What a long name, Leica 60mm F2.8 macro, but what a lens… I’m going to spoil you here, I like it a lot and here is why :
First, disclaimer, I’m only using this lens with Sony A7 cameras, both A7ii and A7sii. It shines on both, sharpness, colors, focus precision, it has all. This lens is good budget-conscious lens if you don’t mind manual focusing. Use it on a mirrorless with focus peaking, magnification and stabilisation, you can get really good shot hand held and a lot of fun !!!
One thing that is really interesting with this lens if the color rendition. Most of the time, it’s spot on, and it needs a very little post editing to get it right. Like most of the macro lens, it can also be used for landscape, and it really shines also here. Crisp images full of details, and really colors, this should please all the naturalists.
I will not list all the technical details of this lens, you can find them here, but in a nutshell, it’s a 60’s design lens, 1:2 macro lens (it focuses 15cm from the front lens) but you can add an adapter to get a 1:1 ratio.
I really love this Leica 60mm F2.8 macro and the way it handles on the Sony A7 bodies, the only flaw is the flare resistance, not so good if the light comes directly in
Not everything old is inferior. This lens has always been a cracker. Not cheap either, just checked on eBay U.K. and a really shabby one is on sale at a Manchester dealer for £300 plus carriage. Glass is stated to be ok. Salgado is a fan. During his sojourn in Kuwait after the Gulf War, he shot some 90% of his shots on an R6 and the 60mm f2.8 Macro lens. He also took 28/2.8 & 35/2. No mention of anything longer. When he used the earlier Leicas he quipped that he carries two bodies and three lenses – 28-35-50. And Tri- X film.
Thanks David for your comment. It’s a wonderful lens, not cheap but cheaper than many native lenses on Sony or fuji systems. You’re right, not everything old is inferior. I have some old Jupiter 85mm and 135mm that are really good… Might be a good subject for a new post.
I was fortunate enough to find a fine example of an Elmarit-R 60mm f2.8 Macro lens that I’m using with my M10-P and Leica’s R convertor. This is fast becoming one of my favorite lenses. Color rendition is exceptional and focus works satisfactorily using just the viewfinder — perfect with the EVF. Some recent architectural detail photos can be seen here, zoom to one of the last sections: https://paradigmarch.com/gallery
Thanks Tim for your comment. Indeed, this is a great lens, and not only for macro. If you’re not in high speed lenses, then it can be a great everyday lens.