Any suggestion for 21mm

[Efra1]

Hi, I´ll like to buy a 21mm to use in my M8, for 3 days now i´m reading about the diferences lens in the maket today:

Biogon 21 2.8
Elmait 21 2.8 PreASPH
Elmarit 21 2.8 ASPH

I will like to know if some of you have one of these lens and can tell me the experiences whit it.

I have the oportuniti to buy a 21 Elmarit s/n 356XXXXX at 1300€ and the Biogon 21 2.8 at 1100€, but i´m not shure about what to chose...

Thanks in Advice.

Efra1

[Theodor Heinrichsohn]

I will like to know if some of you have one of these lens and can tell me the experiences whit it.

I have the oportuniti to buy a 21 Elmarit s/n 356XXXXX at 1300€ and the Biogon 21 2.8 at 1100€, but i´m not shure about what to chose...

Thanks in Advice.

Efra1[/quote]

I owned the pre asph 21 Elmarit and sold it to buy the 21 asph. because I personally did not like the way the pre asph draws. But that is very subjective. I also own both the 21 Super Angulons and the 21 Biogon adapted for Leica screw thread. Thye 21 asph results in the sharpest, most contrasty results, the Biogon - this is the old Zeiss lens made in Germany - results in the most even coverage with somewhat lower contrast. My experience is mainly using these lenses with slide film and the M6/M7, however, I have used the 21 asph on the M8 and am satisfied with the results.
Teddy

[Philippe D.]

Originally Posted by Efra1

I have the oportunity to buy a 21 Elmarit s/n 356XXXXX at 1300€ and the Biogon 21 2.8 at 1100€, but i´m not shure about what to chose...

Well, are they both second-hand ?

An Elmarit 21 (2. version, #3576xxx) is for sale in Munich right now *with viewfinder* for 1200€.
A Biogon ZM *new* is priced at 1200€ at Zeiss.

If you need to sale it again in the near future, you'll loose less with the Leica, IMHO.
But i'm not the buyer.

[luigi bertolotti]

...Given that this thread has been put in the historical section... why not a Super Angulon 3,4 ? I have one, as well as the 21 Asph, and am surprised of how little is the difference at stops like 5,6 or 8...
It's codable only at hand, and the meter reading is 2 stops off (that's why is "unsupported" on M8), but is a delicious lens... the old f4 is even more gracious, but not for use...vignetting is really strong even on the cropped M8 sensor.

[photophile]

I have the 21 2.8 pre-asph. I use it almost as my primary on an m6 classic. You can see some of the results if you search my threads. I think it is an excellent lens, perfect combination of contrast and rendition for my type of shooting, ( mostly street / documentary ). I'd buy it again in a heartbeat. Good luck. CH

[cbretteville]

Have the Biogon, absolutely amazing lens.
- Carl

[jc_braconi]

From the 3, I have the pre asph and I get excellent results with it.

[Iron Flatline]

I have the 21mm Elmarit ASPH. I really like working with it, it is easy to use and has good focusing action. I like the modern Leica lenses and the little finger-handle they have which makes it easy to accurately turn the focusing ring. The current hood is reasonably small.

[Efra1]

Well, thanks to all for yours answers.

Today I´ll make the decision, and I´ll shoot same scenne whit the Biogon and the Elmarit, so the results will make me do the choice.

I´ll tell you the one I choose

Thanks a lot

Efra

[telewatt]

Originally Posted by luigi bertolotti

...Given that this thread has been put in the historical section... why not a Super Angulon 3,4 ? I have one, as well as the 21 Asph, and am surprised of how little is the difference at stops like 5,6 or 8...
It's codable only at hand, and the meter reading is 2 stops off (that's why is "unsupported" on M8), but is a delicious lens... the old f4 is even more gracious, but not for use...vignetting is really strong even on the cropped M8 sensor.

me too!..I prefer the Super-angulon on the road!... ..I have both ...


regards,

Jan

[lars_bergquist]

The pre-ASPH Elmarit is not bad at all, specially not on an M8. It is much better at handling flare than some say. The picture below (Theatre Museum at Drottningholm Palace outside Stockholm – this is a live 18th century court theatre, noted for its Gluck performances) was done by available window light only. I don't complain about the result.

The old man from the Age of the 1:4 Super Angulon