SD-body for use with M42 and Leica-R lenses

I've been bitten by the Sigma-virus after using my DP2 for a while. The colors, just wow!

Now considering my options for a Sigma DP later this year (instead of a DP1s or x) I would mosty use it with my M42 and possibly some Leica R-lenses (I already use these lenses on other systems, but leitaxing the Leica's would still keep them usable on the Fuji and Ricoh GXR)

The SD15 seems one possible option. It is (to my understanding, but correct me if I'm wrong) the same generation sensor as my DP2, and another advantage are the smaller files. A disadvantage (for my anticipated use) is the OVF and 1.7* crop factor. Other specifics that I am missing? (and is the SD14 basically just a slower version of the SD15?)

The SDQHis the other option I am considering. Advantages seem EVF and focus assist, improved ISO performance above 100 , the 1.3* crop factor, and of course buying a new Sigma is a contribution to the Foveon-cause. Disadvantage would be the file size. Other relevant specifics that I am missing?

The SD1M would seem to compare unfavorably to the SDQH, considering the price and my perceived pros of the Quattro. Or doesn't it?

I have little knowledge of the older models. Would in particular the SD10 have other specific qualities for using with vintage manual focus lenses? (besides obviously the smaller file size)

I am curious for user experience from the various SD-cams with M42 & Leica R glass. And pictures of course

If you want to use old lenses, I would recommend an sd Quattro H.

The Quattro seems to be least sensitive to colored vignetting.

And, for old lenses, the bigger the sensor the better as they are FF lenses.

The SD 1 Merrill is very sensitive to colored vignetting. Before getting that camera I would rather test it with the lenses you plan to use.

The SD 15 I do not remember how sensitive it was.

Another aspect is that LiveView is much better for manually focusing lenses.

Not entirely the same but I will mention it. I have had a SD10 for many years and had some M42 lenses. I had a Zeiss 85 mm made in Germany lens and the result was just stunning! All manual, of-course but what fun it was. I also had a nice very old russian thing of 50 mm with a polish adapter. Was nice but not great.

I now have the SD1. Great camera. A bit on the slow side. And it sounds maybe a bit strange but I do not specifically like the SD 1 more than I did the SD10:-)

why not get a nice SD15 (They are going at a far price lately) with a nice prime (30 mm art or 50 mm) and stay with the Ricoh with M lensadapter?

It is nice to have two totally different cameras. I know that as soon as I have some dough, I’ll be buying a Leica Q and keep the SD 1 with just the 70 mm and maybe a nice big zoom or so. Fabulous cameras both and so very different!

Roland Karlsson wrote:

The SD 1 Merrill is very sensitive to colored vignetting. Before getting that camera I would rather test it with the lenses you plan to use.

Thanks Roland, you summed up pretty well the advantages of the SDQH. It is a tempting camera

Re. the colored vignetting of the SD1M: thanks for the warning. As I am a bit of the hoarder/collector of old lenses, I think this rules out the SD1M already.

Geitekaasje wrote:

Not entirely the same but I will mention it. I have had a SD10 for many years and had some M42 lenses. I had a Zeiss 85 mm made in Germany lens and the result was just stunning! All manual, of-course but what fun it was. I also had a nice very old russian thing of 50 mm with a polish adapter. Was nice but not great.

Thanks, helpful input! Was it the Pancolar 85mm 1.8? That is a legendary lens, which is getting very expensive nowadays.

I now have the SD1. Great camera. A bit on the slow side. And it sounds maybe a bit strange but I do not specifically like the SD 1 more than I did the SD10:-)

The wonders of nostalgia

why not get a nice SD15 (They are going at a far price lately) with a nice prime (30 mm art or 50 mm) and stay with the Ricoh with M lensadapter?

The SLR-lenses balance much better on an actual SLR compared to my Fuji and Ricoh. And I'm not that much of an autofocus-shooter, although the temptation of one art lens would be too much. I

It is nice to have two totally different cameras.

It is, I have currently 3 that I use on a regular basis, and 2 others that I use less often but take out occasionally.

I know that as soon as I have some dough, I’ll be buying a Leica Q and keep the SD 1 with just the 70 mm and maybe a nice big zoom or so. Fabulous cameras both and so very different!

The Q is an awesome camera! For me, my Leica-dream would be the M Monochrome or, failing to find one that meets requirements, an M9 or M240. I already have a few compatible lenses, so I "only" need to buy the body 

Thanks, helpful input! Was it the Pancolar 85mm 1.8? That is a legendary lens, which is getting very expensive nowadays.

You know, I do not remember it anymore.. I suspect it was ‘just’ the Contax Carl Zeiss Planar 85mm F1.4 MMG Made in West Germany though... on the Contax (I had a few in the OLD days including a Contax ND. I think the first FF digital ever. In that era, I was still making my daily bread with photography. So that lens was on it and as I remember it, it must have been that one.

I now have the SD1. Great camera. A bit on the slow side. And it sounds maybe a bit strange but I do not specifically like the SD 1 more than I did the SD10:-)

The wonders of nostalgia

why not get a nice SD15 (They are going at a far price lately) with a nice prime (30 mm art or 50 mm) and stay with the Ricoh with M lensadapter?

The SLR-lenses balance much better on an actual SLR compared to my Fuji and Ricoh. And I'm not that much of an autofocus-shooter, although the temptation of one art lens would be too much. I

Yeah, and I never use the autofocus on the 30 mm 1,4 art also. This lens feels as a true manual focus lens. Very, very nicely built! Like a Zeiss lens, really. And not that expensive (probably because it is a Apc lens and not ff, like the 35, wich is a monster!) and if you ever want to use AF, it is on it and it is even a fast and quiet one.

It is nice to have two totally different cameras.

It is, I have currently 3 that I use on a regular basis, and 2 others that I use less often but take out occasionally.

I know that as soon as I have some dough, I’ll be buying a Leica Q and keep the SD 1 with just the 70 mm and maybe a nice big zoom or so. Fabulous cameras both and so very different!

The Q is an awesome camera! For me, my Leica-dream would be the M Monochrome or, failing to find one that meets requirements, an M9 or M240. I already have a few compatible lenses, so I "only" need to buy the body

True! Very true. It would be a very nice set: a Leica M and a Sigma SD15 with a 30 or so. Yeah! One could live with that:-)

Sjak wrote:

I've been bitten by the Sigma-virus after using my DP2 for a while. The colors, just wow!

Now considering my options for a Sigma DP later this year (instead of a DP1s or x) I would mosty use it with my M42 and possibly some Leica R-lenses (I already use these lenses on other systems, but leitaxing the Leica's would still keep them usable on the Fuji and Ricoh GXR)

The SD15 seems one possible option. It is (to my understanding, but correct me if I'm wrong) the same generation sensor as my DP2, and another advantage are the smaller files. A disadvantage (for my anticipated use) is the OVF and 1.7* crop factor. Other specifics that I am missing? (and is the SD14 basically just a slower version of the SD15?)

The SDQHis the other option I am considering. Advantages seem EVF and focus assist, improved ISO performance above 100 , the 1.3* crop factor, and of course buying a new Sigma is a contribution to the Foveon-cause. Disadvantage would be the file size. Other relevant specifics that I am missing?

The SD1M would seem to compare unfavorably to the SDQH, considering the price and my perceived pros of the Quattro. Or doesn't it?

I have little knowledge of the older models. Would in particular the SD10 have other specific qualities for using with vintage manual focus lenses? (besides obviously the smaller file size)

I am curious for user experience from the various SD-cams with M42 & Leica R glass. And pictures of course

My own experience: the M42 lenses I have (the Super Takumar 28mm f3.5 and the 105 f2.8) work great with the SD10, which I still have. The SD10 has a certain purity of color and crispness to the image that is just excellent, in my view. I know the sdQ is very good, and it's easier to use, but I'm not sure it's altogether better than the SD10. I think, but I'm not sure, that many/most (?) the faults of the SD10 (it sort of runs out of steam at ISO 400) could be much reduced in effect with some work in Raw Therapee or another modern PP program. So maybe good or decent images at up to ISO 800??

The sdQ also works well with the older lenses. But for me the problem is the 30mm 1.4 that came with the camera: IT'S SO GOOD (particularly when combined with the sdQ) that it makes the 28mm look weak, and not worth the trouble, might as well just go with using autofocus and the Program mode.

Meanwhile, I treasure the two Takumar lenses, and they look like little jewels.

I believe the SD15 uses the same sensor as the DP2X which was the last generation of that series, prior to the DPQ series.  The crop factor of the SD15 is 1.7.

For the greatest versatility, I recommend the SDQ or SDQH, mainly because the sensor dust cover/filter is recessed further away from the lens flange, permitting the use of lenses that would damage that filter on the SD14, SD15, or SD Merrill.

The best M42 lenses that I can afford are the Vivitar lenses.  These are sharper, with better edge to edge sharpness than Pentax K lenses and also have far less CA.  Of course there are always the Leica and Zeiss lenses in M42 for premium prices.   I often use the Vivitar 28mm f2.8 and the Vivitar 50mm f2.0 on my SDQ.  There is a Vivitar 20mm in M42 mount, but they are hard to find.

richard stone wrote:

My own experience: the M42 lenses I have (the Super Takumar 28mm f3.5 and the 105 f2.8) work great with the SD10, which I still have. The SD10 has a certain purity of color and crispness to the image that is just excellent, in my view.

Thanks for sharing this experience about the SD10!

The sdQ also works well with the older lenses. But for me the problem is the 30mm 1.4 that came with the camera: IT'S SO GOOD (particularly when combined with the sdQ) that it makes the 28mm look weak, and not worth the trouble, might as well just go with using autofocus and the Program mode.

Thanks for the warning about the 30mm lens 

Meanwhile, I treasure the two Takumar lenses, and they look like little jewels.

Takumars are indeed superb lenses, I also have 2 of them.

Iconoscope wrote:

For the greatest versatility, I recommend the SDQ or SDQH, mainly because the sensor dust cover/filter is recessed further away from the lens flange, permitting the use of lenses that would damage that filter on the SD14, SD15, or SD Merrill.

Good point, noted!

Thanks all for the very useful feedback!

Meanwhile, I made up my mind. For starters, I will look for a nice SD10, both out of curiosity for the older sensor, and for the price. If in the longer run, I like to wield a camera this size/weight, I will also look for the SDQH (what I've seen from it is really good) As for the Merrill-generation sensor, I can always complement my kit with a DP1M 

If you can find a good one: go for it. I still would recommend the SD15 though. The lcd is a zillion times better and the camera is way faster:-)

But serious: I hope you find a nice one and the results are stunning. Have fun.

Slow paced shooting can be very relaxing, and besides, it makes me consider my shots much more, resulting in more keepers.

I can imagine the SD15 in my future too. But after the SD10

I came to an agreement with a well-respected member of the forum on a SD10, and on ebay I found an adapter M42-SA that also depresses the aperture-pin (on lenses so equipped)

To be continued

Go for the SD Quattro H. You can use it in low res. mode and get way more speed with only slightly larger files. The image quality will be better, and ISO 400 should be much more practical that way.

I'm not ruling out the SDQH at all It is a very appealing camera. From what I've seen on the SDQs, Sigma did a really good job on these. Probably the closest to a digital MF we can get without actually getting the MF-pricetag.

Sjak wrote:

I came to an agreement with a well-respected member of the forum on a SD10, and on ebay I found an adapter M42-SA that also depresses the aperture-pin (on lenses so equipped)

To be continued

Looking foreward to some pictures!

My SD10 is in! I love how it feels, like it will survive WW III. And of course the very straightforward interface I've come to expect from Sigma.

This cam seems very sensitive to proper exposure. And more modern camera's have made me lazy. So back to basics: composition and exposure. I will have a learning curve, which is a good thing. And the LCD is near-useless for assessing pictures, so I will have to learn to set things right without immediate feedback. Some good fun ahead

Unfortunately, not much opportunity yet to play. But looking forward to strolls on the bicycle, with a tripod and the SD10 in my bag.

Just a quick snap from my balcony, nothing special, auto-setting from SPP, lens was a Meyer Optik 29mm 2.8. Auto-evrything, auto X3F-to-jpg in SPP 3.5 (except for darkening the shadows more)

I love the way the camera draws the clouds.

The OVF is also a pleasant surprise, much better than that of the old Pentax I was gifted a while ago.

1 problem, now I want the SDQH too

Iconoscope wrote:

[...] mainly because the sensor dust cover/filter is recessed further away from the lens flange, permitting the use of lenses that would damage that filter on the SD14, SD15, or SD Merrill.

This warning also provided extemely valuable, thanks again!! The first lens I wanted to test (a Meyer 35mm 4.5 which has a strong colour character) looked a bit too recessed upon closer inspection.

And of course I have to thank all others for the input and insights in this thread.

Sjak wrote:

Just a quick snap from my balcony, nothing special, auto-setting from SPP, lens was a Meyer Optik 29mm 2.8. Auto-evrything, auto X3F-to-jpg in SPP 3.5 (except for darkening the shadows more)

I love the way the camera draws the clouds.

The OVF is also a pleasant surprise, much better than that of the old Pentax I was gifted a while ago.

1 problem, now I want the SDQH too

Iconoscope wrote:

[...] mainly because the sensor dust cover/filter is recessed further away from the lens flange, permitting the use of lenses that would damage that filter on the SD14, SD15, or SD Merrill.

This warning also provided extemely valuable, thanks again!! The first lens I wanted to test (a Meyer 35mm 4.5 which has a strong colour character) looked a bit too recessed upon closer inspection.

And of course I have to thank all others for the input and insights in this thread.

I'm a big fan of the SD10: Brilliant colors and excellent details. The sensor does not resolve the immense detail of the sdQ, BUT what you see is very crisp. What can be troublesome is the sensitivity to proper exposure, as you noted. That can result in some unfortunate noise. I have been advised, but not yet attempted, to use the de-fringe control in SPP 6 to deal with that in the sdQ files. I don't know about the SD10 and SPP at this point. I just know I took some excellent pictures with that camera.

Best wishes with the new camera,

Richard