Leica Showcase Canon 85mm f/1.8 LTM

Yours looks like it focuses accurately across the full range. I worked on one of these that did not- I ended up changing the focal length on it and then shimming, the owner was told by a real repair technician that the internal cam would have to be modified.
 
This model is not cheap. I had for a while a 85/1.9 in silver. It was heavy, beautiful, sharp, and it was not expensive. It had a long focus throw, I recall.
 
This model is not cheap. I had for a while a 85/1.9 in silver. It was heavy, beautiful, sharp, and it was not expensive. It had a long focus throw, I recall.

I also have one of those in LN condition, it was the second RF lens I ever bought, after the Canon LTM 50/1.4. I paid 200 I think, with case and finder. Gorgeous lens by Hiroshi Itoh. I need to get it out for some exercise :)

Yes, all these have huge throws!!

My black 85 I was very lucky to find and paid 300, i think. It is not perfect, but pretty good. Here are all three "blacks" I own:

15483547670_df8332ff15_c.jpg

Three canon "blacks" by unoh7, on Flickr
The cleanest, of course, is the 70USD 135 ;)
And one more shot WO from the 85/1.8

15590222362_e094fac731_b.jpg

L1023431 by unoh7, on Flickr
 
The black 85/1.9 is "uncommon", if not downright rare. I have the 135/3.5, 100/2, and 50/0.95 in Black. The 100/2 has become a favorite. Some of the Black Canon series - the 50/1.8, 35/2, 50/1.4, 50/1.2- are prone to damaged coatings and etched glass, usually behind the aperture. Canon must have corrected the problem for the later lenses, I've never seen the 50/0.95 affected.
 
Getting the 75/1.4 Summilux made me lose interest in the Canon 100/2, so I sold it. :laugh1:

I know that it has a great reputation.
 
I just picked up a Nikkor 85/1.8, the last manual-focus version, multi-coated, 0.85m min focus, and factory Ai converted. Will be trying it out this weekend.

I'm tempted to get a Canon 85/1.5 in RF mount. Interesting optical formula- same configuration as the 5cm F1.5 Simlar, 1-3-2-1, 7-element in 4-group Planar. I believe this particular configuration is unique to Japanese optical designers, have not seen it elsewhere.

I had to look... The Canon 85/1.8 in LTM and FL mount is a 5 element in 4 group lens, a classic Planar formula where the rear doublet is "collapsed" into a single element. The FD mount 85/1.8 went with the classic 6 elements in 4 groups. The Nikkor 85/1.8 manual focus lens (about 1964~1976) was a 6-element in 4 group classic planar, and it was replaced by the 85/2 Ai which is 5 elements in 5 groups, much closer to Canon's original 85/1.8.
 
I just picked up a Nikkor 85/1.8, the last manual-focus version, multi-coated, 0.85m min focus, and factory Ai converted. Will be trying it out this weekend.

I'm tempted to get a Canon 85/1.5 in RF mount. Interesting optical formula- same configuration as the 5cm F1.5 Simlar, 1-3-2-1, 7-element in 4-group Planar. I believe this particular configuration is unique to Japanese optical designers, have not seen it elsewhere.

I had to look... The Canon 85/1.8 in LTM and FL mount is a 5 element in 4 group lens, a classic Planar formula where the rear doublet is "collapsed" into a single element. The FD mount 85/1.8 went with the classic 6 elements in 4 groups. The Nikkor 85/1.8 manual focus lens (about 1964~1976) was a 6-element in 4 group classic planar, and it was replaced by the 85/2 Ai which is 5 elements in 5 groups, much closer to Canon's original 85/1.8.

I've always wondered how the RF 85/1.8 related to the FD.

I use the 85/1.5 often for events:
15392049027_bcf3ea1b15_b.jpg

L1023101 by unoh7, on Flickr

Wide open on Sony A7r:
11124844924_068c8765df_b.jpg

Canon LTM 85/1.5 @1.5 by unoh7, on Flickr

One thing nice about the A7: with the right adapter you can close focus any LTM or M lens....or nikon/contax via amedeo.
 
I have a Canon 85/1.5 ltm. It is heavy. It is part of the 1.5 Trio: 35-50-85.

Someday I hope you choose a theme or subject and shoot it with all three so we can see :)

Tonite I will take the 1.5 out for halloween, with CV 35/1.2 and CV50/1.1 Uncalibrated 100/2 I will mount on A7.
 
What is wrong with the 100/2? If it simple front-focus or back-focus, should be a shim that can be adjusted. Or- if it is back-focusing, coud use a piece of tape (I use copper tape) over the RF Cam.
 
Hi Brian, Glad you asked LOL

Yesterday I shot it a bunch on the A7, where it is really good.

15654947826_10834fa8fb_b.jpg

DSC02519 by unoh7, Canon 100/2 LTM on A7


Several months ago in tests on the M9 i came to the conclusion the calibration was way off, but I just pulled it out again and shot a few.

Maybe not so much.

Focus at 100 or 135 with the patch I find no mean feat. :)

Anyway I'm going to do some more testing to see just how far out it is---if it really is at all.

Meanwhile a question:
The canon shims are all different sizes and thicknesses, depending on the lens, as you know.

If you want to add a shim how to you make it or where do you find it?
 
Canon 85/19:


4604279-md.jpg



4745861-md.jpg



4754710-md.jpg



Canon 85/1.8 (borrowed)

@8.0

4754725-md.jpg


@ 4.0


4745888-md.jpg




@2.0

4754714-md.jpg
 
Welcome to Leicaplace! It's interesting that yours also needed to be adjusted, focal length and main shim. I've adjusted one, and know of other 85/1.8's that have been adjusted. I've never read of a Canon 100/2 requiring adjustments, my 100/2 is spot-on.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I've found that the Canon fast-fifties are optimized for stopped-down use, increasing the shim was required for several of mine as well. I believe this was by design.
 
Whilst trying out my freshly CLA’d by Skyllaney Summar I also made a few photos with my Canon f1.8/85mm Black LTM lens. I used my Black Canon f3.5/135mm LTM as well and shall
M1001641.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
M1001651.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
M1001647.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
M1001653.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
M1001654.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
post photos in the appropriate Leica Showcase slot.
 

Attachments

  • M1001647.jpg
    M1001647.jpg
    177.5 KB · Views: 91
Back
Top