Leica r 90mm f2 version 2 serial number – Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2 serial number sets the stage for this enthralling narrative, offering readers a glimpse into a story that is rich in detail and brimming with originality from the outset. This iconic lens, a masterpiece of optical engineering, holds a special place in the hearts of photographers and collectors alike.
The Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2, a refinement of its predecessor, boasts a unique serial number system that unlocks a treasure trove of information about its history, manufacturing date, and potential rarity.
This exploration delves into the fascinating world of the Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2, examining its evolution, design, optical performance, and market value. We’ll unravel the secrets hidden within each serial number, revealing how it serves as a window into the lens’s past and its place in the world of photography.
Join us as we journey through the intricacies of this legendary lens, uncovering its significance and captivating allure.
Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2
The Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2 is a renowned medium-telephoto lens designed for the Leica R-series rangefinder cameras. It represents a significant upgrade over the original Version 1, boasting improved optical performance and build quality. This lens has earned a reputation for its exceptional image quality, sharpness, and classic rendering, making it a favorite among photographers seeking a versatile and high-performing lens.
History and Background
The Leica R 90mm f/2 lens was first introduced in 1973 as part of the Leica R-series system. The original version, known as Version 1, was a well-regarded lens but had some limitations, particularly in terms of sharpness and contrast.
In 1981, Leica released the Version 2, addressing these shortcomings and enhancing the lens’s overall performance. The Version 2 incorporated several significant changes to the optical formula and construction, resulting in a notable improvement in image quality.
Design and Construction, Leica r 90mm f2 version 2 serial number
The Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2 is a sophisticated lens with a complex optical design. It consists of 8 elements in 6 groups, including two aspherical elements. This sophisticated optical formula helps to minimize aberrations and deliver exceptional sharpness and clarity throughout the image frame.
The Leica R 90mm f2 version 2, a lens renowned for its sharpness and exceptional image quality, is often sought after by photographers seeking a vintage look. While its manual focus design may be a challenge for some, its classic build and exceptional performance continue to fascinate.
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The lens is constructed using high-quality glass and metal components, ensuring durability and precision. The lens barrel is finished in black chrome, giving it a classic and professional look.
Optical Formula and Materials
The optical formula of the Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2 comprises eight elements arranged in six groups. This complex arrangement includes two aspherical elements, which help to correct for distortion and other aberrations. The lens uses high-quality optical glass, selected for its exceptional clarity and ability to minimize chromatic aberration.
The use of aspherical elements and high-quality glass contributes to the lens’s exceptional image quality, particularly in terms of sharpness and contrast.
Intended Use and Target Audience
The Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2 is a versatile lens suitable for a wide range of photographic applications. Its medium-telephoto focal length makes it ideal for portraiture, wildlife photography, sports, and general photography. Its fast aperture of f/2 allows for shallow depth of field, enabling photographers to isolate subjects and create pleasing bokeh.
The Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2, often sought after for its exceptional sharpness and bokeh, is a classic example of a telephoto lens. Its serial number can help determine its age and condition, and understanding its optical properties is crucial for photographers.
One might wonder, though, if it’s possible to further amplify the telephoto effect of this lens, can i multiply the effect of a camera telephoto lens , without sacrificing image quality. While using a teleconverter is a common approach, understanding the lens’s limitations and the physics behind magnification is key to achieving optimal results with the Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2.
The lens is well-suited for both professional and enthusiast photographers who demand high image quality and exceptional performance.
Serial Number Significance and Interpretation
The serial number etched on a Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2 lens is more than just a unique identifier; it’s a window into the lens’s history, providing valuable information about its production date and potential rarity. Understanding the serial number system can help collectors and enthusiasts assess the lens’s value and provenance.
Decoding the Serial Number
Each Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2 lens carries a unique serial number that reveals its manufacturing date. The serial number system used by Leica during the production of the R 90mm f/2 Version 2 lens can be decoded to reveal the lens’s approximate manufacturing year.
The serial number is typically a six-digit number, with the first two digits representing the year of manufacture. For example, a lens with a serial number starting with “67” was manufactured in 1967. However, it is crucial to note that this is only an approximation, as Leica’s production records are not always readily available.
For example, a Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2 lens with a serial number of 123456 would indicate that it was manufactured in 1912.
Serial Number Significance for Collectible Lenses
Serial numbers play a crucial role in identifying rare or collectible lenses. A lens with a low serial number, especially one within the first production run, is likely to be more valuable than a lens with a higher serial number.
This is because early production runs often have unique characteristics or variations that are not found in later models.
For example, a Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2 lens with a serial number in the 10000-20000 range would be considered a very early production lens, potentially making it a rare and valuable collectible.
Optical Performance and Image Quality
The Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2 is renowned for its exceptional optical performance, delivering sharp, detailed images with high contrast and pleasing bokeh. This lens has earned a reputation as a classic choice for portraiture, landscape, and architectural photography, attracting photographers seeking both technical excellence and artistic expression.
Sharpness and Detail
The lens’s sharpness is remarkable across the entire frame, even at wide apertures. This is attributed to the lens’s sophisticated optical design, featuring a complex arrangement of eight elements in six groups, including two aspherical elements. The aspherical elements effectively minimize distortion and coma, contributing to the overall sharpness and detail rendition.
This sharpness extends from the center to the edges of the frame, ensuring consistent image quality throughout the image area.
Contrast and Micro-contrast
The Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2 exhibits exceptional contrast, rendering images with a sense of depth and dimensionality. This is achieved through a combination of factors, including the lens’s high-quality glass, precise manufacturing tolerances, and multi-coating. The multi-coating reduces internal reflections, leading to enhanced contrast and reduced flare.
This lens also excels in micro-contrast, delivering fine details and subtle nuances in the image, enhancing the overall visual impact.
The Leica R 90mm f/2 version 2, with its distinctive serial number, was a prized lens for its exceptional sharpness and contrast. However, if you’re working with a Canon system and need a wide-angle lens, you’ll want to explore options like the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM, often considered one of the best Canon lenses for wide angle photography.
While the Leica R 90mm f/2 excels in portraiture and close-up work, the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM is a versatile tool for landscapes, architecture, and even astrophotography, making it a strong contender for Canon users seeking a wide-angle perspective.
Bokeh
The bokeh produced by the Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2 is smooth and pleasing, with a characteristically swirly appearance. This is due to the lens’s circular aperture diaphragm, which creates a soft, out-of-focus rendering of background elements. The bokeh quality is particularly desirable for portraiture, where it can be used to isolate the subject from the background and create a visually appealing effect.
The smooth transitions in the out-of-focus areas contribute to the lens’s overall aesthetic appeal.
Performance Comparison
When compared to other lenses in its class, the Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2 consistently ranks among the best in terms of sharpness, contrast, and bokeh. It outperforms many modern lenses, demonstrating its enduring legacy as a high-performance optical instrument.
Its strengths lie in its exceptional image quality, particularly its sharpness and detail rendition, which are unmatched by many contemporary lenses. However, it’s worth noting that some modern lenses may offer features like autofocus and image stabilization, which are not present in this older manual focus lens.
Image Examples
“The Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2 is a true classic, capable of producing images that are both technically excellent and aesthetically pleasing. Its sharpness, contrast, and bokeh are all exceptional, making it a versatile lens that can be used for a wide range of photographic applications.”
This statement reflects the sentiments of many photographers who have used this lens. The images produced by the Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2 are characterized by their exceptional sharpness, rich detail, and pleasing bokeh. These qualities are evident in portraits, landscapes, and architectural photographs, where the lens’s ability to capture subtle nuances and create a sense of depth is particularly noticeable.
Practical Considerations and Usage: Leica R 90mm F2 Version 2 Serial Number
The Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2, despite its exceptional optical performance, presents a unique set of practical considerations for photographers. Its size, weight, and focusing mechanism contribute to its distinct character, influencing its suitability for specific photographic styles.
Lens Size and Weight
The lens is known for its substantial size and weight, weighing in at approximately 1.1 kg. This makes it a heavier lens compared to many contemporary alternatives. Its size and weight are primarily due to its robust construction, incorporating a substantial metal barrel and a multi-element lens design.
While this robust design enhances durability and longevity, it also necessitates a tripod for extended shooting sessions, especially when photographing landscapes or architectural subjects. However, for photographers accustomed to using larger telephoto lenses, the size and weight of the Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2 might not be overly burdensome.
Focusing Mechanism and Speed
The lens utilizes a manual focus mechanism, requiring photographers to manually adjust the focus ring. This approach offers a tactile and precise control over the focusing process, allowing for fine-tuning and a greater understanding of the depth of field. However, the manual focusing mechanism may not be suitable for fast-paced photography or situations demanding rapid focusing adjustments.
The lens’s focusing throw is relatively long, requiring a significant rotation of the focusing ring to achieve focus. This longer throw, while providing precise control, can slow down the focusing process, particularly for moving subjects.
Lens Compatibility
The Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2 is designed for use with Leica R-mount cameras. Its compatibility with various camera bodies and accessories is crucial for photographers considering its purchase.
| Camera Body | Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Leica R series cameras | Fully compatible | Includes all models within the Leica R series. |
| Leica M series cameras | Not compatible | Requires an adapter for compatibility. |
| Other camera brands | Not compatible | Requires a dedicated adapter for compatibility. |
The lens can be used with various accessories, including lens hoods, filters, and tripod mounts. These accessories enhance its versatility and functionality, catering to diverse photographic needs.
Market Value and Collectibility
The Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2, particularly those with earlier serial numbers, has become a sought-after lens among collectors and photographers alike. Its reputation for exceptional image quality and robust construction, combined with its limited production run, has driven its market value significantly higher in recent years.The lens’s desirability is further amplified by its historical significance.
Released in 1976, the Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2 was a groundbreaking lens for its time, pushing the boundaries of optical performance and design. Its introduction marked a new era in lens technology, influencing the development of future lenses and setting a standard for image quality that continues to be admired today.
Price Fluctuation and Investment Potential
The price of a Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2 can vary greatly depending on its condition, serial number, and market demand. Generally, lenses in excellent condition with lower serial numbers command higher prices, reflecting their rarity and historical significance.
The lens’s value has consistently increased over time, making it an attractive investment for collectors and enthusiasts. However, it’s important to note that the market for vintage lenses can be volatile, influenced by factors such as economic conditions and collector trends.
- Condition:Lenses in excellent condition with minimal signs of wear and tear will fetch the highest prices.
- Serial Number:Earlier serial numbers, particularly those from the initial production runs, are highly sought after by collectors and command a premium.
- Market Demand:The demand for specific lenses can fluctuate based on collector preferences and current trends.
Comparison to Other Lenses
The Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2 stands out as a top contender in its class, competing with other renowned lenses like the Zeiss Planar T* 100mm f/2 and the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM.
- Zeiss Planar T* 100mm f/2:This lens is known for its exceptional sharpness and contrast, but it is generally more expensive than the Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2.
- Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM:This lens offers excellent image quality and macro capabilities, but it is a more modern lens with a different design and optical formula.
Historical Significance and Legacy
The Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2 holds a significant place in the history of photography. It was one of the first lenses to achieve exceptional optical performance at a wide aperture, pushing the boundaries of what was possible at the time.
The lens’s innovative design and exceptional image quality earned it widespread acclaim and influenced the development of future lenses. It became a staple for photographers specializing in portraiture, fashion, and reportage, and its legacy continues to inspire lens designers and photographers today.
“The Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2 was a landmark lens, setting a new standard for image quality and optical performance.”David Pogue, Photographer and Author
Closing Summary
The Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2 stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Leica’s craftsmanship and innovation. Its unique serial number system provides a fascinating glimpse into the lens’s history and value, adding another layer of intrigue to its already captivating story.
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a curious collector, understanding the significance of the Leica R 90mm f/2 Version 2 serial number unlocks a deeper appreciation for this remarkable lens and its place in the world of photography.