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Elmarit 21/2.8 pre-asph VS 21/4 Voigtlander


damianofedeli

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hi all

did anybody compare the 21/2.8 elmarit pre-asph to the 21/4 Voigtlander-Cosina? I have the VC lens and I have to say that I am not a big fan of its color rendition on negative film or on slide. I recognize that it's a lightweight lens, but I've read that the VC is not compatible with the M9.

I've found an used 21/2.8 pre-asph at a good price, and I'm curious to hear your opinion on this lens, especially about distortion, vignetting, and color rendition.

Thank you!

Damiano

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Damiano, I have owned one of these lenses, and performance was excellent in every way. My only gripe was the huge front (E60). Mr. Puts nothwithstanding, the Elmarit handles high contrasts and light sources in a very competent manner. I sold the lens because I do prefer 24-25mm as a wide for everyday use. Btw I had the lens coded for my M8 (I had used it on film before) and this worked very well.

 

The old man from the Age of the 1950 Contax Biogon

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The 21 pre-ASPH tops my set of reviews here: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/customer-forum/45854-praise-mandler-lenses.html

 

Distortion is of the "moustache" variety, slightly barrel changing to slightly pincushion at the corners. About the same as the ASPH version in total amount, but a slightly different pattern.

 

Vignetting is pretty minimal

 

Color rendition is a matter of taste, but it was the color of the 21 pre that sucked me into Leica from the Zeissy pink of Contax G - literally the first M lens I bought. Conversely, it is also the lens for which I bought the M9 - a need for speed + that wide view.

 

Below is a recent shot with my 21 pre-ASPH on the M9 - corrected for keystoning in the architecture, but with any distortion otherwise "as is". And a good representation of the yellowy-greeny-cyan color handling that I like so much.

 

B&W shot on M9 to show vignetting (or lack thereof) @ f/2.8 - ISO 800.

 

My lens shows a bit of the 'red edge" phenomenon on the M9 - visible as red drift on the left in that Barbados sky - which I hope will be resolved eventually.

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I have had the 21 elmarit pre for years, ( bought it new for my m6 in the 90's) and love the lens. Yes, the front is large - but it is well balanced, beautiful out of focus and sharp where it counts.Some edge distorion with magnification but adds character in a positive way for a wide on film - not really noticable on the M8. See here for recent series, almost all of the leica shots ( L) starting on page 2, vs. nikon ( DSD) in the first 75 or so, are taken with the 21 pre on an M8. Best. Coos The images are completely unretouched as I was in deadline to post them.

 

DSD_3773 - FOCOPHOTO's Photos

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