Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/06/16
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]<< >In summary, I think that the Heliar is a great addition to my Leica >outfit, although it is so extreme that it will clearly see little use >except in special situations. But for less than $500 it is a good buy, >especially when you consider that the only other wide angle of this type >available for Leica rangefinder, the 16mm Hologon, costs about 8 times >as much. >Nathan >> I image you're speaking of the *original* Hologon for the Leica M, as I have seen conversions of the Contax G1/G2 Hologon in the $2500 range. I'm told that there are different conversions and some are better than others, but in any case the Contax Hologon seems to have a very fine reputation. Still, if the 15mm is going to be a little-used novelty lens then $500 is about the right price. There is that ubiquitous Japanese-made 21mm that sells for about the same price, and I know of a number of people who've bought it for "occasional use", fallen in love with the 21 look and ended up with a Leica 21. So, start saving your pennies. There may be a Hologon in your future. DT