Avenon, Komura, Kobalux LTM Jackpot!! Deadstock Avenon 21mm f2.8!

Avenon, Komura, Kobalux lenses
Thanks Mike,
A tripod is better if only to check for repeatabilty. See my comments in Chris's "Just purchased a Leica 90mm APO-summicron-M lens" thread, but I have done it handheld as you describe as this is more like a real world situation. Could I suggest though that you try with a focus point of a little over 1 meter (got any more Leica Mags. to extend the run? 😀 ) using the focus ring to achieve focus as its common for some lenses not to couple properly to the rangefinder close to absolute minimum focus point.

I have just now tried David's infinity test on my 35mm f/2 Cron that front focuses. Focused on about 50ft wide open (f/2) it seems just a little sharper at the correct focus distance than when reset to infinity. So the problem is only close up in my case. Although I can see the difference in David's posted pictures hopefully a few more tests will confirm the Deadstock you have found us is better, but if not I think in most of the shooting situations I would use the lens in it should be O.K. And I pretty certain the problem would not occur with my M4, although this is being sadly neglected these days.
 
Thanks again Mike,
Looking at your posted attachment at a 100% in Photoshop I etimate the sharpest plane of focus to be the verticle to T in the word catalogue on the first brochure. Assuming about a 50% crop, given the size of your post, and from the angle you shot and also assuming the focus point was the middle of the blue enlarger brochure I would guess this is a front focus of about 2 inches. My estimate of (for me) acceptable DOF from here would be more than 3 inches (beyond the front edge of the front brochure) and 3 inches behind. So although there is front focus it seems this is better than on my Cron with the problem (3 inches) and I would think better than most people could achieve consistantly with focus handheld in in "fluid" real world situations. I hope the infinity focus checks out though.

The lens certainly seems sharp where it does achieve focus seems more than acceptable to use on the R-D1 from your post here except for the most critical work.

I don't see many Robert Frank pictures as sharp as this for instance, but they are still great photos.
 
Last edited:
I should note the issue I've brought up with my particular Kobalux reveals itself at long focus distances. At two meters and closer the focus accuracy seems fine.

-Dave-
 
So the problem is only at long focus distances for David, but Mike you said you don't have a problem with this? My feeling is that certain RD-1 / Kobalux combos may not be ideal, but from what I gather it may only be some models and probably worth the risk. You used the lens Mike, if you've tested it properly and you are still buying one then I presume they are good and I will step ahead and buy today... Are you posting any more examples to clear the infinity short focus ??
 
I can only speak for myself but I for one am happy with this lens, I now know that there is a slight front focus at Close range but we are talking about quite minute amounts. And this with the RD-1 not on film.
Unfortunately The weather here is still Rain, Rain and more rain,
It's a shame because the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom!
Anyway I managed to grab a few shots this evening
at the train station.

Mike.
 
I agree with Mike. While I think there is a slight front focus problem and there is a possibility that certain RD-1 / Kobalux combos may be worst than others (the reverse also being possible) I think it is not significant in "Real World" shooting situations. Its just something to test for and be aware of. Mike's latest pictures above of the combination in normal use should help dispel any doubts. I for one have not been put off the purchase and I hope anythink I have posted on this has not detered others. Mike has take a lot of time and trouble over this and I would again like to thank him for all the effort.

Wishing you better weather soon Mike. Thought it was only England where it rained like that. Driest winter here for years - hosepipe bans coming. It must be all down to Global Warming caused by pouring darkroom chemicals down the drain over the years, or is the heat being generated by all these new digital sensors? 😀
 
Last edited:
Thanks, Chaps, It really hasn't been that much of an ordeal. I'm sure that one of these days I'll be thanking you for something or other. Plus think about these poor lenses stuck in a carboard box. not even in a proper camera store. not knowing when they would be adopted......
At least I know this lot will be going to people that will take them out to see new and wonderous sights all over the globe from America, Argentina, Canada, UK, Sweden, Singapore and Germany. And that! makes me feel good!
Yes I have been told I am strange!
Mike.
PS the first batch will be starting their Jorneys tomorrow morning!!
 
It is slowly beginning to dawn on me that I have read about the 3rd. gen. of this lens not being quite accurate at closest focus on a Leica. Mine (2nd. gen.) has a closest focus of 0.9M so there is no issue. But the 3rd (I believe) has a closest focus of 0.7M and in some cases slightly lower and I know I've read somewhere that some cams haven't been able to focus exactly at closest focus because a particular lens goes a smidgin below 0.7M. I don't think its anything to worry about...

 
vincenzo said:
So the problem is only at long focus distances for David, but Mike you said you don't have a problem with this? My feeling is that certain RD-1 / Kobalux combos may not be ideal, but from what I gather it may only be some models and probably worth the risk.
Click to expand...

I doubt there's any issue with Kobalux lenses of any generation as a whole. My issue is, I suspect, particular to my samples of the R-D1 and 21mm lens. The 21mm performs fine on my M2 and Bessa T. I'll bet just about all copies of the lens work correctly on just about all R-D1s.

-Dave-
 
OK Chaps,
An update.
First batch of seven lenses have started their Journey today,
The respective new "pairents" have been sent an e-mail or PM.
with the Tracking numbers. If you have not recieved a message
I'm sorry to say that that means that I haven't picked up your
lenses yet 🙁 . I will be picking up the remainder tomorrow, Those will
be shipped off on Monday 😉 .
Those that left this morning, should be with you by Tue or wed.
Remember that if using on the RD-1 or M mount camera
you need to purchase a L-M adapter. So why not click on the
top right of the screen and purchase one from one of our sponsors 😀
Cheers
Mike.
 
Mine's on its way. Whoopee! 😀 😀 Thanks Mike. You need viewfinder that works, for a what is effectively a 32mm lens, as well as the adapter if you are using it on the R-D1. VC 21D is the correct choice but see my thread on this.
 
Mike,
An added bonus that will encourage me not to neglect my M4 so much since having the R-D1. Means I'll have to invest in two finders now though.
 
OK Gents,
Time for another update.
Have been quite caught up with work of late
so have to apologise the second batch did
not get away untill today. But the lenses are off
I will be e-mailing or PMing with their Tracking #s
If you do not recieve either and you were supposed to.
please PM or e-mail me.
Wow we ate up 15 of these lenses!!.
Well, if I come across anything like this again I will
be shure to let you guys know!!
Anyway Thats all Folks!!
Thanks
Mike.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

the_hunter
Avenon, Komura, Kobalux LTM Avenon 21mm
Replies
5
Views
2K
szymonone
S
P
Avenon, Komura, Kobalux LTM Avenon 28mm Hood Dimensions
Replies
1
Views
960
retinax
R
N
Canon LTM Canon LTM 35mm f2, Canon 35mm f2.8, Jupiter 12 - opinions on these lenses?
2 3
Replies
42
Views
7K
ACullen
A
B
Nikkor LTM Nikkor-NC 5cm F1.1 in Leica thread mount on jDirectItems/Yahoo auctions Japan
Replies
8
Views
569
armadsen
A
Roastchestnuts
whats your thoughts on a leica 24mm f2.8 asph?
Replies
8
Views
1K
Rayt
Rayt
Back
Top Bottom