《Puts Column 70-180 mm Leica R Lenses_en》.pdf

Leica R lenses by Erwin Puts May 2005 Chapter 13: LEICA VARIO-APO-ELMARIT-R 70-180 mm f/2.8 Chapter 13 Leica R lenses 1 LEICA VARIO-APO-ELMARIT-R 70-180 mm f/2.8 __General considerations Leica products are characterised by a fine balance between inno- technically the optical system with a variable magnification is bet- vation and solid engineering with the most emphasis on enginee- ter designated as a variable power lens. The focal length of a lens ring qualities and performance. Leica is at its best in the perfec- gives a certain magnification of the object and optically speaking tion of novel ideas and the elegant integration of proven parts. we can interchange focal length with the power of the lens. Leica The classical M3 camera was an excellent example of the integra- is therefore correct, if a bit strict, to use the word vario to indica- tion of available ideas and components, brilliantly executed. te a zoomlens. Zoomlenses are a second example where Leica does improve on the work of others. The Leitz company had for a long period resi- As said above, most vario systems are derivations of or improve- sted the demands of working photographers to introduce zoom ments of the two-component mechanically compensated zoom- lenses. lens. Let us recall briefly the main problem of zoomlenses: With two components (lens groups) we can only achieve exact focus The official statement during that period was quite firm, but a bit and magnification (or focal length) for two positions. At all other short-sighted. Zoomlenses co