i am considering the voigtländer 21mm lens for my leica m6 0.58. which LTM-2-M adapter would you recommend for the .58 finder? is there a special 21 version or can i choose freely? i think i would go for the 28/90 version.

stefan

-- stefan randlkofer (geesbert@yahoo.com), November 26, 2001

Answers

Stefan,

you can take any adaptor you like. They just bring up different framelines in the finder, which is irrelevant since you use the external viewfinder with the 21 anyway.

If you plan to buy a LTM lens for viewfinder use later on, I'd take the corresponding adaptor, otherwise you can choose freely.

Kai

-- Kai Blanke (kai.blanke@iname.com), November 26, 2001.

As said above, it really has no importance. You use the camera rangefinder to focus only, and focusing works correctly no matter which adapter. Note that, as stated on the guide coming with the lens, rangefinder coupling disengages under 0.7 meter.

I have it an like it very much: So small and light that I carry it all the time with me. The only minus point I have with it is its poor flare handling. Otherwise very good lens.

Xavier

-- Xavier (xcolmant@powerir.com), November 26, 2001.

Stefan

Ummh, not sure about this.

It 'might' make a difference if you use the frame selector lever (with other focal lengths) to bring up a frame which approximates to the metering area, along the lines suggested in Richard Hünecke's book (75mm frame for 28mm, 90mm frame for 35mm, 135mm frame for 50mm, rangefinder patch for 90mm and 135mm).

The two similar possibilities for a 21mm lens would seem to be using a 35/135 adapter (the top and bottom of the 35mm frame are about at the edges of the metering area) or using a 50/75 adapter (the 50mm frame lines are about the same area as the metering area).

Personally, I think it's probably easier with 28mm and longer lenses remembering that the metering area is 1/2 the height of the framelines at the closest focussing distance (the spot is 12mm diameter), and 2/3 at infinity, than remembering which other frame lines are supposed to be used (and how they're supposed to approximate). But with the 21mm you haven't got any framelines at all to use in this way.

Another consideration, given that none of the framelines equate to the 21mm lens, might be to chose a pair that are least intrusive. This would be a personal choice: one possibility is the 50/75 frame (the 75mm 'frame' being just corners, there's only really one frame on show). I think my own choice might be the 28/90: I really can't see the 28mm frame at all (I DON'T wear glasses when I use the camera) and the 90 frame is small (this is with a .72 though).

On a .58 I'd be tempted to go for a 35/135, on the basis that the top and bottom of the 35mm frame show the edges of the metering area (roughly) at infinity, and the 135mm frame doesn't appear at all.

It might be of interest to note that a 35/135 adapter is offered with the Kobalux 21mm.

Whatever you choose, enjoy the lens. I can't wait to get mine.

-- Nigel Bowley (nigel.bowley@btinternet.com), November 26, 2001.

i went for the 35 adapter. it shows the cleanest view.

the lens seems to be very well made. it is really small, nice! one drawback is the lack of mounting nipple. i tried to take a moonlight shot tonight (clear skies in london!) and i forgot a flashlight, so mounting it in low light is difficult, even i daylight the minute red mark is hard to find. one solution would be to file a small groove in the lens-hood. or mabe in the front-element?

the finder is plastic, but feels better than the leica 21 finder. easy to see the whole frame even with glasses. not so with the leica 21 one or the leica multifinder. the voigtländer case is really cheap and seems to be quite handy.

i am looking forward to see my first prints.

-- stefan randlkofer (geesbert@yahoo.com), November 26, 2001.