Leica 21mm /4 Super Angulon -R Lens

[stnami]

Leica 21mm f/4 Super Angulon R Lens

what's it like, colour rendition wise etc............ ?

[jimmy pro]

Going by memory here, it was a little warmer than the true Leica-made lenses (it's a Schneider) but not a lot. Pretty soft in the corners until f/8, and tendency for flair. Not great closeup either unless stopped way down. It had a weird aperture, like just 4 blades or something. Otherwise very sharp, and good contrast, considering it was designed back in the Johnson administration (Lyndon, not Andrew ) . IF your useing it on a DMR the crop factor will clean up a lot of the abberations, and the color balance should be no problem to shore up either.

[roguewave]

Originally Posted by stnami

Leica 21mm f/4 Super Angulon R Lens

what's it like, colour rendition wise etc............ ?

Go for the R19 (Type II) on the R system. The 15 is way cool, but a pretty narrow range. Since you already put your subjects thru contortions (I LIKE IT), it probably won't give you want. The 19 will, based on what I've produced and what I've seen (before gone) of your work. I have both R 19's & love them equally. The older one can be bought now for about $550 US if you know Ebay well. It has a very wonderful way of softening up the harsh light, particularly in B&W. The more modern (Type II) is a work horse. Awesome color, contrast. Clearly a more modern look & signature. I alway have one on an R8, either for film or DMR. Up close, I mean real up close, portraits have no real distortion. You'd love it. I do.

[liesevolvo]

Yes, 4/21 has a 4-blades-aperture; ugly like an old TV-screen.

Yes, 4/21 tends to bad reflections (look at the size of front-lens!).

Yes, the quality of lenses spreads more than usual for a Leica-lens (because it is Schneider?!?!)

Yes, this lens is GREAT, at least MINE!

Leonard Liese, Cologne, Germany

[kixigvak]

I've never had the 21, but I've owned both the older 19 and the new one. I use the current 19 Elmarit a lot. Both are fabulous lenses. I once had a drum scanner operator in Munich call me to ask what lens I'd shot a photo with. He couldn't believe the quality. It was the 19.

James Mason
Alaska, USA

[stnami]

Thanks ........ my intent was to use it for both the Leica R ( someone offered a 4 for 250 aussie pesos, works great cosmetically ordinary), as a wide and Oly E digital (2x 21 = 42 mm) a nice focal length for me these days on digital
Is the 4 ok or are there better using it sparingly

[lct]

Originally Posted by stnami

... Is the 4 ok or are there better using it sparingly

Some electronic issues have been reported between 1980 and 1982.
Better avoid smaller serial numbers than 1,600,000.
No such problems with the simpler R4s though but it has no program mode, no shutter speed priority AE and shutter speeds are not displayed in the VF in manual mode.
I own a R4s btw. Small body, quiet shutter noise, large and bright VF, exactly what i dream about for the R10 or a possible R10s.
For French readers, see LEICA R4 MOT, R4, R4s, R4s2 (R4sP)

[garyp]

I bought one in 1983. still have it, one of my most used lenses.
It's one I will probably never get rid of.
Yes, it's best stopped down to f8 or so, it's a great lens with Kodachrome.