Leica M9: which wide angle lens?

[raid]

I have never used a Zeiss ZM 18/4 or Zeiss Hologon 16/8.
Does anyone here have some advice on which lens to get?
The 18/4 is in M mount while the 16/8 Hologon is converted to M.
I need your collective advise.

Thank you.

 

[raid]

This is kinda "urgent".
The 18/4 ZM is made in Japan (most likely), and this is why the price may be lower. Used, it costs around $1000-$1250.

The 16/8 costs about $2000 in G mount, and then you add the conversion cost to Leica M.

Regardless of cost, which lens is somehow better optically?

 

[f16sunshine]

The 4/18mm is a distagon and will show better corners on your M9.
It does have a bit of distortion if it's like other distagons.
I've never used the M mount version but did own the f4/18mm distagon for the Contax SLR system.

The Hologon has dramatic fall off in the perimeter.
It comes with a special gradient filter to correct that (if I remember correctly).
I've never used that lens either.

If you were ever to switch to a mirrorless full frame you would also have better luck with the Distagon.
So you trade corners for distortion.

Question.. Why not the Latest version of the CV f4.5/15mm ?

 

[raid]

Thank you, Andy. The Hologon may or may not fit the M8 or M9 maybe. I am not sure. The sensor may be in the way of the glass.

 

[Out to Lunch]

I am happy with the 4/18. Also consider the Voigtlander Super-Wide-Heliar 4.5/15 Version III which is fine-tuned for use on digital cameras; goes for $ 750, and is a stellar performer.

 

[raid]

Steve Huff used a modified Hologon on Leica M. No problems, he said.

http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2013/...-16mmf8-with-leica-m-monochrom-by-dierk-topp/

 

[raid]

I am happy with the 4/18. Also consider the Voigtlander Super-Wide-Heliar 4.5/15 Version III which is fine-tuned for use on digital cameras; goes for $ 750, and is a stellar performer.

Thank you for this tip, Peter.
cost: $749

I could use my Canon FD 17/4 with Canon Adapter B. It would be "free".
It is the wish to use rare lenses that makes me think of the two Zeiss lenses.

 

[f16sunshine]

I am happy with the 4/18. Also consider the Voigtlander Super-Wide-Heliar 4.5/15 Version III which is fine-tuned for use on digital cameras; goes for $ 750, and is a stellar performer.

The v3 15mm would be my choice.
I had the ltm version 15mm in my film kit years and found it really very useful.
The latest version can accept filters and as Peter says it' been improved for digital use.
It's less dough than either Zeiss lens and may be better.... and wider (which may or may not be better).

 

[Richard G]

I’m happy with the ZM Distaogn. I use it like a poor man’s view camera. It’s straight enough. Seems to have less fringing than the 21 f4.5. I code both 21 2.8.

 

[a.noctilux]

Some years ago, with my M9, I was not happy with SW Heliar 4.5/15mm I wanted to replace it.
One day I came across in Leica Boutique one Hologon 8/16 converted to M.
The shop did let me try it with my then M9.
The output had strong vignetting and at borders colors are "special", worse than my then 4.5/15 (first version by then).

So I didn't buy 8/16 but took later 5.6/12mm that was good buy.

Can not comment on ZM 4/18, never have it.

But for almost the same money as Hologon 8/16, I would buy Super-Elmar-M 3.8/18 asph. now.

Arnaud

 

[Kent]

If it is not for collector's reasons, I would also recommend the Voigtländer 4.5/15.
I still have the first version and it works just fine on my M8 (and my M6).

 

[raid]

Thanks for the feedback. I have the option to buy no lens at all. This is always a good option to have. Then I could go for a wide angle lens beyond 28mm in coverage, which I don't have in M mount. The CV 15/4.5 (III) may be a good choice. The third option is for collectability of a lens like the Hologon in M mount. The most practical choice may be to think about it even more.

I may be going through a phase of GAS. Bear with me.

My initial thoughts were to use my Hasselblad SWC as my "21mm lens" and to complement it with my M9 for 35-90 range lenses which can give me many options (sharp; good golors; fast). This set-up would let me use what I already have at home. Then GAS happened.

I have been considering an upgrade for my M 4/3 cameras from E-PL1 and E-P2 to Pen-F i(cost is $1000). Then, I started to get second thoughts on the M 4/3 when compared with the M8 or M9. I can still use the E-PL1 for great looking results, when needed. Why spend money on another M 4/3 camera?


The GAS for collectible Leica mount lenses made me look for a Hologon. It may be special optically, but it has some flaws too, as we all know.
One fixed aperture at f 8 may be OK for scenics and for interiors (with a tripod?). Vignetting and colors being off have also been identified as the Hologon's little problems.

I very rarely take photos with lenses wider than 28mm, and then I would use old SLR lenses (16mm, 17mm, 19mm, 21mm) on the film cameras (M3 and M6). Some of these lenses cannot be used with the M8 or M9 due to the sensor getting hit by the rear glass elements.

I keep on thinking of all such issues. It is just a hobby to me, and I enjoy it all.

Thanks.

 

[enasniearth]

Hologon

Hologon

I had the hologon kit in Contax g series
I was quoted $500 to convert it to Leica m from two different places
I have seen some beautiful work use it the Leica monochrome on the net since it is b&w only it works well on that , high asa of monochrom helps with only being f8/ f16 with filter
In the end I sold it on eBay without converting it

 

[raid]

I am happy with the 4/18. Also consider the Voigtlander Super-Wide-Heliar 4.5/15 Version III which is fine-tuned for use on digital cameras; goes for $ 750, and is a stellar performer.

"Realizing a truly wide perspective, the Super Wide-Heliar 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III Lens from Voigtlander features an updated design that is enhanced for use on mirrorless digital cameras as well as classic M-mount rangefinder film cameras. The 11-elements-in-9-groups optical design incorporates one rear aspherical element to control chromatic aberrations and minimize distortion, and also helps to produce consistent peripheral illumination void of color fringing. The manual focus design affords a minimum focusing distance of 1.6', which pairs with the wide depth of field for sharp imaging from near to far. Rounding out this versatile, super-wide optic is an integrated lens hood to reduce lens flare and ghosting, rounded 10-blade diaphragm, and the ability to accept 58mm screw-in filters."

Looks like a nice lens .

 

[Darthfeeble]

Another vote for the CV 15 verIII. Beaut pix, little distortion. I code it as the 16 of the tri-.

 

[Emile de Leon]

WATE..3 lenses in 1...16/18/21...get used in mint for $3500- or so..

 

[raid]

$3500 or so ... is not a small amount 🙂

 

[Emile de Leon]

$3500 or so ... is not a small amount

True...but...it will cure..your...GAS...🙂

 

[maggieo]

Thank you for this tip, Peter.
cost: $749

I could use my Canon FD 17/4 with Canon Adapter B. It would be "free".
It is the wish to use rare lenses that makes me think of the two Zeiss lenses.

I have the first version and it's wonderful, FWIW.

 

[kxl]

Hi Raid -

If 21mm is wide enough, then you might want to consider the ZM 21/4.5 as well.