Replacing a 21mm lens

[Captain]

While sheltering from the rain with camera and 21mm Voigltander lens in hand, the roof gutter leaked at that moment and a large splash of water landed on the lens. Fortunately the camera was safe but time to choose another 21. Since I purchased the Voigtlander a number of added choices have been released. They say all the latest M mount lens choices are a good thing but it can also make it really tough.

I originally got the Voigtlander because of its size and took 39mm filters. My other lenses are all Leica 28, 40, 90, 135 and all of them take 39mm filters.

Other lenses Im considering is a pre-ASPH 21mm 2.8 Elmarit. Size is a problem as are filters but continuity with the other Leica lenses may be nice. The Biogon 21mm f4.5 gets rave reviews, some say it the best 21mm out there, so maybe thats the one to go for. Or simply stick to another Voigtlander even going M mount this time and keeping the line of lenses with 39mm filter thread size.

Always like to bounce the choices around here before selecting. Thanks everyone.

 

[kbg32]

The lens should be repairable.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Not being funny, but that shouldn't have written off the Voigtländer. Have you got a quote for having it cleaned?

Cheers.

R.

 

[Captain]

The sudden splash was a strong as putting it under a tap and water got inside in a big way and you could see the water on the inside but has since gone all foggy. Its finished but it had a good life.

 

[Roger Hicks]

The sudden splash was a strong as putting it under a tap and water got inside in a big way and you could see the water on the inside but has since gone all foggy. Its finished but it had a good life.

At the Naval Gunnery Range in North Wales they use WW2 Zeiss binoculars that are periodically rebuilt by Optical Instrument (Balham), Ltd., www.optil.co.uk. These are operated under seriously harsh conditions and are now over 60 years old, but are still reparable.

It may well be that your 21/4 is irreparable and corroded from being left, but I'd still let them take a look at it. Unless of course you really want something new!

Cheers,

R.

 

[Captain]

It may well be that your 21/4 is irreparable and corroded from being left, but I'd still let them take a look at it. Unless of course you really want something new!

My better half did think it timely with no other thoughts for christmas but my repairman has a tendency to steer away from anything water damaged anyways.

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

Get a new repair place.

That lens is still likely good.

These are not consumer grade disposable items.

 

[drewbarb]

If you just want to get a new lens, by all means, do so. But your lens is certainly repairable. If you don't want to tackle it, put it up for sale here (reminding us of this story and priced accordingly) and let someone else take a crack at it after you have your new lens. Enjoy.

 

[Al Kaplan]

If it was an SLR lens with auto diaphragm, or a modern one filled with electronic crap, yes, repair would be expensive, maybe not possible. Try putting it on top of your hot water heater for a few days where the temperature is a bit higher (and the air dryer) than the rest of the room, or prop it near your refrigerator where it blows out warm air. I suspect that you'll have a good functional lens. The focusing helical is packed with grease and should be nice and dry. If you're not a pro call your insurance agent. Your homeowners policy may cover repair or replacement. Worst case? I'll pay you five bucks for the lens AND pay shipping. ;-)

 

[Tom A]

The lens is most likely repairable, but if it is worth the cost is another question. I would have it checked by someone "in the know" to find out how much it would cost.
On the other hand, you also sound like you REALLY want another lens, just for fun.
I have the 21f4.5 - it has become my favorite 21 of all time. The 21f2.8 Zm is no slouch, it rivals anything from Leica, with exception of the new 21f1.4 (@ $6500) - but the compact size of the f4.5 and the absolute linearity of this lens has given it a permanent spot on my Bessa R4M. The small decrease in speed should not make much of a difference to you as you are used to 21f4 VC. IF you need the extra sped of a 2.8 - go for the ZM 21f2.8 rather than the Elmarit 21f2.8 as it is a better performer. The Asph version of the Elmarit is as good ( or marginally better) than the ZM 21/2.8 - but it is very contrasty and much more money. Either one of the 21f2.8's is a handful sizewise and the hoods and large frontrings tend to intrude in the finder a bit. This is what impressed me with the 21f1.4 Elmarit - it is not as big as the speed implies. Quite comfortable actually.

 

[Captain]

The lens is most likely repairable, but if it is worth the cost is another question. I would have it checked by someone "in the know" to find out how much it would cost.
On the other hand, you also sound like you REALLY want another lens, just for fun.

True anything can be repaired but is it worth it when you calculate all the variables. The key to water damage items is to get them opened up and dried as soon as possible. I was unable to do this and it was left to sit for ages till i could get home. It would have to be completely disassembled and every element removed and dried cleaned and aligned or the risk of fungus through any humidity left in the lens will be of further costs. Its not a case of taking out the front element and giving it a quick wipe. As much as I respect my repairer this would not give me peace of mind that the job was thorough (and that cloud hanging over is something that would trouble me personally). The repair costs would exceed the secondhand value of the lens, keeping in mind I still have the finder. If I was so adamant to have an identical lens I would get another secondhand and sell my undamaged finder and this would put me ahead financially than any repair. However with me still having the finder then yes Tom it would be fun to try another lens (none seem to include the finder) and given that there wasn't the variety that there is today. Add to that someone wishes to buy me one for Christmas and more so in that I still have a 21mm Voigtlander in Nikon S Mount. Mind you in the end I may just go to the M mount version of the 21mm, hence the purpose of the thread to consider other lens options before making my decision. Thanks

 

[Captain]

If you just want to get a new lens, by all means, do so. But your lens is certainly repairable. If you don't want to tackle it, put it up for sale here (reminding us of this story and priced accordingly) and let someone else take a crack at it after you have your new lens. Enjoy.

Yes a couple of tinkerers from the forum have already emailed me so yes that's a good idea.

 

[Debusti Paolo]

🙄why not a used contax g2 with 21mm biogon? i think that's better than my elmarit 21 asph. and you can find it at a reasonable price on ebay🙄 let's spend money IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME!:angel:

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

You want a new lens, and your friend wants to give you one for Christmas.

Why talk about it in here?

You've clearly made up your mind already anyway.

Happy Christmas.

 

[Captain]

You want a new lens, and your friend wants to give you one for Christmas.

Why talk about it in here?

You've clearly made up your mind already anyway.

Happy Christmas.

Jon Did you actually read my question before posting? Its unlike you to post smart remarks like this.

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

Captain:

Yes, I have read your posts.

It's just that we seem to have differing opinions on when to junk a lens and buy new.

Consumers and users.

 

[Palaeoboy]

You want a new lens, and your friend wants to give you one for Christmas.

Why talk about it in here?

I think the OP was about which 21 would members recommend as a replacement from the various new choices?

I take a leaf out of Joe's (our faithful moderators) book, given the opportunity try different lens to see if you like it. I was in a similar situation and wanted an even 39mm filter lens line up and my current 21mm is the M version Voigtlander 21mm. I would recommend this over the Elmarit pre-ASPH 21mm. That lens is just too large with its 60mm filters and found the Voiglander has greater contrast and less distortion than the Elmarit as well. The applause for the new Zeiss C Biogon has made me very curious to try it so in a similar situation I would probably try this lens before getting another Voigtlander if nothing but to see if the Biogon C's reputation is justified.

As far as lens continuity goes, I can appreciate the desire for that but you will have already found a discrepancy in your line up already in that the 28mm ASPH (which is the only one with 39mm so Im deducing thats the one you have) and the 40mm Summicron are different in the way they render. The 21mm Biogon C would most likely have a contrast and sharpness "bite" Similar to the 28mm ASPH rather than the 40mm Summicron being an older 70's lens so the continuity of including a Zeiss lens with the rest of your Leica lenses shouldnt be too out of synch for you.

 

[Captain]

Captain:

Yes, I have read your posts.

It's just that we seem to have differing opinions on when to junk a lens and buy new.

For a decade I worked for a major camera store chain here in Australia, taking in repairs being part of the various things I had to do. I can roughly determine whats worth fixing and what isnt, not to mention you have to weigh in the possibility of ongoing problems. The bottom line "for me" is that its not worth fixing. But that's not what you said, you asked why bother to post here? I wasn't asking if I should fix the lens I have done the maths and already decided. What I was asking was about the various alternative choices. If I hadn't mentioned the method of demise the question wouldn't have gotten that response. Given that you haven't even seen the state the lens is in, I think the armchair judgement is bit uncalled for.

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

The lens should be repairable.

Not being funny, but that shouldn't have written off the Voigtländer. Have you got a quote for having it cleaned?

Get a new repair place. That lens is still likely good.

If you just want to get a new lens, by all means, do so. But your lens is certainly repairable.

If it was an SLR lens with auto diaphragm, or a modern one filled with electronic crap, yes, repair would be expensive, maybe not possible. Try putting it on top of your hot water heater for as few days where the temperature is a bit higher.

The lens is most likely repairable, but if it is worth the cost is another question. I would have it checked by someone "in the know" to find out how much it would cost.

Captain:


Do you see what well-respected photographers are saying above? The message is consistent.

But if you want a new lens just go and get one.

And if my Jaguar has a flat tire I'll come and ask whether to replace it with a Mercedes or a Lexus.

 

[back alley]

what a judgemental lot we have here.
the man asked for opinions about a new lens - not your feelings on if to repair or not.

jon, your example about the tire and car are rediculous and insulting and your remark about users and consumers is short sighted and mean spirited and uncalled for.