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21mm lenses on CL/CLE?


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My 40mm Rokkor has been staring at me like a Ba'al in the corner of the cabinet, which got me wondering about obtaining a CL/CLE as a film body to go with my digital Ms. I am not interested in something as big/heavy as a full-size M, Hexar RF, or Zeiss-Ikon. Been there, done that.

 

I am aware of most of the foibles of the Leica CL and Minolta CLE, but does anyone use these with 21mm lenses? It would seem like a nice film backup platform for my wides. Is it possible to use the 21/4.5 Biogon on the CL? It sits very close to the film plane, and my concern is the meter "flag." But that would be the tiniest combination with a 21mm ever.

 

My other wides are retrofocus: 21/35 Hexanon, 35/1.4 Summilux, 18mm Zeiss, so I don't imagine they should be an issue on either camera. Or are they? And can the CL/CLE focus a 90/2.8 reasonably well? Not even going to ask about the 75/1.4. That's not going to end well.

 

Thanks!

Dante

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I know for sure that the Leitz/Leica 21mm f/2.8 lenses (ASPH or pre-ASPH) will work safely on the CL (can't use the lens hoods though - they block the rangefinder). They are slightly retrofocus to improve the clearance for any kind of metering (and so is the current Zeiss f/4.5).

 

The modern Zeiss ZM 21mm f/4.5 does not appear to be deeper than those lenses. You can compare for yourself. The original 1960s Zeiss Biogon 21 f/4.5 is a whole different matter, and not likely to work.

 

Leica Elmarit ASPH rear protrusion: http://fotonode.com/db_photo/sites/default/files/Leica%20M%2021mm%20f2_8%20Elmarit-M%20E60%2011134_2.jpg

 

Zeiss ZM 21 f/4.5 protrusion: http://www.kenrockwell.com/zeiss/zm/21mm-f45/D3S_4408-rear-1200.jpg

 

OLD 1960s Zeiss f/4.5 Biogon protrusion (too much - if even ever made in Leica M mount - top left): http://antiquecameras.net/images/773_zc9.jpg

 

OLD Leica Super-Angulon 21mm protrusion (too much): https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0253/1179/products/TBPhotography-7924_1024x1024.jpg?v=1450891663

 

A thumbnail check would be - if it fits in a current Leica M rear lens cap, it is probably safe for CL use. The old dangerous-to-CL protruding 1960s 21 and 28 lenses needed special extra-deep rear caps.

 

http://www.9days.hk/uploads/product/A16G0041_01.jpg

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