Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/01/25
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Patrick, Popular Photography published their test of the Japanese 21/2.8 & 28/3.5 as sold by Adorama back in the April 96 issue (it is also included in the Pop Photography "96/97 Photo Buying Guide" which is supposed to remain on sale at newsstands until Feb 11, 97 so you may still be able to find a copy. I'll post here the highlights of that article for you. In part, their conclusion said, "Any user-collector who isn't concerned about labels, but just wants a topnotch wide or superwide to fit an M-series Leica or (in the case of the 21) an m- or 39 screw mount rangefinder 35, should take a close look at this fine performing pair." The had very good things to say about the quality of the lens, the quality of the brightline type view finder that comes with each lens, and their "Subjective Quality Factor" color chart shows excellent performance for both lenses. "Hands on: The 21 f/2.8 from Adorama is very nicely finished in satin chrome (depth-of-field ring at rear is shiny chrome); relatively lightweight and compact for its class, has very smooth, well damped, quick focusing action via heavily knurled ring; balances very well on M-series Leicas." This lens will also fit older screwmount cameras because it is actually a 39mm Leica thread screwmount lens supplied with an adapter ring for the M camera. Other parts of the test say, "SQF for the 21mm f/2.8 indicate excellent imaging performance at all apertures, but with high field curvature, which is unusual for this type of (non-retrofocus) superwide-angle lens. There was also a noticeable amount of barrel distortion - fairly common with 21mm lenses. Overall performance should be better than that of most 21mm lenses." "In the field: Test slides shot with 21mm showed good sharpness in the center, slight softness in the corners at f/2.8, but images taken at f/4 and smaller apertures were crisp and contrasty throughout. Light falloff was gone by f/5.6. Flare was generally well controlled except for strong ghosting in backlit scenes. Distortion was noticeable. Overall performance was excellent. I too was giving serious thought to buying one but then found a 21mm f/3.4 Super Angulon locally for a ridiculously good price so bought it instead. I hope this helps, Don