Need Toms 21mm Super- Elmar F3.4 review

M

Mpmckenzie

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TOM we are all waiting to hear what you have to say, i know others feel the same way, we value your input,i cant keep hitting the refresh button to see if you have posted yet :bang: i know its only been a day:D
 
I will be processing some stuff tomorrow - and shooting some more. need to mix up the Beutler too.
Probably by monday I hope.
 
Decided to finish a roll of 400 Arista in aR3M with the Super Elmar 21f3.4 (I think I will call it SE 21f3.4 in the future!). Not scientific or "lens testy". Just wanted to see how it behaves.
First impression, slightly higher contrast than the Biogon 21f4.5 - but not excessive. Edge fall is visible in bright sun (and stopped down to f11/f16) but modest. Sharpness is good, even very good. @ f3.4 and f4 - it is remarkably even across the image-area ( as born out by the MTF curves). It is a worthy successor to the SA 21f3.4!
Ergonomics are excellent. Easy to use the aperture ring. The nifty hood is nice as it "extends" the barrel a bit and gives you a better grip - it sits in the palm of your hand very comfortably.
Is it better than the old SA 21f3.4 or the ZM Biogon 21f4.5? Dont know in exact numbers (MTF/Lpmm/ etc - but it is certainly up there among the really, really good lenses for a M-mount.
None of the shots so far were done to check distorsion - need a tripod for that.
Is it worth close to $3000 - well, I dont know. I dont think it is twice or three times better than a ZM Biogon 21f4.5 - they are both superb lenses. It is all a matter of choice.
I took the plunge as ANY lens which is 21f3.4 is interesting to me ( I have used SA 21's since 1964) and it is almost 6 years since I last bought a new Leica lens.

If you check our Flickr and use the tag "Leica Super Elmar 21mm f3.4" - there should be 10-11 shots up now. More to come with the PanF+ - but probably not for a day or two (need to mix up some developer etc).
 
Thanks for that Tom.
Always nice to hear you talking about lenses esp 21mm since we all know that you area wide junkie!!
Looking forward to more :)
 
Thanks, Tom.
I am surprised it has higher contrast than the ZM C Biogon.
Based on the limited number of shots at the resolution available so far, I'd prefer the Elmar 24/3.8 to the Super Elmar 21/3.4.
 
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Simon taught me how to post images - 1 st attempt worked too!!!
This is the 21 Super Elmar, Arista 400 in D96.
 
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Nice display in a hair saloon - 21f3.4 Elmar @ 3.4
Pan F+, Beutler 1:1 10 min
 
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Now when I have figured how to upload (thanks to Simon a.k.a. Simonsawsunlight) I can at least put up some samples of shots.
This is strong backlight - very good flare suppression. Pan F+ and beutler 1:1/10 min
 
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These current Leica lenses have really high contract, too much for my taste. Thanks for saving me money Tom!
 
thanks Tom, this is most awaited one, pl upload a few more pics of 'low light' conditions if possible, thanks again in advance
vinod
 
Size comparison between the Super Elmar and the Super Angulon. The SA 21 sits much deeper inside the body - but the hood is bigger. The Super Elmar is more comfortable in the hand. The short "Tube" at the beck if the hood extends the barrel a bit and lets it rest in the hand. It also has a much improved aperture ring - compared to the SA which is very close to the hood flange and difficult to access.
Just found out that you cant remove the image adress without loosing the image!!!!
 
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