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.
Thanks Dave for your comment. You’re right this lens is a gem, and really cheap in front of new lenses prices.
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.
Thank you Tim, very nice gallery. Just got an M-10, I need to try it on.
No matter how much I try to stay away from this lens, I always come back to it. Built well. Handles well. 60mm gets you a fairly “normal” perspective with a short, but usable portrait perspective, too. Plus, macro. And great color rendition and sharpness. Plus, reasonably priced for Leica glass. Use with adapters on my M Monochrom and SL2.
Hi Bob, you are right, a lovely lens, in a nice package at a reasonable price given the quality of the output.
Hi
I have the same Leica Elmarit R 60mm Macro lens on an A7R V (with the Novoflex adapter) and I have to say that it is one of my favourite lenses. Crisp, clear and a joy to focus. Feels perfect on the camera and with the Leica R macro adapter, gets right up close and personal at 1:1.
Thanks Michael. My journey moved me from Sony to Leica back to Sony with an A9mkii and there also it shines. It seems that those R lenses are a really good deal for manual focus lovers.
quite remarkable lens. It doesn’t pretend to be 35/2,8 Summaron on a Leica rangefinder but if you’re ok with the heft and bulk, what glorious results on your film!
Hi!
I just got one (latest version) after this review, but I can’t figure out how to mount my 82mm variND.
No stepup ring fits. Should I get the 12514 hood (I see it has thread rings from what I see, but I don’t find any info online.
Greetings from Athens, Nikos
Hi Nikos
sorry for the very late answer. Unfortunately, I don’t use any filter on my R 60mm. I would encourage you to post your question on the Leica Forum : https://www.l-camera-forum.com/index.php
Cheers
No one could possibly disagree with the views expressed here.
On my SL2 the 60mm macro-R is nothing less than a joy with no drawbacks in my use. I also bought the 1:1 adapter (this lens may make me discover the joys of 1:1 macro) thinking better to have it for the small change than not!!
It is truly remarkable. Leica optical and lens barrel engineering that can still produce superb quality images and feel modern in use from a design now some 5 decades later in use on a mirror-less digital full frame camera!!!
What totally blew me away when I looked at the first frames I shot at f2.8 was the glorious bokey! So smooth and pretty.
I use my Leica M lenses on the SL2 as well and Leica AF only for lens types I use for fast shooting where AF is valuable.
Next I’ll find a long R lens to try.