Super Angulon 21mm F/3,4 Question For the Experts

[Superdan138]

Do you feel to get the most out of a SA lens that you need to use it with a tripod? Or can you get good results by using just your hands? What is the best light/spot meter to use for this lens in your opinion? Lastly, how well do these work on M6 cameras? Seen a lot of threads on the M8/SA combo but not much with the M6. Your opinions and advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Graham Line]

Can't remember ever using the 21/3.4 on a tripod, but I'm not doing a lot of night work or landscapes. I use a Sekonic L-318 meter, but there are newer and better meters available.

 

[Doug]

I think a tripod is no more necessary than with other lenses. And perhaps less so due to the low subject magnification of the wide lens. Of course a tripod will help in any case! I have to admit not using a tripod for years, even with medium format, but then I don't use long lenses either... and the photos have often suffered a bit as a result.

I recently got a 21mm f/3.4 myself, and I have no expectation of using a tripod with it. But I use steadiness techniques and take advantage of any available support in low light... such as leaning against a wall for instance.

Suggest you just meter as you normally would. In-camera meters may be more difficult with such wide lenses due to including bright light sources that disproportionately affect the meter reading, so for scenics tipping the camera down a bit for the reading will exclude some of the bright sky for example.

 

[michaelwj]

Do you feel to get the most out of a SA lens that you need to use it with a tripod? Or can you get good results by using just your hands? What is the best light/spot meter to use for this lens in your opinion? Lastly, how well do these work on M6 cameras? Seen a lot of threads on the M8/SA combo but not much with the M6. Your opinions and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Only issue with M6 is it won't meter, the lens blocks the diode. Use an external meter, I use a sekonic something, or sunny 16 most of he time. I removed the batteries from my M6 so the lights don't annoy me.

I've never used it on a tripod, but that doesn't mean I won't.

I assume you've browsed the very long thread in the Leica M section (one of the stickies)? If not, set aside a few hours and enjoy!

I feel to get the most out of it, shoot close. It is a great 21 for people, no distortion of egg headed people.

 

[jaapv]

Do you feel to get the most out of a SA lens that you need to use it with a tripod? Or can you get good results by using just your hands? What is the best light/spot meter to use for this lens in your opinion? Lastly, how well do these work on M6 cameras? Seen a lot of threads on the M8/SA combo but not much with the M6. Your opinions and advice would be greatly appreciated.

That really depends on the subject. Static subject like landscape are precisely framed using a tripod, however, should your use be more dynamic, a tripod will only get in the way