[Leica] 21mm f1.4 Summilux - the next "must have?"

[mark at rabinergroup.com (Mark Rabiner)]

> Rabs wrote:
> "I'd like to see Leica make a compact ultra sharp slow 21 like the
> Voigtl?nder Color-Skopar 21mm f/4.0 which sells for $ 379.00 With a 39mm
> filter size. Not 82mm."
> 
> I agree and I would definitely be interested in a lens like this, as and
> when I can afford a full-frame digital M.  The 21/24 f1.4 are optical
> tours de force, but for me, a little over the top.  A 21 and/or 24mm f4
> 'Summarit' type lens would nice additions to the 'budget' lens range.
> 
> I suspect however that Leica will probably concentrate on high-speed
> optics, with the next logical lens being a 28mm Summilux.  But who
> knows, maybe Leica will expand the Summarit range over time.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Mark Pope,
> Swindon, Wilts
> UK
> 
> Homepage               http://www.monomagic.co.uk
> Blog                   http://www.monomagic.co.uk/blog
> Picture a week (2010)  
> http://www.monomagic.co.uk/index.php?gallery=paw/2010
> Picture a week (2009)  
> http://www.monomagic.co.uk/index.php?gallery=paw/2009
>                 (2008)
> http://www.monomagic.co.uk/index.php?gallery=paw/2008
> 
> 
> 
What had worked for Leica in the past is what can work for it in the future.
In the past they gave in an option in every major focal length as to a slow,
medium and fast speed.
An expensive bulky fast one with flair issues.
A compact cheap sharp slow one. With speed issues.
And a one in the middle.
I think it makes a good business model to emulate that catalog again.

Just like buying a diet coke when you go to the movies.

A 1.4 is very nice to have on your Nikon F becaue the dark groundglass got
brighter and popped into focus much faster. You could see what you were
shooting. You just don't need that with a rangefinder camera. If your
stopping down to f5.6 all the time the lens may as well be a 5.6.
Everything is just as bright and faces just as fast with a 5.6 lens as an
1.4 lens. This is a huge advantage with Leica M.

"Speed" is an over hyped option.
What's also nice is getting stuff in focus other than a thin edge and having
no flair issues. And working with a low key unassuming lens.


[Rabs]
Mark William Rabiner