Leica Vario-Elmar-R 3.5/35-70mm (1. version by Minolta)

[Rolf]

Hi,

got this lens few days ago at my dear dealer for a good price. Tried it out today with Canon 1DsMkIII and adapter to find out whether it is worth for conversion to Nikon F mount or not.

[Olivier]

and it is, isn't it ?

Why do you want to convert it to Nikon F mount ?

[Rolf]

[Olivier]

[LucisPictor]

That is a lens I would love to add to my collection. You should keep it, Rolf.

[Hari]

It's a great lens - I have limited knowledge about the different versions though [I usually get higher than 3xxxxxx]

It's interesting how you decided to convert the R-lenses to Nikon mount ... I thought it would be easier to throw an adapter on the EOS and use it without performing the surgery to change the mount for every R-lens you have

I had converted most of my R-glass to the F mount but now I have a 5D and I find it so much easier to use M42/R-lenses

But hey - the world's a big place and what's a rainbow without different colors, eh?

[peterqd]

Would it be the same lens as the Minolta MD 35-70? I tried one of those in Paris and it seemed very good indeed. The asking price was a bit steep in that shop, but I'm still thinking of getting one.

[Rolf]

[Rolf]

[Rolf]

Unfortunately I need this time 10 minutes because I have forgotten the ball bearing under the mount and must remove it again.

[Rolf]

Hi,

during my today morning walk a first shot with the converted lens and Nikon D700. Focal length was 70mm

[peterqd]

Well, I am very impressed with this picture, especially from a zoom, Rolf. If the lens was susceptible to CA then your shot of the tree branches would have highlighted it, but I can't see very much, if any.

You've convinced me to try the Minolta version of the 35-70/constant 3.5. I'm considering this one Click here to see on Ebay, do you know if it compares to your lens in any way? Perhaps the dates will help, do you know when yours was produced? Thanks

[Rolf]

Hi Peter, below is a link for you to a Leica site. Pls look for this lens (there is a pic avalable) The aperture ring looks similar, but the rest is Leica like.

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.de/index.php/Leica_R-Vario-Objektive

The year of production : 1984

[peterqd]

Thanks Rolf. It looks like yours is the 1st version, E60, built in Japan.

I'm going to take a chance on it. The date is about right - the Minolta is from 1983, and both lenses have 8 elements/7 groups. Here are some details (no. 63)
http://tinyurl.com/2d9beyp

Thanks for the help

[koji]

Here is MTF and resolution chart for Minolta Zoom 35-70/3.5. Sorry large image.

[koji]

My samples:

with Fuji Reala:


with EOS 5D:

[Rolf]

I added from this morning 3 pics.

1. at 35mm and a little bit cropping for pano style, 2. 100 % crop at 35mm and last one 100 % crop at 70mm

1.


2.


3.


Thanks for your pics koji. Seems to be a good performer with the 5D too.

[peterqd]

Thank you Koji for the samples, very impressive. The MTF charts show quite a marked fall-off at the edges, is that true in practice?

I bought the lens and it's on its way!

[Orio]

It looks like a very good lens. Would like to a full size image.

[tardegardo]

[Olivier]

Hello Tardegardo.

This is a Leica-R mount so it won't fit Leica rangefinders.

https://www.apotelyt.com/photo-camera/leica-r-system

Have a nice day.

[paulhofseth]

strictly speaking , it can be "fitted" with a native Leitz adapter, but can not be coupled to the rangefinder nor will it trigger the correct framelines, so it is not as useful as a native mount lens on the M-mount.

p.

[Olivier]

Thank you Paul for the precision.

[Lightshow]

Great lens, doesn't get as much love from the leicaphiles because of the Minolta connection, it's one of the few zooms that I really like, that said, it does have 2 things that reduce it's usability to me, 1) it's MFD is a bit long. 2) that it isn't 28-85.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lightshow-photography/tags/leicar357035/

[Paulius]

As an owner of Minolta macro version, I love this lens, the minus is a barrel at wide angle and pillow at long end. Not very strong however, 50 mm is clean of distortion. I find this lens on flea market three years ago for $8.