Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1996/12/25

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Subject: Re: 20mm Russar lens for Leica
From: Marc James Small <msmall@roanoke.infi.net>
Date: Wed, 25 Dec 1996 17:17:52 -0500

The Russar is a workmanlike lens of sound optical performance, though some
examples suffer from the customary Soviet/Post Soviet difficulties in QA/QC.
The lens is a Topogon offshoot and thus, although it is rather slow, is a
sound lens to the limits of its field and enjoys relatively even field
illumination and good sharpness.  It is NOT a 4.5/21 Biogon, mind you, but
it is still a fine lens -- and it is hellaciously cheaper than the Biogon or
the Leica equivalents.

As to a source, you are almost certainly NOT going to find a Russar new.
However, most of the larger camera dealers have used lenses in the $400
range.  The VF is quite adequate, too -- again, either the Zeiss or Leica
21mm VF will provide a sharper image, but the KMZ VF is a tad sharper than
the Canon 19mm VF which is also a good choice if you can find one
inexpensively, which is most unlikely!

Marc

msmall@roanoke.infi.net  FAX:  +540/343-7315
Cha robh bas fir gun ghras fir!