CV21mm - old or new

[glynjones]

I'd like some comments on the CV 21mm - its the one lens missing from the bag, and with my newly acquired R4 its time to get one

I know the new one is pancacke, and so should protrude less into the viewfinder but it has got that awful focusing thing (the one thing I hate about my 40mm) - I prefer the little focusing lever on the side of the 25mm

I'd love to hear from anyone who's tried both CV 21's and how they found the handling of them

Glyn

 

[Anton Bawab]

Glyn you can't go wrong --

I've had it (the old one) for a couple of weeks now - and just love the handling of the lens. It is easy to focus - and just tack sharp.

You can view some of the shots in my RFF (see the CV21 album, and the last couple of shots from the Dubai album).

The photograph below has the colors going darker on the edges - as if the built-in hood of the lens is influencing the brightness on the sides... is it the film or is it the lens ?? anybody saw similar effect from this lens ?

 

[rogue_designer]

anton - just looks like regular old ultra-wide light falloff to me. Nothing to worry about.

Nice looking shot too. 🙂

 

[Andy Aitken]

The CV 21mm f4 is a superb lens. I really doubt that the new 'pancake' version is actually any more compact than the old version that I have BUT the barrels of the newer CV lenses are much more solid and better made than the old ones (the old ones were OK but the new ones have that smooth high quality feel). Optically they are supposed to be identical. Either will be fine but unless you have a screw mount camera or are a bit short of cash I'd definitely go for the new version.

As Anton's shot demonstrates, this is one very, very sharp lens.

 

[drewbarb]

The glass in both versions is the same; from the pictures I've seen, it's my impression that the new version is about the same size and shape as the old one, so I doubt there's any finder blockage difference. It seems the main differences are the "wings" on the aperture ring and of course the mount. I would go for the older version- for less money, you get the same lens (optically), with the finder, which is excellent. You could also get an LTM adapter and still have spent less money. I know you said you want to use this on an R4, so the finder and the mount are moot issues for you- but by getting the older version you'll save money, and have a more versatile lens in the long run. (You never know when you might find a deal on a nice screw mount camera that's too good to pass up.)

 

[BillBingham2]

Glyn,

With the money you save getting the old one you can get a Bessa L!

If you do not have any other cameras you might want to use the lens on, go with the new one. I've looked for pictures and all but can not find any that showed the entire lens. I think you are right, there is no focusing knob, but rather like the 40/1.4 (or Leica lenses).

The build of newer CV lenses are much better than old ones (e.g. 40/1.4 vs 25/4 LTM). Is it necessary, I'm not sure. I do love the new lenses feel and I think they have the bugs worked out of it.

Either way you will make a fine call.

B2 (;->

 

[back alley]

stephen says the new lenses look very leica like.