Questions on Konica Hexanon 21-35 Dual with M8

[MP3]

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Hi Folks

 

In contemplating my choice for the WAs with M8, I' ve pondered on all Leica Elmarits, Zeiss Biogon, etc. The Hexanon which Konica produced just a few years back seems to bear 2 good complementary focal length in one simple package, for 50% of my travelling candid and landscape shots.

 

Does any forum members here own this lens? If so, I would be very interested to know,

 

- It's image quality, contrast and fingerprints

- It's compatibility with M8 (and what frames it brings up)

- How much will it block M8's default viewfinder

 

It is rare to come across the images it produced on the web, so one or two pictures showing its image characters would be marvellous.

 

Thank you in advance for all your kind input!

 

Cheers

Matthew

[terrycioni]

Hi Folks

 

In contemplating my choice for the WAs with M8, I' ve pondered on all Leica Elmarits, Zeiss Biogon, etc. The Hexanon which Konica produced just a few years back seems to bear 2 good complementary focal length in one simple package, for 50% of my travelling candid and landscape shots.

 

Does any forum members here own this lens? If so, I would be very interested to know,

 

- It's image quality, contrast and fingerprints

- It's compatibility with M8 (and what frames it brings up)

- How much will it block M8's default viewfinder

 

It is rare to come across the images it produced on the web, so one or two pictures showing its image characters would be marvellous.

 

Thank you in advance for all your kind input!

 

Cheers

Matthew

 

Matthew,

 

I own and shoot a good deal with the 21/35 Hexanon on the M8 and indeed it is all you really need. Some consider it a bit on the slow side at F3.4/F4 but digital gives it a whole new life. I like it far better than the Tri-Elmar 28-35-50 F4.

 

-IQ is as excellent corner to corner with excellent color contrast and sharpness.

-Brings up the 24/35 framelines - takes no time to get used to it's frame coverage on the M8.

-Viewfinder blocking it no better or worse than the tri-elmar (if you don't use the hood it is not to bad). I have a 62mm Rodenstock IR/UV cut off filter (that I haven't used).

 

For images check: Flickr: Photos from Terry Cioni All of the Remembrance Day set is shot with the DUAL. Many of the December Note Book set are also shot with the DUAL.

 

I understand Konica only made 800 of this very fine lens Leica M Koni 21 TE. The viewfinder that comes with it, is totally amazing. If you can find one you will not go wrong.

 

Cheers. Terry.

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[MP3]

Dear Terry

 

Thank you very much for your great info on the DUAL. The flick pictures gave me some idea on its image characters, it's sharp and contrasty with neutral color tones. My interest on this lens keeps growing after your brief introduction.

 

Now, my further questions is,

- Without the hood, is it flare resistant?

- If we prepare to use the UV-IR cut filters on it, does it means we are going to self-code it for M8's in camera cyan corner compensation (magenta vignetting compensation)?

 

And how much do you pay for this lens?

 

Cheers

Matthew

[terrycioni]

Dear Terry

 

Thank you very much for your great info on the DUAL. The flick pictures gave me some idea on its image characters, it's sharp and contrasty with neutral color tones. My interest on this lens keeps growing after your brief introduction.

 

Now, my further questions is,

- Without the hood, is it flare resistant?

- If we prepare to use the UV-IR cut filters on it, does it means we are going to self-code it for M8's in camera cyan corner compensation (magenta vignetting compensation)?

 

And how much do you pay for this lens?

 

Cheers

Matthew

 

Hi Matthew,

 

I have no imperical proof that it is flare resistant but I have shot a bit of film without the hood - contra-jour without any significant problems. In other words this is an excellent lens.

 

I believe the CYAN corner discussion is somewhat overblown - I will not argue that it is real, but with the 1.33 crop factor you are somewhat minimizing the corners issues. That said, if it is a big issue you will have to self code - if Leica does not provide in menu manual coding at some point (firmware) - we can hope.

 

As an aside. (A good deal of the commentary related to the problems of the M8 revolve are around we early 1.06 users finding shooting situations that would challenge most digital cameras and as such are not real shooting situations - but more testing extreme situations to see if the camera will fail (not succeed), etc. I got past most of this weeks ago. My issue with the camera is how poorly Leica AG has handled the recall as it relates to those of us who bought-in early.)

 

As for price - the DUAL lens was given to me in 2004 by a dear friend and Leica afficionato, who is also a staunch Konica Hexar RF user. I am not sure what the cost of this lens is. I have not seen any others even on that auction site.

 

Cheers. Terry.

[MP3]

Dear Terry

 

Thanks again for your kind comment. I do agree the 21-35 dual is a great lens indeed, amid current 1.33 M8 crop factor, offering a highly convenient package in one single lens.

 

You're blessed by your Leicaphile friend. I'm going to source one at my side. The 28/47 equivalent is just what I use to shot in over 50% of my travelling captures.

 

Cheers

Matthew

[rvaubel]

Hi Matthew,

 

I have no imperical proof that it is flare resistant but I have shot a bit of film without the hood - contra-jour without any significant problems. In other words this is an excellent lens.

 

I believe the CYAN corner discussion is somewhat overblown - I will not argue that it is real, but with the 1.33 crop factor you are somewhat minimizing the corners issues. That said, if it is a big issue you will have to self code - if Leica does not provide in menu manual coding at some point (firmware) - we can hope.

 

As an aside. (A good deal of the commentary related to the problems of the M8 revolve are around we early 1.06 users finding shooting situations that would challenge most digital cameras and as such are not real shooting situations - but more testing extreme situations to see if the camera will fail (not succeed), etc. I got past most of this weeks ago. My issue with the camera is how poorly Leica AG has handled the recall as it relates to those of us who bought-in early.)

 

As for price - the DUAL lens was given to me in 2004 by a dear friend and Leica afficionato, who is also a staunch Konica Hexar RF user. I am not sure what the cost of this lens is. I have not seen any others even on that auction site.

 

Cheers. Terry.

 

Terry

 

Thanks for a terrific report. This is the kind of real world information that we need to temper the torture testing of the M8 that is going on in other threads. Keep reporting or better yet posting new findings. If this lens can do a good job dealing with the numerous issues unique to a digital rangefinder like the M8, I wouldn't worry about any other lens

 

Rex

[barnack]

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Terry, this information was very helpful in making my decision to purchase this lens. It is a wonderful piece of glass, which I use often on my travels. For the price, compared to the MATE, it is a phenomenal lens that delivers quite a punch. Many thanks again.

[howard_cummer]

I had the Konica dual bayonet drilled out by John Millich and since the 24 - 35 frame lines are brought up on the M8 I coded the lens as a 24 Elmar and using a Leica 60mm IR cut filter the results are very good both at 21mm and, as one would expect, at 35mm.

Howard