I'm considering swapping out the Q2 for the Q3 43 (future state). In review of the various 28's (new VM APO > Summicron > ), I've been watching all the development in 28's over recent years, so I'm pretty versed in the realm of possibilities there.
Recently, I thought to take a look at the 21's ... and am wondering if a 21, 24, or 28 is well suited to mate with the 43. I'm accustomed to wide angles (having shot with wider 16-20 with EF / F), so it's not that new (been a while, though). That said, I'm not well versed in the 21 offerings for M mount. Also, how much consideration in difference is there for the RF FOV with 28 / 24 / 21 ... in other words, is the 21 (without the Visoflex or LCD) gonna be a big vs. trivial issue for framing? Also recommendations regarding the diff 21's for consideration. Most likely this will be mounted to the M10R to pair with the Q3 43 for camera change (vs. lens change). It could go on the SL2-S (future SL3 / SL3-S), but with it being WA, likely not that much (M-EV1 not in the cards, btw).
M glass I presently own:
24/2.8 ASPH
35/2 ASPH
40/2 Summicron-C
VM 50/1.5 II Vintage
75/2.4 ASPH
135/3.4 APO
L mount glass
85/1.8
500/5.6
I figure, I'll divide the long glass onto the SL2-S, the Q3 43 to cover the middle ground and the M10-R for the wide to normal ground (still can do any / all, though).
Part of me wonders about such things as the 28 Summilux vs. my 24 Elmarit vs. the new APO vs. the Ultron vs. the VIntage, etc. Other parts of me think the 24/2.8 is where to simply "stand pat" on.
Anyway, just curious to hear folks thoughts about how they approach the wider end of things with a Q3 43 in their kit, for some sanity check ... lots of options in play.
I go the following focal length steps regarding wides and ultra-wides with prime lenses on FF sensor:
35-28-21-12-11 mm
One reason whey I never opted for a 24 mm M-mount lens is that it is too close to both 28 and 21 mm for framing purposes. The difference between 28 and 21 mm is large enough to justify having both. Depending on your photography style, I would rather consider going a bit wider than 21 mm like 15 or 12 mm for example since you already have the 24 mm FL covered.
I have two pairs: 21 and 28 Noktons (the 28 might be replaced by apo lanther) , heavy large lenses especially the 21, but are great, and 21 and 28 colorskopers, tiny, cheap, very nice if the slow lens works like in daytime, a joy to carry. Both pairs have their place both work well with both M11P and MP, All four can be had for the price of one Leica lens. Depending on the "plan" one pair or the other goes out with me, with a 50 as well, such as the 1.2 Nokton 50, or the two colorskopers go with an apo summicron 50 since I most likely to use that most of the time and the three are a very light carry all E39. If light carry is the goal the two colorskopers work very well. Fred has great reviews of all that can be pulled from the archive that reviewed well by him.
I don't understand, but that's not unusual. You already have the Q2 which gives you an excellent (some say the best) 28. So, why are you looking at getting rid of it for another 28 or 24? If you're interested in a 43 then keep the Q2 and get a Q3 43. To me, the two together give you a perfect combo kit. Adding anything else (21, 24 ....) requires a body to go with them.
DenverSteve wrote:
I don't understand, but that's not unusual. You already have the Q2 which gives you an excellent (some say the best) 28. So, why are you looking at getting rid of it for another 28 or 24? If you're interested in a 43 then keep the Q2 and get a Q3 43. To me, the two together give you a perfect combo kit. Adding anything else (21, 24 ....) requires a body to go with them.
he wrote M10 hence my suggestion... but a pair of Qs would be nice as well and the 28 on Q is about as good as it gets.
RustyBug wrote:
Also, how much consideration in difference is there for the RF FOV with 28 / 24 / 21 ... in other words, is the 21 (without the Visoflex or LCD) gonna be a big vs. trivial issue for framing?
Last time I had a 21 in M was when I had the ZM 21/4.5 on film. I'm not going to comment on the lenses but on the view, I started with an external finder and after a handful of rolls I just didn't bother. I'd look through the finder and know how much more I'd get. 28 is generally fine if you use the full viewfinder.
Unless you're after precise framing. But you wouldn't be using the rangefinder for that anyway If you do want an external finder, there are plenty, are cool and the coolest is the old round Contax one. That's the one I had.
Since my M11 has 60mpx to work with I don't see the penalty of having fewer lenses with slightly bigger gaps than I would with a smaller sensor. My current M lens kit is as follows.
21mm SEM one of my all time favorite lenses. Worth a try for you
35mm Summilux current version. Spectacular and my most used lens.
50mm Summilux current version. Again fabulous for so many reasons. Character wide open approaching APO stopped down.
75mm VM Nokton. A brilliant portrait lens just love the rendering on portraits.
90mm VM APO good with portraits but primarily a landscape lens for me.
If you're keeping the 24mm, I don't think a 21mm makes sense.
That said, the 21 SEM is worthy of consideration. I use it paired with my 50 lux and have found it a great combination. I suspect the same would be true for a 21mm - 43mm combination.
It might be worth to take a look at the Leica WATE 16/18/21 f/4.0 lens if would want to go wide. It's actually a zoom lens. Optically, it may not be as good as the Leica 21/3.4 SEM, but it's been a very useful and practical lens for me, especially when traveling. But I don't have anything to complain about its optical quality. Just some food for thought.
I will say this. For every lens I my kit I would probably be happy with any of a number of other lenses of similar focal lengths and aperture.
Except the 21mm SEM. I have tried and even owned othe lenses in this focal length. For my taste non of them helped me create images I like as much as those I get from the 21mm SEM. It is a uniquely excellent lens in so many use cases, and the build and form factor approach perfection in my opinion.
You've got an entire camera dedicated to the 28mm focal length now, so can we assume it's a critical focal length for you or was it more about the other features and performance of the Q? If it's the former, how much do you rely on close focus and AF? If it's a lot, then maybe an SL APO-Summicron 28 would be a better answer than covering it with an M mount. If none of that matters but the focal length is key, I can't recommend the CV AL 28 more highly. I think it's best all-around performer in the AL line at this point. But, not being the dedicated 28 shooter in the house, I asked Rolf, and he recommends the CV Nokton 28/1.5 as a sole 28, because he thinks it's sweeter with people.
Still, I think 24 would pair up well with 43, and you've got a killer 24. From my perspective, the changes I'd make in your line up would be to sell the Cron 35 and Summarit 75 and replace them with a used Biogon 35/2 and Ulron 75/1.9 and use the left over cash to pick up a ZM Distagon 18. Perfection, no?
), I've been watching all the development in 28's over recent years, so I'm pretty versed in the realm of possibilities there.
If you do want an external finder, there are plenty, are cool and the coolest is the old round Contax one. That's the one I had. 