CV 21 mm

[luiman]

I would need an information from the experts: the 21/4.0 mm has always been manufactured by Cosina-Voigtlander in rangefinder coupled version or a first non rangefinder coupled version exists?
Thank you.

Luigi

 

[The Meaness]

There was an LTM version released before the current M mount version. However both are coupled.

The LTM version included a 21mm finder and could be purchased in black or silver. The newer version is more expensive, has no finder, comes in only black, and is smaller.

To use the LTM version all you need is a simple LTM - M adapter.

 

[luiman]

Thank you The Meaness for the informations. I am looking for a CV 21 in LTM version for both my Bessa bodies (R2A and R). The question came to me when I read an advertisement on ebay (for sale a CV 21 mm described as "not rangefinder coupled") ...

 

[drewbarb]

The LTM 25m lens was not RF coupled, but had an interesting 'click-stop' focus. The newer M-mount version is RF coupled. But in 21mm, both the original LTM version and the new M-mount are both RF coupled, and always have been.

 

[davidbivins]

Also note that there are two hoods for the 21mm--one is just a few millimeters deep and comes with the lens, and the other is rectangular with a matte black finish which is held on with a tension screw. The latter is sold separately. I use my 21mm and finder most often with a Leica III.
The earlier CV 15mm was not rangefinder coupled. Perhaps the seller copied-and-pasted information from the wrong lens.

 

[luiman]

Thanks to drewbarb and davidbivins for other explanations. Yes, I also believe that the seller is confused with copy-paste. Moreover also a popular seller in Hong Kong told me that the LTM CV 21 mm in sale was not coupled. 🙂 Now I have no doubt ...

 

[Krosya]

I have a cv LTM 21 RF coupled for sale 😉

 

[Bob Michaels]

FWIW, I had my LTM CV 21mm for over a year before I realized it was RF coupled. I just always zone focused it like my LTM CV 25mm lens. It was not until I loaned it to a friend and saw him focusing it that I found it it was RF coupled. I still zone focus it today because that works so well for me.

 

[luiman]

@ Bob Michaels: Yes, even I almost always use in the street the 21 mm in 'pan-focus' without worrying about focusing. However, it is interesting to experience another type of images...
@ Krosya: Thanks for reminding me of your 21 mm for sale, but I also need to buy the viewfinder and the price goes up a bit ...

 

[Mephiloco]

I'm in the same boat. I'm looking at picking up a 21/4, but would need a finder. I have a multifinder I could use until I got an idea of the field of view of the 21mm lens, but the finder is huge (relatively speaking) and goes all the way from like 10mm to 250mm. Seems foolish to spend almost as much for a finder as you would for the lens.

 

[cmdrzed]

I have the M-mount version with the 21mm finder for sale as a set in the classifieds if anyone is interested. I can't get acclimated to the 21mm fov. 🙁

 

[luiman]

Even I find that separate buying of lens and the viewfinder is not very reasonable. I have seen that Cameraquest has a great price for the U.S. market, while in Europe the lens and viewfinder are sold at no less than 360 euros. A HK seller, Ninedays, sells both items to 318 USD, but I do not know if it is a reliable seller.

 

[Bob Michaels]

I have to thank Steve Gandy for pointing out what a steal the 25mm LTM CV lens was since the price included the finder. Similarly, he put us on notice that the M-mount 21mm was the same as the LTM one except the finder was not included. I took his advice both times and bought the LTM versions with finders.

We all realize he is in the business of selling CV lenses (and bodies) but when he says something is a good deal that is not going to last forever, it is always worth considering.

 

[luiman]

I have the M-mount version with the 21mm finder for sale as a set in the classifieds if anyone is interested. I can't get acclimated to the 21mm fov. 🙁

Great price for the combo, but I would need the LTM version also for my Bessa R...

 

[luiman]

I have to thank Steve Gandy for pointing out what a steal the 25mm LTM CV lens was since the price included the finder. Similarly, he put us on notice that the M-mount 21mm was the same as the LTM one except the finder was not included. I took his advice both times and bought the LTM versions with finders.

We all realize he is in the business of selling CV lenses (and bodies) but when he says something is a good deal that is not going to last forever, it is always worth considering.

I agree with you. No reason for me to buy the 21 in M mount, without finder. Maybe if I had a Bessa R4x, I think about it, but if the quality of the lens is the same, why being deprived of a more universal mount?

 

[Mephiloco]

Damn. Just noticed Cameraquest is now out of the used 21/4's. I waited too long to find a finder I guess 🙁

 

[Florian1234]

I'm in the same situation, looking for a LTM 21/4 with finder for a reasonable price. Got one in sight, but that price still seems to be a wee bit too high, I think.

 

[luiman]

I'm thinking about a HK seller with the lowest ever recorded (318 USD shipped) with the viewfinder. But I have no information about this seller (Ninedays photography). I have seen many used CV 21, but eventually the price gets too close to this one.