Here is another option for a wide angle lens for the M and LTM shooters. There are a couple of photos taken with the lens at the bottom.

http://www.kobalux.com/k21-3.html

-- Al Smith (smith58@msn.com), August 03, 2001

Answers

Interesting contribution, Al. Thanks for sharing. Do you have any idea of suppliers and prices ...? Regards.

-Iván

-- Iván Barrientos M (ingenieria@simltda.tie.cl), August 03, 2001.

Adorama sells the Kobalux 21 with the finder and M adapter for $574.95, but they list the close focus as 1 meter instead of .7 meters like the link above. They recently lowered the price from $699 probably due to competition from the much smaller, cheaper, but slower Voigtlander lens.

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), August 03, 2001.

Sorry Ivan, I just saw this and thought I'd pass it on. You might try some of the larger mail order stores from the back of photo magazines. I'm looking at the V'lander 21mm f/4.0 myself. I can't justify a Leica priced lens for this focal length since it might only be used a dozen time per year.

-- Al Smith (smith58@msn.com), August 03, 2001.

Another quick look at the (older version 1 meter focus)Kobalux 21mm there is also a page for the Kobalux 28mm lens on this site.

http://cameraquest.com/koba21.htm

-- Collin Orthner (corthner@home.com), August 03, 2001.

There's a someone called Dante Stella on the RF List (http://www.topica.com/lists/RFList) who's importing 3rd generation 28mm Kobalux lenses into the US and selling them. Check the messages on 28 June, 13 July, and 1 August (you don't need to subscribe to read messages, but it's worth subscribibg anyway (IMHO)).

Jem Kime on the CVUG List (http://www.topica.com/lists/CosVoigtUser) reckons it's possible to order direct from the manufactures (YK Optical): see the message on 26 June.

Nigel (about to buy an M6 TTL)

-- Nigel Bowley (nigel.bowley@btinternet.com), August 03, 2001.

HERE is a mini- review of this lens from Stephen Gandy's site.

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), August 03, 2001.

This is optically a good lens but I have found mechanically weak. My started to come apart after a few years. But that was an older design and may have been corrected.

-- Alex Shishin (shishin@pp.iij4u.or.jp), August 03, 2001.

Speaking of the Cosina/Voiglander 21/4, anyone know who has it in stock in the US? I haven't seen it advertised by anyone. That's a lens I'm very interested in. I love my ASPH Elmarit but the thing is so huge, and my 21/3.4 S/A has that non-metering issue.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), August 04, 2001.

Stephen Gandy has been selling them on ebay, and Kevin Li at 626-281- 1668 email info@kevincameras.com, told me a few weeks ago he would have both colors in stock in a few days for $375 including finder.

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), August 04, 2001.

Andrew,

That price is unbelievable! Does that include the LTM to M adapter? Looks like I know where my tax rebate will be going.

-- Al Smith (smith58@msn.com), August 04, 2001.

The adapter is extra--I forgot to ask Kevin what he gets for one. This fellow imports the items direct from Asia and has good prices. He has good solid feedback on Ebay. He charges $450.00 for the 28mm f1.9 and $350.00 for the 90mm f3.5. I'm this close to getting the 21mm as well as we are going to start building a house addition right now, and I don't have any really good super wides right now.

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), August 04, 2001.

Gandy's www.cameraquest.com shows the silver version of the 21mm Skopar with brightline finder in stock for $375, or $355 if you are willing to prepay and wait 30 days. Unclear if you can order black. Interestingly he says it rangefinder couples to 2.5 ft. but scale focuses to 18 inches. Screw mount to M adaptors are listed at $50 each or $150 for a set of three. Anybody else have input on the build quality of the current Kobalux? I'd sure like that extra stop......

-- david kelly (dmkedit@aol.com), August 05, 2001.

Found more info on the Kobalux. It is a redesined and improved optic over the earlier generation. It is finder coupled to .9 meter, and scale focus from .9 to .7 meter. I found a person who is bringing them in and sells them with adapter and finder for $525.00: dante@umich.edu, who has perfect, extensive feedback on ebay. Don't know current availablity.

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), August 05, 2001.

Gentlemen: Just for all of you to know:

Dear Mr. Barrientos: Thank you for your inquiry regarding the M-Series lens. This site handles U.S. inquiries, but we will attempt to help you. Kobalux products are sold through dealers due to factors of time (lenses are made in small quantities) and fixed costs.

List price in the United States is $649 for the lens with viewfinder, M-mount adaper, lens shade and caps; prices set by dealers may be lower. For the 3rd- generation lens featured on the web site, please contact Dante Stella (dante@umich.edu) for retail pricing and availability.

For the 2nd-generation lens -- which itself is very highly rated -- please contact Adorama (http://www.adorama.com). They sell under their own name.

Thank You Kobalux Info

Have fun ! - Iván

-- Ivan Barrientos M (ingenieria@simltda.tie.cl), August 07, 2001.