R-D1 and Elmarit 21/2.8 or Zeiss 21mm

[louisb]

Just wanted to check with any other users of the Elmarit 21/2.8 that it works with the R-D1. I'm a bit confused about the write-up at camera quest which states something like it does not rangefinder couple below 20 inches (or something).

I'm thinking about getting a wide angle, I have a 28/2.8 and the excellent 15 Heliar but I need something in between.

I might also consider a Zeiss 21mm Biogon,

If anyone can chip in with their experiences I'd be grateful

LouisB

 

[foto_fool]

No experience with the Elmarit or Biogon but the Kobalux 21/2.8 works fine on my R-D1 with a LTM-M adapter from Stephen. I know of few lenses that couple closer than 3 ft - in practice it is not a limitation. The 21mm is not a "macro" lens. Generally I set mine at f11 and hyperfocal, and get DOF from 3' to infinity.

- John

 

[nksyoon]

What Cameraquest says:

21/2.8 Elmarit 1982 to 1997, discontinued with the intro of the 21/2.8 ASPH. Black M mount only. Usable on the M6 for TTL metering. Most shooters seem to prefer the 21/3.4 over the non-aspheric 21/2.8 Elmarit due to the 3.4's smaller size. Their performance is so close that both have supporters claiming one is better than the other.

* Earlier version allows non RF coupled focusing from 28 to 16 inches
* Later version only allows RF focusing from 28 inches

I have the pre-asph Elmarit 21 with 60E filter - no problem using it with the R-D1. Mine doesn't have a RF-decoupled focusing range.

 

[louisb]

What Cameraquest says:
I have the pre-asph Elmarit 21 with 60E filter - no problem using it with the R-D1. Mine doesn't have a RF-decoupled focusing range.

Thanks for the advice. I now also have a 21/2.8 and it also does not appear to de-couple. Picked it up second-hand this afternoon and the first shots out of my R-D1 are amazingly sharp and colourful.

Regards

Louis