Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1996/12/25
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]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!