Leica Q Macro Mode

[Greg Fountain]

One of the features that caught my eye with the Leica Q was that instead of an electronic macro mode, the 28mm Summilux lens on the Q actually shifts the rear element a few mm's away from the sensor. This is the equivalent of adding an extension tube, allowing for much closer focus. The drawback is the shallower depth of field, which can be a challenge for any camera-tube-lens combination. Anyway, it does open some doors for someone who has chosen to depart the interchangeable lens world. In this shot, the front of the lens was about 4" away from the subject and I also used the crop mode as well.

 

[AlanLichty]

An interesting effect and the light coming from behind the flower catches my attention. The leaf behind being in focus while the flower petals in front are OOF is a curiosity.

 

[Greg Fountain]

An interesting effect and the light coming from behind the flower catches my attention. The leaf behind being in focus while the flower petals in front are OOF is a curiosity.

Hi Alan, thanks for the comments. Yeah, this is a demonstration of how the Q handles macro mode. I shot this at f/1.7 which the Leica changes to f/2.8 when the lens shifts. The glowing part of the flower is sharp and in focus and that leaf is in the same focal plane, which is obviously pretty thin.

 

[JimFox]

Hey Greg,

First off, I like how that flower is glowing!

Second, it's cool that the lens does have a macro lens built in. Does it have a maximum focus distance when in macro mode?

This is a great demonstration, though in the end I think I would prefer all of that flower to be in focus. So you would be able to take several shots and focus stack if desired to get that whole bloom in focus?

 

[Greg Fountain]

Hey Greg,

First off, I like how that flower is glowing!

Second, it's cool that the lens does have a macro lens built in. Does it have a maximum focus distance when in macro mode?

This is a great demonstration, though in the end I think I would prefer all of that flower to be in focus. So you would be able to take several shots and focus stack if desired to get that whole bloom in focus?

Hi Jim, yeah it does have a maximum focal length in macro mode. Not sure what it is - I'll have to look it up, but I think it's a couple of feet, even stopped down. I'm sure if I stopped down to f/8-9 I could have gotten the whole bloom, but I didn't have room for a tripod and I was really just demonstrating for those who might be considering the Q I absolutely love the camera and the fact that I can shift the lens for closer focus is pretty cool.