Any tests of M lenses on a Nikon Z7?

[Vikas M Gore]

The question is probably a bit premature but does anyone know if there are any tests of Leica M lenses on a Nikon Z7? I examined one at a local store a few days ago it felt very comfortable and natural - in contrast to the Sony. I have no desire to move from an M camera to something else for M lenses but just curiosity ...

I really hope Leica has something lighter than the current SL in a future iteration, though the lenses still seem unreasonably large.

 

[mapgraphs]

The question is probably a bit premature but does anyone know if there are any tests of Leica M lenses on a Nikon Z7? I examined one at a local store a few days ago it felt very comfortable and natural - in contrast to the Sony. I have no desire to move from an M camera to something else for M lenses but just curiosity ...

I really hope Leica has something lighter than the current SL in a future iteration, though the lenses still seem unreasonably large.

Some samples are starting to surface... Scroll down a bit for a couple taken with a 'cron APO 50... https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1563749/9

 

[Vikas M Gore]

The question is probably a bit premature but does anyone know if there are any tests of Leica M lenses on a Nikon Z7? I examined one at a local store a few days ago it felt very comfortable and natural - in contrast to the Sony. I have no desire to move from an M camera to something else for M lenses but just curiosity ...

I really hope Leica has something lighter than the current SL in a future iteration, though the lenses still seem unreasonably large.

Some samples are starting to surface... Scroll down a bit for a couple taken with a 'cron APO 50... https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1563749/9

Thanks! The first subject is a bit more expensive than the Z7 and ‘corn combined

 

[mapgraphs]

The question is probably a bit premature but does anyone know if there are any tests of Leica M lenses on a Nikon Z7? I examined one at a local store a few days ago it felt very comfortable and natural - in contrast to the Sony. I have no desire to move from an M camera to something else for M lenses but just curiosity ...

I really hope Leica has something lighter than the current SL in a future iteration, though the lenses still seem unreasonably large.

Some samples are starting to surface... Scroll down a bit for a couple taken with a 'cron APO 50... https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1563749/9

Thanks! The first subject is a bit more expensive than the Z7 and ‘corn combined

; - )

Apparently there are more samples on the way, form a somewhat related (to the forum) source... { - )

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/61871543

 

[JT26]

There will be something lighter for certain. Might be a Panasonic with the L mount but it'll happen just give it time...

In my opinion, buying a Nikon Z to use with Leica glass its pointless. I am not assuming that is what you are going to do though.

--

http://www.shootingstills.co.uk/

500px

500px.com

 

[Vikas M Gore]

There will be something lighter for certain. Might be a Panasonic with the L mount but it'll happen just give it time...

In my opinion, buying a Nikon Z to use with Leica glass its pointless. I am not assuming that is what you are going to do though.

--

http://www.shootingstills.co.uk/
https://500px.com/candidshooter

No not at present - there is too much flux going on with possible new offerings with an L mount. Also I’m enjoying the M10 very much so there’s no real incentive at this stage.

 

[mapgraphs]

...

In my opinion, buying a Nikon Z to use with Leica glass its pointless. ...

I think part of the attraction to the Z might involve being able to also use M glass... The emphasis is on "also." The Zs potential as a platform for telecentric zooms it too intriguing to ignore. Oddly, the design possibilities point back to some of the principles laid out with the first 4/3 consortium offerings, which Leica was a part of. Not to say the L mount won't look at the same possibilities. However, the 24-70 s, right now, points to Nikon's likely direction, and it is impressive. And with a 16mm registration, there is the possibility of using L glass too, I suppose. Better results with M glass would just be icing on the cake, with cleaner high ISO, wider DR, whatever... It is a platform worth looking at seriously, as an add-on to an M kit (imho ; - ).

 

[JT26]

Sounds like your knowledge on the Nikon is far superior to mine so I will take your word for it.

I agree, if the Z cameras turn out to be great with all M lenses then you'd have an all-round winner. I have an M10 and recently bought a Fujifilm GFX, but toyed with the idea of a Nikon Z7 too... But deals on the Fuji and the crazy prices I got steered me away.

I do love the lensrentals blog on the Nikon too, as impressing them with weather resistance seems tough.

 

[Vikas M Gore]

mapgraphs wrote......

; - )

Apparently there are more samples on the way, form a somewhat related (to the forum) source... { - )

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/61871543

Thanks, that made interesting reading!

 

[RaajS]

mapgraphs wrote......

; - )

Apparently there are more samples on the way, form a somewhat related (to the forum) source... { - )

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/61871543

Thanks, that made interesting reading!

Hi Vikas,

From my limited time with the Z7 and M-mount lenses (via the Gabale M to Z mount adapter) I am pretty convinced that I won't be buying any of the current Leica bodies for color imaging. The Z7 is a terrific camera - it is small, light, weather sealed, and most importantly, has terrific IQ coupled with superb haptics and customizability. Normal to mid-tele M-mount lenses like the 50's, 75's and 90's that I've tried work very well. The ability to accurately focus lenses like the 75 'Lux and the 60/50 Hexanon f/1.2s wide open is trivially easy with the Z7's EVF and superb magnification features. I can do that on my M246 but it required me get the Leica EVF, unless I wanted to use Live View via the LCD. For wider lenses that I tend to shoot landscapes with, something that I have never felt was the M camera's strong suit btw, I have terrific options with lenses as wide as 11mm via Irix and others vendors. For Street Photography, the Z7 + the 24-70/4S is a formidable combination.

While I don't intend to part with my M9, Monchromes and Leica lenses, I feel no desire to buy the M10 anymore. The Z7, in my opinion, is a game changer. Leica fanboys that get their underwear in a wad - flame away. I could care less... :-D

Cheers!

-raaj


-------------------------------
www.raajshinde.com

 

[JT26]

Being happy and excited with gear is half the battle, regardless of specs. But be honest... the Z7 isn't a game changer. It's just a FF nirrorless camera... Like the others, just might be a good one

 

[RaajS]

Being happy and excited with gear is half the battle, regardless of specs. But be honest... the Z7 isn't a game changer. It's just a FF nirrorless camera... Like the others, just might be a good one

Totally agree with you on gear that inspires one to shoot.

Just a FF mirrorless Camera? Like others? Hmm. I guess that is a very subjective opinion and yours is as valid is any other. To me it is a game changer because Nikon knows how to build cameras (as does Leica), unlike appliance manufacturers that build computerized appliances.

Tactically, all my Nikon F-mount lenses work on it, the Z-mount spec offers very exciting possibilities with IQ, my M-mount lenses work, I could probably adapt most any lens to it given the flange to sensor distance. The 5-axis stabilization is excellent and, in my experience so far, extends the shooting envelope significantly. The weather sealing is excellent. All this with a well thought through control interface and excellent haptics. Add to that the cost (not that most of us Leica fans cared much about cost, but still).

Yes, it is a game changer. For me. YMMV, batteries not included, and past performance is not a guarantee, yada, yada. :-D

Cheers!

-raaj


-------------------------------
www.raajshinde.com

 

[JT26]

Probably will retract two thirds of what I said actually... It could be a game changer for you yes, appreciate that and I am certainly not one to disagree with that and I think it certainly is a game changer for Nikon... I just dont think its a game changer for the photography industry. In the same way as the first SLR, Mirrorless, Sony A7 was originally.

But I think they are without doubt onto a winner with it. It looks ergonomic and the lenses are clearly going to be flat field and high resolution to cope with higher MP counts. That is why my GFX works so well, beautiful change to the Leica system.

 

[RaajS]

Probably will retract two thirds of what I said actually... It could be a game changer for you yes, appreciate that and I am certainly not one to disagree with that and I think it certainly is a game changer for Nikon... I just dont think its a game changer for the photography industry. In the same way as the first SLR, Mirrorless, Sony A7 was originally.

But I think they are without doubt onto a winner with it. It looks ergonomic and the lenses are clearly going to be flat field and high resolution to cope with higher MP counts. That is why my GFX works so well, beautiful change to the Leica system.

I think the game changer for the photography industry has a seedling in the Light L16 and the whole approach of Computational Photography. We're already seeing neural network powered software for post too. Exciting times!

Yes, the GFX is a terrific camera. I've been tempted but I have quite a few Pentax 67 and 645 lenses and am very happy with the 645Z/D, which I mostly use for landscape work. That system is bloody heavy though. As I age, I suspect lighter MF options will become attractive. Do you have any of your work with the GFX on the web somewhere? If you do, would appreciate a link.

Cheers!
-raaj


-------------------------------
www.raajshinde.com

 

[JT26]

Totally agree about computational photography. Have to embrace technology.

I have only used the camera once properly, but I posted one earlier on the MF Forum.

Take a look and let me know what you think.

 

[bosjohn21]

leica lenses or any other lenses for that matter are still the same lens no matter what camera they are on. so any differences seen are the cameras sensor and software, the lens performs the same on the Nikon as an M assuming the Nikon lens flange to sensor plane is correct the lens could be focused on a brick at the right distance,

 

[Vikas M Gore]

mapgraphs wrote......

; - )

Apparently there are more samples on the way, form a somewhat related (to the forum) source... { - )

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/61871543

Thanks, that made interesting reading!

Hi Vikas,

From my limited time with the Z7 and M-mount lenses (via the Gabale M to Z mount adapter) I am pretty convinced that I won't be buying any of the current Leica bodies for color imaging. The Z7 is a terrific camera - it is small, light, weather sealed, and most importantly, has terrific IQ coupled with superb haptics and customizability. Normal to mid-tele M-mount lenses like the 50's, 75's and 90's that I've tried work very well. The ability to accurately focus lenses like the 75 'Lux and the 60/50 Hexanon f/1.2s wide open is trivially easy with the Z7's EVF and superb magnification features. I can do that on my M246 but it required me get the Leica EVF, unless I wanted to use Live View via the LCD. For wider lenses that I tend to shoot landscapes with, something that I have never felt was the M camera's strong suit btw, I have terrific options with lenses as wide as 11mm via Irix and others vendors. For Street Photography, the Z7 + the 24-70/4S is a formidable combination.

While I don't intend to part with my M9, Monchromes and Leica lenses, I feel no desire to buy the M10 anymore. The Z7, in my opinion, is a game changer. Leica fanboys that get their underwear in a wad - flame away. I could care less... :-D

Cheers!

-raaj

-------------------------------
www.raajshinde.com

Thanks Raaj, all good information to know. For the brief time I handled a Z7 it felt a lot better to me than on of the Sony bodies. The SL is wonderful to use but it’s huge and heavy. I’m OK with 24 megapixels but I don’t think I will be using it much and I’m trying to sell it.

 

[JDLaing50]

.....for the Holy Grail continues.

 

[Irakly Shanidze]

Not quite... Remember the poor performance of M wideangle lenses on Sony a7xxxx cameras? Leica sensors are optimized for its glass, and this is not a marketing trick. Perhaps L-mount lenses are not as tough in adopting due to their longer working distance, but I can hardly see them being adoptable for the same reason why Sony E lenses cannot be adopted to Leica SL and vice versa.

 

[bosjohn21]

Not quite... Remember the poor performance of M wideangle lenses on Sony a7xxxx cameras? Leica sensors are optimized for its glass, and this is not a marketing trick. Perhaps L-mount lenses are not as tough in adopting due to their longer working distance, but I can hardly see them being adoptable for the same reason why Sony E lenses cannot be adopted to Leica SL and vice versa.

yes but the difference is due to the sensor not the lens it will through exactly the same image on the sensor but if the sensor is not optimized for the lens it will perform poorly but again the glass is the same and the image projected throught the lens is the same