21mm F4 Super-Angulon - Pricing and opinions?

[gdi]

I have seen a copy for sale that is in like new condition - no scratches, cleaning marks etc. It has a VF but it looks like it could use a cleaning and it comes with a perfect snap on hood.

What kind of price seems reasonable for one of these? How would it stack up against some of the modern CV or Zeiss lenses? (I know the build quality is outstanding)

 

[35mmdelux]

Not as sharp as the f/3.4. The f/3.4 was a big leap over the f/4.0. The CV and Zeiss are modern, sharp, contrasty.

 

[Al Kaplan]

If you're looking for that "classic look" the 21/3.4 is a lot better lens than the f/4. The 19/3.5 Canon is as good as the 3.4 Super Angulon. The 21mm CV has more contrast and gives a more modern look.

The 21mm f/4 S.A. does take 39mm filters which could be an advantage, since a LOT of other Leica lenses use that size.

http://thepriceofsilver.blogspot.com

 

[gdi]

Thanks for the info - the seller is looking for $1000 for the kit which seems pretty high. Maybe I'll pass (but it is beautiful!)

 

[35mmdelux]

$1000 is way overpriced unless collector model, and even then overpriced. The reviews call it a dog.

EDIT: $350 gets you the CV 21mm/4.0, which is dang good. $850 gets you the 21mm/4.5 Zeiss, considered the sharpest 21, providing a modern Zeiss look.

 

[gdi]

Thanks - Colluci's site lists it as 800-1050 and that is a slightly higher than the 3.4 at 700-950. It didn't seem that far off to me, but I don't think I really need 21 $1000 bad anyway!

 

[Nokton48]

If you like the vignetting in the corners, you can buy the 19mm f3.5 Canon for $500 in mint condition. It's every bit as good as the 21mm F3.4 Leitz Super Angulon, which is the retro-benchmark.

I own the 19mm F3.5 Canon, and I'm not selling it. Another option is the 21mm F4 CV Voigtlander, although it dosen't have the build quality of the older "brick house" lenses. I did sell my 21mm F4 CV as I like the signature of the much older 19mm F3.5 Canon. Hard to go wrong with either of these, although time will tell how the CV lens holds up, especially with moderate use.

 

[Tom A]

The 21f4 S-A is more of a collectible today. It was a 39mm LTM mount lens and the only one of its kind for screw-mount Leicas. The price is OK, if the lens is in clean condition and with the Leica 21 finder. If it has the very elusive original hood (that one alone is #2-300 in clean shape). The finder is about $150 in scruffy condition and $250 in clean condition.
The performance of the 21f4 is OK - not great by modern standards and the 21f3.4 runs circles around it. The newer VC and Zeiss lenses much better - and in the case of the VC 21f4 about 1/2 price. The ZM 21f4.5 is the best of them all and is just about the same price without a finder.
If you want a "classic" lens - it is not a bad deal - but if you want the best bang for the bucks, either get the VC 21f4 or the ZM21f4.5 and if you want to stay "Leica" - go for the 21f3.4.

 

[gdi]

The 21f4 S-A is more of a collectible today. It was a 39mm LTM mount lens and the only one of its kind for screw-mount Leicas. The price is OK, if the lens is in clean condition and with the Leica 21 finder. If it has the very elusive original hood (that one alone is #2-300 in clean shape). The finder is about $150 in scruffy condition and $250 in clean condition.
The performance of the 21f4 is OK - not great by modern standards and the 21f3.4 runs circles around it. The newer VC and Zeiss lenses much better - and in the case of the VC 21f4 about 1/2 price. The ZM 21f4.5 is the best of them all and is just about the same price without a finder.
If you want a "classic" lens - it is not a bad deal - but if you want the best bang for the bucks, either get the VC 21f4 or the ZM21f4.5 and if you want to stay "Leica" - go for the 21f3.4.

Thanks Tom - this F4 has an M-Mount, though it was secured with a set screw and much thicker than a standard LTM adapter. I wonder if it would be usable on a Screw mount camera if one removed the adapter.