Avenon 21/2.8 lens on M ?

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alexz

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I've been offered Avenon 21mm/2.8 lens as a super wide angle to go on my Ms along with its finder and M-adapter.
Frankly, up until now I wasn't really after wides, my current the widest one is 35mm and I did no intend to go any wilder than that, but this one just woke up my curiosity.
I know very little about this lens and Avenon in particular as a brand.

What is this beast ? What reputation is has in optical and mechanical departments ?
Would you (those of you who are into wide views) consider this one for your M (given availability of its finder and adapter) ?
What are reasonable pricing for the one in a good condition ?

Thanks.
 
I believe the Avenon is the same as the Kobalux - same lens, just two different brand names.

If I'm right, then the Kobalux has a pretty good reputation - but the closest I've come to one was seeing it in a shop display (and I can't remember the price, sorry).
 
If, indeed, it is the Kobalux/Pasinon -- as I think it is -- it's a superb lens (I have the Kobalux and tried the Pasinon) but the finder is huge and has lots of barrel distortion (use another finder).

Cheers,

R.
 
Search the archives, and the internet in general, and you'll find loads of information on this lens. It was produced by a Japanese company and sold under several different names in at least two slightly different generations or versions. They are pretty highly regarded by most folks who know them; various reviews that pop up are generally quite positive. I can't help you with pricing or more specifics, but I can tell you that one good wide angle lens in your bag is a good idea; a 21mm is a very good all-round wide, especially as your only wide lens, and that this one should serve you well. Good luck, and let us know how the deal goes if you spring for it!
 
Thank you guys.
I just did a bit of inet search, came up with several links, 1-2 useful threads here on RFF. I realize there was 3 versions (or more) of this lens, and apparently some of them are better optically then others. Couldn't fetch though which...
I was offered one as a trade for my smooth M3, no cash involved.
Xmm....
 
I used to own a Kobalux 21/2.8--basically the same lens. It was very nice. Great look, good build quality. The finder is huge, as was said, but that never bothered me. It tended to flare easily, and the stock hood is not much help. I bought a very large generic hood that screwed into it, but this made the M6 look like an SLR. It handles very well in easy lighting conditions, has great color rendition. These usually go in the $650 range, I think, with finder.
 
If James (DC) above has a second name beginning with M then it's likely he bought his lens from me a few years ago on PN. I'd agree with his assessment of it, same lens after all... 😉
 
I would say: trade the M3 for the 21mm lens +200-$400 depending on how clean your M3 is and whether it has had a CLA recently or not.
 
From what I read, it's the same as Kobalux or PasOptik lenses. They have good reputation as affordable wide angle lenses with wide open aperture f/2.8 compared to the Leica and Zeiss lenses. If I remember correctly, there were a few on RFF Classifieds around 500 to 700 USD.

Since you never go wider than 35mm, it would be unwise to trade in your Leica M3 camera to this particular lens...
 
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