Jump to content

Elmarit 21mm f2.8 Pre ASPH on the M8


kin_ming_ho

Recommended Posts

I love my 21 Zeiss, but better for film. Has more contrast which makes it a little touchy for digital, especially in light with a

wide range. Still can make some great shots on the M8, depending. Really good for overcast. I have the asph too and it's

almost perfect for the M8, though it has more distortion. I assume the pre-asph is somewhat similar. I tried a 21 CV

screwmount, and it certainly will do the job, but I feel it's fairly nondescript compared to the others. Pretty middle of the road contrast-wise, sharp but not as sharp as Leica or Zeiss. There are rumors the newer M mount CV is a bit better than the original screw mount version. One thing that would make me hesitate on a pre-asph is the 60mm filter size, but cost savings and optics might make it worth a try.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

<p>When I purchased my M8 I also purchased the 28 mm F2.8 ASPH Elmarit thinking it would be my primary lens. I also own the 21 mm F2.8 pre ASPH Elmarit and started using it for scenic and landscape work and have been so impressed with the results that I had it CLA'd, 6 bit coded and it is now my primary lens. They are a bargain, for a wide angle, in today's market and all the negative press given to them by Erwin Putz has turned out to be just another opinion. In practical use, for me, the lens has proven itself to be a stellar performer.</p>
Link to comment
Share on other sites

<p>Thank you everybody for your valuable information.<br>

Ron, I'm like you, got the 28 mm F2.8 ASPH Elmarit with the M8, similar to what I used to do with film - M6 + 35mm Summilux ASPH. Now I'd like to have something wider.<br>

Thanks, Vic, for the link on Dr. Walter Mandler. So the Elmarit 21mm Pre ASPH was made in Canada?<br>

I found an used Elmarit 21mm Pre ASPH online here in Taiwan. The seller said he bought it used from Adorama. The asking price is about US$1700. Reasonable? Comes with original finder.</p>

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

<p>Hello Kin Ming,</p>

<p>$1,700 is high for the 21mm pre-Asph. A lot of people seem to want this lens these days. If you go to KEH you can find the ASPH model for $1,900:</p>

<p>www.keh.com</p>

<p>You need to consider the cost of shipping.</p>

<p>I have the 21mm Asph, a friend has the pre-Asph. He likes the Mandler look in his photographs. He bought his lens from Camera West www.camerawest.com</p>

<p>If you need to code any of the lenses, here's a great solution. I coded my 21mm with this, and it works perfectly:</p>

<p>http://bophoto.typepad.com/bophoto/2009/01/m8-coder-simple-manual-handcoding-of-m-lenses.html</p>

<p>You can read more about the 21mm lenses at the bottom of this page:</p>

<p>http://www.imx.nl/photo/leica/lenses/lenses/lenses/page86.html</p>

<p>Best of luck with your choice!</p>

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

<p>Thanks Ron & Vic for your helpful suggestions.</p>

<p>I haven't made up my mind yet as I haven't actually seen the lens. It does come with the lens shade.</p>

<p>I also thought it's quite pricey for an used lens but I'm not familiar with prices of used Leica items myself. Someone suggested to get a brand new ZM (2.8 or 4.5) instead.</p>

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

<p>Ah yes, the Zeiss 28/2.8 vs the Leica 21/2.8 pre-Asph. I am suffering from that question at the moment. The Zeiss is cheaper new than the Leica is used. The Zeiss takes a 46mm filter, the Leica a 60mm. Furthermore, Erwin Puts tells us that the Zeiss outshines even Leica's 21/2.8 Asph. </p>

<p>Simple choice? No.</p>

<p>There is the Leica look and Leica ergonomics and Leica build quality. </p>

<p>And what I really want is the Summilux 21/1.4.</p>

Link to comment
Share on other sites

<p><em>"I assume the pre-asph is somewhat similar. I tried a 21 CV screwmount, and it certainly will do the job, but I feel it's fairly nondescript compared to the others. Pretty middle of the road contrast-wise, sharp but not as sharp as Leica or Zeiss."</em><br>

<em>-</em><br>

Sorry but that doesnt apply to the pre-asph. the Voigtlander is sharper than the pre-asph has less fall off, greater contrast and even has less distortion than the ASPH version. The pre-ASPH is a big lens with a 60mm filter front. When I acquired a Voigtlander in Nikon S mount I was so impressed that I sold the E60 21 and bought another Voigtlander for the M. If you want better than the Voigtlander then only the Leica ASPH or Zeiss offerings will do. Then again the Voigtlander is not that far behind the other 2 and its size proves to be a better compromise for some.</p>

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...