
Isolation
Texture
Hot pepper
For a short time, I had this idea I would start shooting macro. Â About 2-3 weeks into having Canon’s 100mm macro lens, I decided to sell all my Canon gear to buy a Leica M9 and lens.
I obviously didn’t have the opportunity to take many macro shots. Â It was difficult to focus and I felt you really needed a flash dedicated for macro shots. Â Here is a picture of a red pepper my wife was growing at the time.
Leica 90mm macro-elmar user report
About 10 weeks ago, I got an email from Dale Photo telling me that a Leica 90mm macro-elmar with the adapter was available and I was next on the list to have the opportunity to purchase it.  I had the 90mm summarit which I think is very nice and under appreciated.  I opted in buying the macro-elmar because I wanted a telephoto (for a Leica it’s considered telephoto) lens that could be used for portrait and also close-up (even though it’s called “macro” I don’t consider it one) photography.  It’s also collapsable, making it easier to fit in your bag.
I don’t consider my self an expert and I’m definitely not a “specs” guy. Â If you do a google search, you will probably only find 1 or 2 reviews of this lens. Â It’s hard to find any real world pictures though (flickr has a few).
In the few weeks having the lens I’m extremely impressed. Â I don’t consider it a true “macro” because you can’t get any closer than 0.5 meters (0.7 meters without the adapter). Â The amount of detail and sharpness at such close proximity to your subject is simply amazing. Â My only wish is that it had a lower aperture (lowest f-stop is 4) so that I could shoot at higher shutter speeds and not need a flash or tripod.
P.S. Â All images are un-cropped. Â If you are interested in seeing the full-size image let me know. Â Also, eventually I’ll shoot a few with it attached to my Sony NEX-7. Â I’m pretty sure these images will also be amazing (the 35mm equivalent will be 144mm).
ISO 2000 1/90 90mm without adapter






Close-up shots with Sony NEX-7 & Zeiss 24mm f/1.8
This will probably be my last post in regards to showing the capabilities of the NEX-7 & Zeiss 24mm. Â I typically leave these types of post to other bloggers but since there are not too many of us that have this camera, I felt that I should post some initial pictures and thoughts.
The Zeiss 24mm f/1.8 can focus within 6 inches of it’s subject. Â I’ve had other lenses in the past that had this capability but since using my Leica lenses I’ve grown accustomed to having to be about 3 feet from my subjects.
These shots were all taken within 6-12 inches from my subject. Â I’m truly amazed on the quality, detail, and sharpness when looking at these pictures at full resolution. Â I definitely think Sony has a winner, my only hope is the next one will be a full frame sensor.
I’ve posted the original picture and a 100% crop of my subject.
ISO 160 1/60 f/1.8 24mm
ISO 100 f/1.8 1/60 24mmÂ
ISO 320 f/1.8 1/60 24mm
Paw
Let’s try to eat
Our little girl has been eating solids for about a month. Â She still is a little indecisive in what she likes. Â I caught this picture with my Leica 90mm macro elmar in between mommy feeding her. Â She’s still debating what she likes most?









