released at the same time as the M8. Some may not be 6 bit coded (mine is) but I din't think there's any mechanical or optical differences. I also have the 67mm filter adaptor which I use with my Lee filters (you need to tape the RF window slots though).
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