Seeking Feedback on PreASPH ElmaritM 21mm (Ref. 11134)

[RezaLoghme]

Hi all,

I currently own a 21 mm f/4 Super-Angulon for Leica R and I use it on M bodies with an adapter. I really like the results — the rendering and character fit my style — but it’s undeniably bulky on an M frame.

So I’m thinking about moving to a native M lens, specifically the Elmarit‑M 21 mm f/2.8 (ref. 11134, pre‑ASPH). Budget is tight right now, so I’m not looking at the ASPH version — just the older, non‑ASPH Elmarit‑M.

If you own the pre‑ASPH 21 mm Elmarit‑M, I’d be very happy to hear your experience with it — handling, contrast, flare resistance, how it feels on the rangefinder, whether it’s a real step up from adapted wide R glass, etc.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts!

p.S. of course I have read forums and reviews. Some of them were extremly negative ("worst M lens ever"), hence i am looking for first-hand insights from users.

PPS: I have looked at 21mm M alternatives and outruled Cosina/"Zeiss" and Voghtlender. TTArtisan sounds fun though.

 

[chuckroast]

I own the 21mm f/4 Color-Skopar LTM and use it both on a IIIf and on M bodies with the adapter ring. I can only speak to monochrome film performance, but in that context it is just superb. I doubt I'd see significant improvement with a Leica 21mm.

You do have to be careful, because that generation of Skopars can end up with an internal etching from glue outgassing or something that cannot be fixed. So I wouldn't buy one unless you can return for full refund.

Also be sure to get one with the matching lens hood, or prepare to pay nosebleed prices for one.

BUT ... it's just an amazing piece of glass. I've used it a bunch for street shooting, landscapes, from a distance, up close, etc. and it never fails to impress me. Examples follow, taken as described. All are scans of silver prints:


Leica IIIf/Double X:

Leica IIIf/Fompan 200:

Leica M4/100 TMAX:

 

[RezaLoghme]

Thanks.

I am specifically looking for feedback from members who own the Elmarit‑M 21 mm f/2.8 (ref. 11134, pre‑ASPH). Because I might want to buy one.

 

[GregY]

Thanks.

I am specifically looking for feedback from members who own the Elmarit‑M 21 mm f/2.8 (ref. 11134, pre‑ASPH). Because I might want to buy one.

I've used one....as well as the prior Super Angulon f3.4.
They're both more than adequate lenses. Good glass...fine build quality.
Like CR, i haven't shot colour for more than 20 yrs, but i got good quality colour transparencies & bw negatives. Also like CR, though i've also recently used the tiny VC Color-Skopar and been impressed with both it's image quality and handling for a very modest cost.

 

[RezaLoghme]

Thanks, also for sharing the pic. I read about some users not being happy at all with the lens, so negative, that i wanted to check.

PS Not interested in the Voigtlander, as already mentioed.

 

[chuckroast]

I've used one....as well as the prior Super Angulon f3.4.
They're both more than adequate lenses. Good glass...fine build quality.
Like CR, i haven't shot colour for more than 20 yrs, but i got good quality colour transparencies & bw negatives. Also like CR, though i've also recently used the tiny VC Color-Skopar and been impressed with both it's image quality and handling for a very modest cost.

Ever shot with the 28mm f/3.5 VC ?

 

[GregY]

Thanks, also for sharing the pic. I read about some users not being happy at all with the lens, so negative, that i wanted to check.

PS Not interested in the Voigtlander, as already mentioed.

I was being particularly happy with the images wide open 2.8 with people at the edge of the frame. You need to remember that asph..... 21/28 et al, are relatively recent & terrific images were made with Leica wide angles for decades..... check out the work of Wm A Allard (National Geo) photographer.

 

[GregY]

Ever shot with the 28mm f/3.5 VC ?

Yes I had 2 examples. In the end i wanted less modern character......so i ended up going with the Canon 28mm LTM (pretty much the standard lens on my lllg)

 

[RezaLoghme]

And other field reports about the Leica lens in question (Elmarit‑M 21 mm f/2.8 (ref. 11134, pre‑ASPH).?