Hello to all,

I am looking to lighten my pack some and wanted to know what your experiences have been using the Leica 1.4x and 2.0x Tele-converters.

Most likely use them behind a 180/3.4 APO to replace carrying the "Brick", also known as the 250/4 (early version). (I understand the 1.4x is not compatable with the 180/3.4)

Also, how do these perform when mated with the current crop of f/4 zooms?

Thanks and stay safe.

Scott

-- Scott G (PFD261@hotmail.com), February 23, 2002

Answers

Scott: The 2x converter is an integral part of my kit. I use it with my 100mm F2.8 (becomes a 200 F5.6), 35-70 F4 (becomes a 70-140 F8) and my 80-200 F4 (becomes a 160-400 F8). In actuality, I don't use it with the 35-70 zoom because this overlaps with the 80-200. I have enlarged the 2x photos and have yet to see any optical deterioration (ie, decrease in either resolution or contrast) attributable to the 2x. The only problem is the loss of 2 F stops but you can readily compensate with faster film.

-- Albert Knapp MD (albertknappmd@mac.com), February 23, 2002.

FYI: I ment to type 280mm/4 lens not 250mm/4

Al, Thanks for your message!

-- Scott G (PFD261@hotmail.com), February 23, 2002.

I have gone the same route to reduce weight and found that the 2x APO extender works very well with the 180/3.4 APO as a lightweight combination.

I do not, though, have any experience of using the extender with zooms.

-- Neil Johnstone (nsj500@yahoo.ca), February 24, 2002.