Xavier Posted January 3, 2018 Share #1  Posted January 3, 2018 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi,  I am considering the purchase of a 21 SEM (sample spotted on a local selling list), and was at first a bit surprised by the shape of the lens, and after some research, I realise that there may exist several versions of it.  Looking at B&H: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/798854-REG/Leica_11145_Super_Elmar_M_1_3_4_21mm_ASPH.html  I see the first picture shows a lens where all rings are aligned and have the same diameter whereas the last four pictures show a lens where the diameter focusing ring is lower than the diameters of the mount ring and of the focusing ring.  So, I am a bit confused: are there two versions of the 21 SEM ? Or is it just physical appearance that is different, with no relation with optics ? Should I be worried over that ? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 3, 2018 Posted January 3, 2018 Hi Xavier, Take a look here Leica 21 SEM: several versions. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Gregm61 Posted January 3, 2018 Share #2  Posted January 3, 2018 (edited) There's just been the one version of the lens since it was introduced.  The lens comes with a metal shroud that you can screw on at the top if you remove the hood. Those last four images show the lens with the shroud screwed on, I guess to better dress up the lens if you use it with the hood off. The first image is of the lens with the shroud and hood not mounted.  When you buy a new one, the lens comes out of the box with the hood mounted and the hood cap on. The shroud is in a lower part of the box. You have to go looking for it to find it.  If you go buying one second-hand, don't be surprised if the shroud isn't included. Wouldn't be surprising to hear it's the first thing some people lose, unless they just leave it in the box, which is where mine has been all along. Edited January 3, 2018 by Gregm61 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xavier Posted January 3, 2018 Author Share #3 Â Posted January 3, 2018 I see, it makes sense! Thanks. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rijve044 Posted January 3, 2018 Share #4  Posted January 3, 2018 There's just been the one version of the lens since it was introduced.  The lens comes with a metal shroud that you can screw on at the top if you remove the hood. Those last four images show the lens with the shroud screwed on, I guess to better dress up the lens if you use it with the hood off. The first image is of the lens with the shroud and hood not mounted.  When you buy a new one, the lens comes out of the box with the hood mounted and the hood cap on. The shroud is in a lower part of the box. You have to go looking for it to find it.  If you go buying one second-hand, don't be surprised if the shroud isn't included. Wouldn't be surprising to hear it's the first thing some people lose, unless they just leave it in the box, which is where mine has been all along. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rijve044 Posted January 3, 2018 Share #5  Posted January 3, 2018 Hi,  I am considering the purchase of a 21 SEM (sample spotted on a local selling list), and was at first a bit surprised by the shape of the lens, and after some research, I realise that there may exist several versions of it.  Looking at B&H: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/798854-REG/Leica_11145_Super_Elmar_M_1_3_4_21mm_ASPH.html  I see the first picture shows a lens where all rings are aligned and have the same diameter whereas the last four pictures show a lens where the diameter focusing ring is lower than the diameters of the mount ring and of the focusing ring.  So, I am a bit confused: are there two versions of the 21 SEM ? Or is it just physical appearance that is different, with no relation with optics ? Should I be worried over that ? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rijve044 Posted January 3, 2018 Share #6 Â Posted January 3, 2018 There is a slight modification on the SEM 21. I have the version according to photo 4. The later version is according to photo 1. The difference is the smaller (lower) DOF ring which is in line with the focusing ring. Enlarge the images to see the difference. Other specs. are the same so no worries. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted January 3, 2018 Share #7  Posted January 3, 2018 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) My recollection is that at the time of initial release the lens was recalled, modified and re-released as the stellar lens that it is. Can’t remember the reason for the recall. There were different images of the lens at the time. Perhaps some weren’t sent back and are still in use/circulation.  Mark Edited January 3, 2018 by MarkP Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pgk Posted January 3, 2018 Share #8  Posted January 3, 2018 Can’t remember the reason for the recall. There were different images of the lens at the time. Perhaps some weren’t sent back and are still in use/circulation.  Mark  If I remember correctly it might have been because the focussing bound in some circumstances and a new part was needed to remedy this. I think that at the time it was suggested that unmodified copies would be scarce and potentially collectable as a result. I may be thinking of another lens though ..... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
norbertnl Posted January 3, 2018 Share #9  Posted January 3, 2018 There are indeed two versions of the body of this lens: en early one with all rings aligned, and a re-launched one like the one on picture #4 on the B&H website (not the other way round!). All SEM 21 sold as new should therefore look like the one on picture #4, not like the one on picture #1.  Thorsten Overgaard gives the following info on his website: "The new Leica 21mm Super-Elmar-M ASPH f/3.4 was released in Paris in June 2011 but then recalled as the focusing was stiff. The lens was then redesigned from 52 mm in diameter to 54mm in diameter so as to allow for grease and a smoother focusing. Leica Camera AG asked anyone who had gotten the original model delivered to return it and get the new one. Some did while others sold the "faulty" lens to a collector."  ​To get complete information about the reasons for the re-launch you may want to refer to a Leica representative or to the store where you intend to buy the lens.  ​Leica did not change the optical formula btw. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rijve044 Posted January 3, 2018 Share #10  Posted January 3, 2018 There are indeed two versions of the body of this lens: en early one with all rings aligned, and a re-launched one like the one on picture #4 on the B&H website (not the other way round!). All SEM 21 sold as new should therefore look like the one on picture #4, not like the one on picture #1.  Thorsten Overgaard gives the following info on his website: "The new Leica 21mm Super-Elmar-M ASPH f/3.4 was released in Paris in June 2011 but then recalled as the focusing was stiff. The lens was then redesigned from 52 mm in diameter to 54mm in diameter so as to allow for grease and a smoother focusing. Leica Camera AG asked anyone who had gotten the original model delivered to return it and get the new one. Some did while others sold the "faulty" lens to a collector."  ​To get complete information about the reasons for the re-launch you may want to refer to a Leica representative or to the store where you intend to buy the lens.  ​Leica did not change the optical formula btw. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rijve044 Posted January 3, 2018 Share #11  Posted January 3, 2018  There are indeed two versions of the body of this lens: en early one with all rings aligned, and a re-launched one like the one on picture #4 on the B&H website (not the other way round!). All SEM 21 sold as new should therefore look like the one on picture #4, not like the one on picture #1.  Thorsten Overgaard gives the following info on his website: "The new Leica 21mm Super-Elmar-M ASPH f/3.4 was released in Paris in June 2011 but then recalled as the focusing was stiff. The lens was then redesigned from 52 mm in diameter to 54mm in diameter so as to allow for grease and a smoother focusing. Leica Camera AG asked anyone who had gotten the original model delivered to return it and get the new one. Some did while others sold the "faulty" lens to a collector."  ​To get complete information about the reasons for the re-launch you may want to refer to a Leica representative or to the store where you intend to buy the lens.  ​Leica did not change the optical formula btw. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted January 3, 2018 Share #12  Posted January 3, 2018 Yes Leica's even edited two different specs sheets from which i've copied the pics below.  Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/280527-leica-21-sem-several-versions/?do=findComment&comment=3432228'>More sharing options...
rijve044 Posted January 3, 2018 Share #13 Â Posted January 3, 2018 Thanks norbertnl for the clarification as I have the one on picture 4. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted January 3, 2018 Share #14  Posted January 3, 2018 Thanks norbertnl for the clarification as I have the one on picture 4.  Then you have the current version as most of us do. The previous one (pic) was much nicer imho and is a collectors now.  Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/280527-leica-21-sem-several-versions/?do=findComment&comment=3432238'>More sharing options...
01af Posted January 4, 2018 Share #15  Posted January 4, 2018 The reason for the modification—thicker barrel base (where the DOF scale is)—was mechanical rigidity. When grabbing the lens real hard at the barrel's base then it could block the focusing action. When handling the lens normally, without excessive force, then there's nothing wrong with the original (slimmer) version. The optics haven't changed. The original version is a collector's item now due to rarity; the modification was done only a few months after the introduction. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
coupdefoudre Posted January 4, 2018 Share #16 Â Posted January 4, 2018 Last week when I looked, even the Leica web site had both versions of the lens on the 21SEM page! Obviously, they did not switch out all the lens photos when they reconfigured the housing (2 millimeter wider DOF ring closest to the mount.) Â If I received the original version I would re-sell it for whatever the market will bear, buy the reconfigured model and pocket the profit! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
james.liam Posted January 4, 2018 Share #17  Posted January 4, 2018 Last week when I looked, even the Leica web site had both versions of the lens on the 21SEM page! Obviously, they did not switch out all the lens photos when they reconfigured the housing (2 millimeter wider DOF ring closest to the mount.)  If I received the original version I would re-sell it for whatever the market will bear, buy the reconfigured model and pocket the profit!   The likelihood of your receiving the earlier version is about that of Hillary Clinton suddenly being declared the winner of the 2016 presidential election. Leica converted recalled lenses to the updated ring, and the handful retained by the market-savvy early buyers have long since taken their place on collector's shelves. Collecting dust.  Enjoy the lens when you receive it, one of Leica's greatest WA's ever. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stein K S Posted January 4, 2018 Share #18  Posted January 4, 2018 (edited) I had one of the very first ones... and returned it upon a very strong request from Leica... was too newbee at the to smell the opportunity I guess :-(  During my very short time of ownership I never noticed anything ¨faulty¨ though. Edited January 4, 2018 by Stein K S Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xavier Posted January 4, 2018 Author Share #19 Â Posted January 4, 2018 Wow, very interesting. This forum is fantastic, thanks a lot to everybody for posting! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
coupdefoudre Posted January 4, 2018 Share #20  Posted January 4, 2018 I had one of the very first ones... and returned it upon a very strong request from Leica... was too newbee at the to smell the opportunity I guess :-(  During my very short time of ownership I never noticed anything ¨faulty¨ though.   If you care to tell us, why a "short time of ownership"? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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