WATE with the M9

[IkarusJohn]

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Does anyone have any experience or comment on this lens with the M9?

[michali]

It's a great lens, delivering superb images. Along with the MATE they are the first 2 lenses that go into the camera bag when I'm off an a trip.

 

As with all super wides on the M9 it is from time to time prone to red edges. I have 2 M9 bodies, a Sept 09 & a Feb 10 body, on the older M9 I sometimes pick up some red edges, and on the newer M9 none whatsoever. Whatever red edges there are are easily dealt with in Cornerfix, in my view it's not a major issue, others may disagree.

 

Do a search on the Forum for "WATE red edges", there are many posts which will give you a better insight.

[tdtaylor]

I agree, the WATE and MATE go first in my bag when I travel. I shoot a lot on indoor architecture, and I find it on my camera the l most- haven't had my 21 f2.8 out in months.

 

I am constantly impressed by the IQ of the WATE, especially the edge to edge performance, and have not suffered any noticeable red edge with my M9. Like most, I tend to use it at 16 and 21, rarely at 18. And while the Frankenfinder is large and in my eyes not very visually appealing, it is a wonderful finder with a built in, bright bubble level- the only problem being it just takes the space of one small lens.

[jaapv]

It's a great lens, delivering superb images. Along with the MATE they are the first 2 lenses that go into the camera bag when I'm off an a trip.

 

As with all super wides on the M9 it is from time to time prone to red edges. I have 2 M9 bodies, a Sept 09 & a Feb 10 body, on the older M9 I sometimes pick up some red edges, and on the newer M9 none whatsoever. Whatever red edges there are are easily dealt with in Cornerfix, in my view it's not a major issue, others may disagree.

 

Do a search on the Forum for "WATE red edges", there are many posts which will give you a better insight.

Cornerfix is not even needed, just a grad layer in the red channel is enough.

[brill64]

brilliant lens, always in my bag. tricky to master (like all lenses) and great for travel

[rickp13]

brilliant lens, always in my bag. tricky to master (like all lenses) and great for travel

 

i didn't get a leica viewfinder with my WATE, and am pretty happy using a 15mm vc finder instead. i marked the 4 corners for 21mm field of view on the front element with small dots, and guesstimate for the 18mm position in between. good enough for an amateur traveller.

 

don't hesitate to 'join the club'. it's a very special, very useful lens if you frequently need wide angle coverage.

 

cheers

 

rick

[Theodor Heinrichsohn]

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I used a WATE on the M8/M8u and now for over a year on the M9 and am very satisfied.I find the so called Frankenfinder useful as well, as I use it on both the M8u and the M9 and have reasonably accurate frame lines. The spirit level is convenient, particularly for wide angle shots where it is useful to get the least possible distortion of perpendicular lines.

The MATE (second version) is also the second lens ion case I only travel with 2 lenses.

Teddy