Voigtlander 21mm : Did you upgrade from LTM to M mount version

[Palaeoboy]

Just curious of those of you that upgraded from the thread mount version to newer "P" M Mount version? Was it worth it? I do like the better build quality of the 40mm Nokton over the earlier Voigtlanders and also like the more conventional tab, features that the new 21 has as well. So just toying with the idea. What do you think?

 

[Burkey]

Joel - I just posted on the thread "next door" referencing Joe getting that R4A about the 21 "P". It's an incredible lens. Sean Reid's review made me cancel an order for the screw-mount version and reorder the 21 "P" m-mount. I posted a quick image from the lens taken with my RD-1 on that thread.

 

[back alley]

i bought the older svrew mount version because it was cheaper and the same optical formula. the newer cv lenses do have a nicer feel to them but the ltm ones ain't all that shabby.
i did get the new 25 for the rf coupling (for when i prefer to focus).

joe

 

[Burkey]

Joe, sounds like you're set up fine. The 21 becomes a sorta' 32mm on the RD-1. I'm liking the feel so far except for indoor work it's a bit slow. Sharpness however is excellent.

 

[back alley]

i'd like to get the rd-1 someday and my cv lenses are rwa to go!

 

[Burkey]

I've been using a CV 21, 28 and 40 on it with great results. I bought mine from an RFFer. Crop factor acknowledged, the FoVs seem to fit what I shoot. Hopefully I'll add a CV 50 sometime soon. Although my "T" is still inviting and appears to be beggin' for a run lately.

 

[drewbarb]

The LTM version has the same optics as the new "P" version, so what's the point? For better build? In four years, my LTM lens has never given me reason to complain, either optically or mechanically.

I'd rather have this lens in LTM than M mount- it will fit on more cameras. Plus, the LTM version is cheaper than the new one- and that's with an excellent finder! Buy it now before the new M-mount P version is all you can get.

 

[Burkey]

Drew - 'got your point. My only reason with going with the "P" version, aside from not needing a $55 adapter for the RD-1, was based on apparent better edge/corner sharpness according to Sean's review. But hey, like all photog stuff, if what we have is working for us no need to switch.

 

[sherm]

Burkey,

I purchased the old version when I got my R4M. Although I think Sean Reid reviews are great without the typical mfg. bias he's splitting hairs on the edge to edge sharpness of the P version. In all reality will the untrained eye see this difference? and secondly how large do you plan to print your photos?

Whichever you chose you won't go wrong, CV is great 'bang" for the buck, especially when you consider the ZM21 is $ 850.00 and the Leica 21 is 2K plus...

 

[Burkey]

Sherm - CV lenses are great, I couldn't agree more. You're right, $2K and change for the Leica version simply isn't going to happen for me and the CV lenses I've purchased thus far have been excellent. Sean's review may well have split a hair or two but the image examples in his comparison review seemed pretty visually obvious to me. (He's a fellow Vermonter, I have to trust him. 😉 ) I print RAW files converted to TIFFs from my RD-1 often out to about 9"X14" through an Epson 2200 - I usually don't crop. A work flow that seems to work for me.
I enjoyed saving the bucks I would have spent on the adapter but I do miss the 21mm finder included with the LTM version since I do shoot with a "T" fairly regularly. I guess the one thing I truly dislike with the "P" version is the lens cap.

 

[drewbarb]

Drew - 'got your point. My only reason with going with the "P" version, aside from not needing a $55 adapter for the RD-1, was based on apparent better edge/corner sharpness according to Sean's review. But hey, like all photog stuff, if what we have is working for us no need to switch.

Sure, but even with the $55 for an adapter (tell you can't find one cheaper than that?!) it's still cheaper than the new version, and again, that's with the finder. I'm dubious of the claim of better performance than the original LTM version- they are supposed to be the same glass, after all, and again, I've found nothing lacking in corner sharpness in the old one. I'm not trying to be difficult, I just don't buy the logic here. Why spend more for less of the same?

 

[Palaeoboy]

Sean Reid's review made me cancel an order for the screw-mount version and reorder the 21 "P" m-mount.

I must admit I don't read Sean's reviews as they are always on cameras with crop factors and you cant be sure a lens doesn't suddenly fall off in quality on the edges from his reviews when I apply it to my film cameras. But from this discussion does he claim a difference in optical performance between the two lenses? Is this sample variation or has the lens been improved in some way? I haven't ever heard this before so would be most interested in hearing about it.

As far as selling the LTM version and having to get another finder if i were to get the M version, this wouldn't apply as I have the lens in SC mount and it has a finder I can use.

 

[fgianni]

I too can't see the point of upgrading, expecially since I can use it with the Bessa L for an ultra light setup, scale focusing with a 21mm is not an issue at all.
About LTM adapters I have almost one for each LTM lens I own so again, not an issue for me.

 

[rover]

No, I will stick with the LTM version. Large fucusing tabs on small lenses don't work for me, the adaptor is easy to use, the lens performs very well, add in the finder ..... no need to change.

 

[Photog9001]

is it an "upgrade"?

i haven't studied the handling features of the newer, but that would be my only reason to switch. and if i did, which i don't really see a big reason to, i would probably land on a different brand 21...

 

[Krosya]

While I kept the older 21mm LTM version, I did go for a newer CV 25/4P. NIce lens, being RF coupled and all, just don't use it much. As far as 21mm goes, one thing that I don't like about it is that little tiny focusing tab. I like tab on 25/4P better. But still not enough reason to go for a new M mount one.

 

[FrankS]

Has anyone got a ltm version they'd like to sell?

 

[Trius]

Not to go OT, and please redirect me if there's a thread on this...

Granting the big difference in price, how do the ZM 21s compare? Anyone have thoughts/examples?

 

[BrianPhotog]

The LTM version has the same optics as the new "P" version, so what's the point? For better build? In four years, my LTM lens has never given me reason to complain, either optically or mechanically.

I'd rather have this lens in LTM than M mount- it will fit on more cameras. Plus, the LTM version is cheaper than the new one- and that's with an excellent finder! Buy it now before the new M-mount P version is all you can get.

You made my point before I could! LOL

 

[Burkey]

'Back to my forum voyeur status.