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Model history (3)

Specification

Source of data

• Handbook of the LEICA system (September 1995).

Manufacturer description

TELYT-R f/6.8/400 mm with NOVOFLEX Rapid Follow-Focus Grip

for LEICA R models (preferably with aperture priority and manual mode), LEICAFLEX SL/SL2 models

Lens of long focal length. Focusing mechanism with rapid follow-focus grip and integrated close-focusing tube. Filter slot for special Novoflex and Heliopan filters. Aperture setting ring with clickstops. Focusing range: with rapid follow-focus grip approx. 7.5m - INFINITY, with near-focusing tube approx. 2.4m. Built-in telescopic lens hood. Rotating swivelling device for upright and horizontal format, with clickstops. LEICA R quick-change bayonet. Black anodized finish. Tripod thread A 1/4", DIN 4503 (1/4"). Universal stock, adaptable as chest- or shoulder stock, detachable. Lens cap diameter: 89mm. Length to bayonet flange: 406mm. Height with rapid follow-focus grip: 200mm. Weight: 2.930kg (complete).

From the Photo Technique International magazine (2/1991)

In teamwork with Novoflex, Leica has succeeded in devising a rapid-focusing system with which the 400 mm and 560 mm f/6.8 Telyt-R can be held more securely in the hand and focused with greater speed. The follow-focus device from Novoflex has been especially designed for the Leica bayonet and the two lens units mentioned. A significant feature of the Leica/Novoflex follow-focus combination is the use of two separate pistol grips, one for each hand. On squeezing the rearmost pistol-grip, the lens-head slides to focus. The advantage of this arrangement is that an object can be followed and focused accurately at greater speed. To maintain a certain point in sharp focus, a wheel on top of the barrel may be flicked, quickly. The focusing range of the 400 mm Telyt-R is from infinity down to about 7.5 m/24 ft and for the 560 mm the closest is around 13 m/42 ft. An interesting feature of the follow-focus unit is an integrated extension tube which can be pulled out continuously, giving minimum distances of 2.4, respectively, 4.15 m. A shutter release button is integrated in the front pistol grip. Via an electronic cable, alternatively, mechanical cable release, an attached winder or motor-drive can be triggered. The button is also useful for activating the exposure meter of the Leica R-models. Assuming the special cable release is used, it is possible to make use of the memory feature with a Leica R5 or Leica R-E when switched to the aperture priority selective exposure mode. The two Telyt-R lenses of 400 and 560 mm focal length are of the achromatic type and comprise only one component of two cemented elements. Due to the use of special types of glass developed by Leica, the resolving power and colour correction are outstandingly good. As in the case of all achromatic systems, there is a small amount of field curvature at full aperture. The result is that a focused subject point near the periphery is displaced a little in the direction of closer objects. This phenomenon is usually regarded as an advantage in practice, however, because it is normally the foreground which benefits from the small gain in sharpness. Since the light passes through only two air/glass surfaces, the loss of transmitted light is minimal and internal reflections of an unusually low order. The exposure meter will give a reading about half a stop higher than would be the case with a conventional system of equivalent nominal aperture.

From the editor

The number of aperture blades depends on the type of the NOVOFLEX Rapid Follow-Focus Grip. The Type D has 24 (twenty four) blades.

The lens accepts drop-in Series 8.5 filters.

Other super telephoto prime lenses in the Leica R system