Anybody have the M21/2.8 ASPH?

[benni]

I just purchased one of these second hand and, being a bit paranoid,

have one question regarding this lens.

Fully open, at f2.8, looking through the front element, I can still

see parts of the aperture-blades, i.e. they don't completely "retract".

Is that normal??

 

Many Thanks!

[kaiblanke]

While I do not own a 21/2.8, it is quite a common effect for lenses to show aperture blades even when wide open. This includes Leica lenses like the Elmar-C 90/4 and some Zeiss SLR lenses. If the aperture would open completely, then this results in some vignetting, this is I guess why the producers chose to leave it 'half-closed'.

[michael_kastner]

I do own a 2.8/21A, and I can see the last millimeter or so of the blades when wide open, looking through the lens from the front. Great pictures, absolutely no problems. Have a nice day.

[Rob F.]

At f/2.8 I can still see a little of my diaphragm blades. It will open a fraction wider (f/2.7?) at which point I can see only the last trace of the blade edges.

[david11]

Benjamin, this shouldn't cause you any problems. The 21 ASPH is a great lens; enjoy it.

[benni]

Thanks all!

Makes me feel better already about the purchase.

I'll be comparing it to my little CV 4/21 the next few days.

 

Thanks again, Ben

[steve_york1]

I had the opportunity to purchase one of these at dealer cost this summer. Even with this savings, it was very expensive, but I suspect I will always kick myself for not pursueing the opportunity. With the anticipated crop factor for digital cameras, this focal length should have some more practical use outside of the film arena.

[eliot_rosen1]

This is very common with Leica lenses. The apertures are calibrated precisely at the factory and if it means the maximum aperture still has some protrusion of the aperture blades, that's the way they do it. Practically speaking, it's of no consequence. Theoretically, the slightly protruding blades could contribute to reflections (ghosting, a form of flare due to reflects off the aperture blades) but this is a really minor point. I would say don't worry about it, that's the way the lens was made.

[richie chishty]

Benjamin:

 

I have the lens in question, and yes, I can see parts of the aperture blades. That is not a problem. You will be very impressed by the images produced with this lens!

[james_cooke]

I look forward to your comparison with the Voigtlander 21mm.

[tom_bryant]

mine has ~ 1/2 mm of diaphragm blades in the aperture

as well.

 

Like everyone else is saying, it's a *great*lens, perhaps

the best (optically speaking) of the 21s for 35mm use.

 

Mine has never let me down.<div></div>

[johns1]

As I use my 21mm ELmarit I sometimes think it might be interesting to upgrade to the newer 21 ASPH. But then I see the results and put away any thought of upgrading. (Good! More pennies saved for the new 75mm Summicron.)

 

Yes, the 21 ASPH must be better wide open, but the older Elmarit continues to dazzle without even breathing hard. (As you may know, the first Elmarit was Leica's first crack as designing and building a lens at the 21mm focal length.)

[OCULUS New York]

It has become my most-mounted lens; I love it, even though I used to love the 28 asph for general work. I snagged this the other day. Projected it is 3D; here, well it's 72 dpi.

 

Cheers,

Ray Hull<div></div>

[OCULUS New York]

Here's anotherm, of crew rowers on the Hudson at Albany.

 

Ray Hull<div></div>

[alan_wilder1]

Ben, can you post some sample comparison shots between your 21/2.8 Asph. and the CV 21/4 when you get them? I'm curious if there are noticable side by side differences.