Leica 21mm E60 Lens

[35mmdelux]

Anyone have strong opinions about the Leica 21mm that came after the SA/3.4? I guess it would be called the pre-asph? Read its prone to flare and I guess it would be considering its E60 and wide angle. I could have picked up a copy for $700. Did I drop the ball?

 

[maddoc]

I have seen some comments that the early 21/2.8 Elmarit were inferior to the 21/3.4 SA, also much larger but allowed to use TTL meter. Additionally, E60 filter are really hard to come by, took me some time to find an used UVa for my Noctilux (E60) and was about ~ $100 with delivery from B&H to Japan.

 

[35mmdelux]

TKS Gabor.

Paul

 

[Jonas]

700$ is cheap. The lens has that nice pre asph look that both 35cron v4 and pre asph 50 lux has. You should have bought it...

 

[Palaeoboy]

That was admittedly a good price for one but I found the lens good but not outstanding. When I purchased a Voigtlander 21 for Nikon S rangerfinder I was amazed at the quality of the lens. It had less fall off and greater resolution across the field and less distortion. I then bought one in Leica mount and sold the Leica lens. It has the same filter size as the rest of my Leica lenses. True its a bit slower but the smaller size more than makes up for that as you find you will carry it with you alot more.

 

[b.espahbod]

its a superb lens, i'm a 21mm collector and definitely the best one is 21mm e60 because it was designed to be used with great depth of field. even the f/2.8 has great depth.

 

[35mmdelux]

its a superb lens, i'm a 21mm collector and definitely the best one is 21mm e60 because it was designed to be used with great depth of field. even the f/2.8 has great depth.

Interesting. E60 might be good but I didnt have the info to make an informed purchased. TKS all for perspectives. Paul

 

[FrozenInTime]

its a superb lens, i'm a 21mm collector and definitely the best one is 21mm e60 because it was designed to be used with great depth of field. even the f/2.8 has great depth.

Sorry but that statement can apply to any 21mm.

I've owned the 21mm E60, 21-ASPH and the ZM 21 f/2.8.
The 21mm E60 is the worst of the bunch : soft corners and lens hood ring that's glued on. You did not miss out.

The 21-ASPH and ZM21 very close with the 21-APSH having better mechanical construction. Currently I'm using the ZM18 which is very nice, if a bit slow.

 

[DennisPT]

$700 is a steal to me.