21 mm lens and body - suggestion?

[Chimera]

I´m ready to take the step into the real world...into RF-shooting. A year ago I started photographing with a ZI Contina, but I found it quite difficult. Since I´ve been using a SLR (Leica R4, Summicron 50). I have really learned alot about this noble art, i think using this. Now i think I´m ready to enter the "real" world again...;-)

So, I´m convinced in using ONE camera and ONE lens.

I NEED YOUR ADVICES FELLOWS!

I want it cheap, and I want 21 mm...

Shoot...!

 

[Stu W]

I agree, I love my 21mm VC.

 

[Didier]

21mm? Color Skopar 21/4!! Small, sharp, compact, affordable. Don't have the Zeiss 21mm, but following the opinions of several RFF members it must be a really outstanding lens. But it's a) much bigger, b) much heavier, and c) much more expensive. OK it's undoubted quality passes the CV - but just a little because the Color Skopar is a little sensation, too. Stays the Zeiss' advantage of one stop more speed - it's up to you to decide whether you need or you can afford it. Anyway you can make brillant shots with both of them (as well as mediocre shots 🙂)
Didier

 

[Trius]

A Bessa L or Bessa T would be a good fit. No RF on the L, but lots of folks use that combo to great advantage.

 

[Terao]

Another vote for the CV 21mm f/4. Not *too* wide (i.e. not too much distortion), feels a natural "widescreen" length.

As to a body, any old Leica screwmount will do. Either one of the numerous Russian ones (tend not to be metered though), or maybe an older Canon (less cheap but extremely sexy, particularly the P), or a modern Bessa - lens will fit an L or an R direct, or a T or R2 or R3 via an adapter

L has no rangefinder or viewfinder (not required for the 21mm, but any longer than that and you'd want a rangefinder IMO)

T has a rangefinder but no viewfinder and is M mount (most versatile mount option)

R has combined rangefinder and viewfinder and is Leica screwmount

R2/3 as R but with M mount

R2a/3a as R2/3 but with aperture-priority exposure (L, T, and R are all metered but no AE)

Used R's are pretty cheap these days but I would really go for an M-mount camera so you can buy M-mount lenses when the bug strikes...

 

[peter_n]

A bit more expensive than the CV but a stop faster at f2.8 is the Kobalux 21mm - excellent lens.

 

[Trius]

Terao: Chimera states he only wants to use one camera and one lens ... a 21. I know, we are all amused by the "only one" qualifier, but let's take him at his word. And inexpensive is another qualifier, hence my suggestion of the L (least expensive) or T (more costly but with true RF focusing) ... no matter what he chooses he will need an external finder unless he waits for the R4, which will certainly not be be "cheap".

 

[Chimera]

Thanx everyone! Really appreciate your tips.

Seems like I´m heading toward CV21...and...a Russian Body - if a dare - or Bessa R.

Again tanks a thousand times for taking your time!

 

[Chimera]

btw

Nice pic ManGo. Nice girl too...;-)

 

[uhligfd]

There are cheap Contax G2 bodies on the bay, around $ 400; and there is the "world's best lens" - as it is often called, the ZI 21mm/2.8 Biogon for around 400 - 550 on the bay at this moment.

This would be a thought ... If the poster wants AF and TTL metering, that is.

Why Bessa and CV? Just for full manual? Set the preferences to full manual on the Contax G2 and it will do manual. The Contax gives first class results and is relatively cheap.

 

[dostacos]

I´m ready to take the step into the real world...into RF-shooting. A year ago I started photographing with a ZI Contina, but I found it quite difficult. Since I´ve been using a SLR (Leica R4, Summicron 50). I have really learned alot about this noble art, i think using this. Now i think I´m ready to enter the "real" world again...;-)

So, I´m convinced in using ONE camera and ONE lens.

I NEED YOUR ADVICES FELLOWS!

I want it cheap, and I want 21 mm...

Shoot...!

Bessa R $199
Bessa T $199 [needs lens adapters]
bessa L $99
Bessa L $69 IF you buy a lens [photovillage]

Lens $329

 

[oscroft]

I'd recommend a CV 21 too. I use mine with a Bessa-L - the lens comes with a good viewfinder, and with its huge depth of field you really don't need rangefinder focusing. But if you may get other lenses later, a Bessa-R would probably be a better body choice.

 

[flipflop]

another vote for the 21mm contax G + Contax G1
lens around 550.00
G1 Green lable 250.00

 

[SDK]

Sometime in 2007, Voigtlander is releasing the R4A and R4M, the first RF bodies with integrated 0.52X wideangle finder and framelines for 21mm, 25mm, 28mm and 35mm. This will be grat for 21mm fans.

I have the 21mm/2.8 Zeiss Biogon ZM, which is great, and largish but not big. It is optically phenomenal. Zeiss is releasing a more economical and compact f/4.5 ZM mount 21mm C Biogon in 2007 too.

2007 the Year of the 21mm?

 

[Chimera]

So, now I´ve been at E*** for 24 hrs, and I am more confused than ever...maybe I should go for Contax G1...but can I afford the lens..?...or should I stick to my SLR, puting on a Vivitar 17-28 för 98 bucks...? Hell, life is confusing ;-)

...thanx again!

 

[MadMan2k]

or should I stick to my SLR, puting on a Vivitar 17-28 för 98 bucks...? Hell, life is confusing ;-)

...thanx again!

Well, you could do that... then again, you could get about the same result with the Voigtlander lens and a plastic bag over it at all times...

I'm interested in the R4 also, it seems reasonable to everything except my wallet to get an M4-P for 35mm, an R4A for 21mm, and my M3 for 50 and 90.

 

[Terao]

So, now I´ve been at E*** for 24 hrs, and I am more confused than ever...maybe I should go for Contax G1...but can I afford the lens..?...or should I stick to my SLR, puting on a Vivitar 17-28 för 98 bucks...? Hell, life is confusing ;-)

...thanx again!

Well I really wouldn't go for the Contax, simply based on the fact its an orphan camera with a custom mount and a limited range of lenses. The 21mm is also pretty expensive in comparison to the Voigtlander.

Any leica screw mount body will do plus the VC 21mm f/4 in my opinion. Either go get a "Russian" of some form or if you want some creature comforts one of the Bessas, simply for built-in metering and easier film loading.

If/when the rangefinder bug bites hard you've already future-proofed yourself and opened up a whole world of lenses. If you're on a budget go for a used T (Cameraquest have one for a very reasonable price at the moment) as that gives best overall compatability - screw and M mount lenses. Mr Cameraquest may even do you a deal on the 21 plus the necessary adapter you'll need. 'Tis the season after all 🙂

 

[stevence]

I'm selling my Avenon 21/2.8 in case you're interested.