XCD 2.8/135 for macro?

[Powerdog]

Has anyone used the 2.8/135 lens for macro shooting? Comments?

I’ve tried to find the 3.5/120 Macro, but none of my usual sources has it.

 

[MichaelErlewine]

It's not for macro, but you can do some semi-closup work with it and with the extension. And the XCD 120 is not really macro, but 1:2. Best to get the 9mm extension and use it with the XCD 45P or the XCD 38mm or others.

 

[davidmknoble]

I agree on the 9mm extension. Many great macro lenses use extensions including the 90mm /f4 Leica M lens. The Leica R APO 100mm f/2.8 lens has a glass macro adapter that is screwed on the front wihich means the effective f/stop does not change.

Since this is a digital lens, the camera can adjust the exposure for you and the extension works with any XCD lens, also a benefit. The film extensions for the old 120mm bodies require exposure adjustment manually.

You can also stack the rings, so 2 x 9mm =18 mm extensions, for more magnification.

 

[Powerdog]

The only HB lens I own now is the 55/2.5. Would one 9mm extension get me into macro territory, or near it?

 

[davidmknoble]

So, I did a quick chatGPT, so you’ll need to confirm, but it suggests that the 55v natively produces an image of about 1:6. Adding the 9mm extension would take it to about 1:3, or doubling the close focus range.

It did add, correctly I think, that focus breathing and other aberrations may adjust the final macro ability.

It also said a second 9mm extension would take it to 1:2.

I created a photography specific GPT, and it showed the math, which made sense, so I think this is correct, but didn’t back check it.

 

[Powerdog]

I've been thinking about that 2.8/135. In the last couple of weeks, if I can trust my memory, the HB online store has changed some specifics about buying it from them. They now charge your CC when you order, the lens is sent out in batches (I think they're planning on about 4 sets of shipments for now) and they estimate delivery as a month from order. This is more specific than anything I see from B&H, which just says the lens is a limited release and you can ask for notification when they have it. I guess all the rave reviews have had an effect!