[Leica] 24 mm R

["gbicket" <gbicket@email.msn.com>]

Javier,

There are a variety of reasons you hear about flaws in the 24 mm R:

Since there are non-Leica genes in the lens' design heredity, I think some
believe it must somehow be of lesser quality.  Perhaps there -are- quality
control problems, yielding variants that do not provide good results, as has
been reported.  Perhaps its shorter focal length makes precise focusing more
difficult, rendering more errors.  Maybe the shorter focal length focusing
challenge, combined with its slower f2.8 speed when used with dimmer
viewfinders has produced a higher percentage of unacceptable shots.  It may
be the widest lens in lots of kits, and because its depth of field seems so
deep compared to other lenses used, the perception is focusing precision is
not so critical and not always practiced.  Remember "f8 and be there?"  Some
wide angle users set 'em on infinity and BANG!

Or perhaps its deficits make up a full blown LUL, or Leica Urban Legend, and
the lens itself is just fine.

I can report that my experience is that my example is that it is a fine
lens, and when utilized in the right situation, renders very pleasing
results.  Properly used, any bench flaws it possesses compared to other
lenses are beyond my ability to see.

It may not be Leica's legendary 19 mm R, or its 100 mm R APO, but then many
Leica lenses [and most by any manufacturer] are challenged by those two.
When used in situations which trigger flare it flares.  Leica's elaborate
lens hoods for its lenses are not for cosmetics.

While I do not discount that lines per millimeter and MTF are useful
elements in determining the best from the worst, a lens' color resolution,
sharpness, and its picture-making performance are my guides, and I like both
the "look" angle of the 24 mm R, and the photographs I make with it.  I do
use it with the R8's bright viewfinder, and I like its ergonomics on the R8.
As with any lens, one must pay proper attention to focus.   Sloppiness is
its own reward.

If you like the focal length, try the lens.  You can use it to make nice
photographs.  It stays in my bag even when my bag is heavy--there's a good
recommendation!

Enjoy the light.

Greg Bicket