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I bought the 21mm f/3.5 II when I got my Leica M5 this summer. I love it. I had the f/4 years ago. Your assessment seems spot-on to me. NOTE to Leica M5 Users: it seems the lens goes deep enough into the M5 to fold down the metering stem a little bit. You will have to meter off-camera on an M5.
I've got the 21 f/3.5 and the 50mm f/1.2 (both Voigtlander) as well as a 135mm. I think the thing to remember when deciding what aperture to get is to look at the total equivalent light. Because you can shoot at f/focalLength, that already lets in more shutter speed light (1/20 s) than a 50mm (1/60s). And with the ISO performance on modern digital cameras (I'm using a Sony A7C), the total quality light you can get is great even for higher ISOs. In short, you probably don't need a huge f/1.4 Summilux. Also, most of these shots (as Matt alluded to when setting the 21mm f/4 lens to f/22) are going to be at f/8 or beyond and shot from the hip or zone focused. Both the f/3.5 and the f/4 are incredibly small, so I do think the only consideration between them is if you shoot film or digital. Very happy with mine. It is a challenge to use.
Thanks, yes at f8-f11 most things are in focus. I don't go beyond f11 with any lens unless trying to make sunstars as you get reduced image quality from diffraction.
You can't necessarily shoot at 1/focal length if you like to photograph subjects that move around a lot. In fact, with a wider lens you'll need to be closer to get the same subject size in the final image, and that will increase the effect of subject movement. (Unofficial Motto of Photography: “There's no such thing as a free lunch!”) So, that's why some people need those bigger f/1.4 lenses… although I agree that not everybody does!
I can't afford the 21mm ,but do have the 50mm f2.8 and the 35mm Skoparex in DKL mount . They are very contrasty lenses , And the small size works great on my Pen F .
I do have the Schneider Kreuznach 28mm f4 in DKL mount too ,I have the digital Pen F. getting film developed is too expensive here now . @@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom
You did another great one. You certainly have the eye to pull great pics out of the morass of trash. The review is your usual excellently researched, planned and presented gem. Or as they say where you are, smashing, brilliant. Cheers
Ha thanks Sandy, yes this was indeed me trying to make photos from nothing. I guess it's good to challenge ourselves now and again but give me models any day!
Thanks for the great review Matt. I am using the voigtlander 21/4 and 25/4 on a leica M240 and on the Sony A7. Especially on the A7 i always had a nasty colorcast, Since i am using the A7IV the colorcast is gone. I think it has to do with the BSI-sensor...
These new tiny skopars are amazing. I just got the tiny 28mm 2.8 based on your review and I love it. the focus ring action, the aperture ring, the overal build quality have improved so much compared with my older cosina lenses. The focusing tab is too tiny and slippery compared with Leica lenses though.
I've had the F4 for a few years now. Long before the F3.5 came out. I love my f4 on film and digital, although most tests say otherwise. I've never missed any sharpness (m240 and a few years now with my m10) and have no reason for a change.
Matt, my vertigo was acting up when you were walking along that path next to the cliffs…OMG! Nice location otherwise and some great pics to highlight the spectacular 21mm lens. How would this VM 21mm f3.4 match up with the SL, SL2, SL2 S ?
Ha sorry about that! It was probably safer than it looked as I don't like heights either! Yes both lenses will be fine on the SL cameras, esp. the f3.5. I've used my f4 on mine.. there is a sample photo in the intro "FF digital".
I bought the f4 version and had only film M cameras. If I had to repurchase it, I would always go to the f3.5 version because I can also use it on my digital M10, which I bought later. Optimized for digital should always work well on film rather than vice versa. Just as a hint. There is a free correction software for the purple corners called Corner Fix.
21mm is a vavoirite FoV for me Matt, I have the 21mm Elmarit-M which is permanenly on one of my M9s in the landscape it gets about 75% of the shots I have 35mm and 75mm on the other 2 bodies and they share the other 25%.
Great! In some locations I do love 21mm And once my eyes get used to it anything longer feels too tight! The Elmarit is nice. I linked that video at the end.
Nice review👍📷🚶 I have four Canon Rangefinders: (2) Canon VT Deluxe and (2) Canon VT I fit them with (2) Voightlander 21mm f4 LTM Color Skopar MC, a Voightlander 25mm f4 Snapshot Skopar MC ltm, and a Canon 50 mm f1.8 ltm All black and white. I love it all.
Hey Matt good review and thanks for your posts this year and going in 2024 forward could you do some update reviews and predictions in regard to new film stocks and chemistries emerging and some of your thoughts of whats looks like a resurgence of camera makers bringing forward some new film cameras ( Mint Fuji Leica as well as the aging quality vintage cameras being soaked up in the secondhand market ) ? Have a good Holiday Season . I ended up getting a good deal on the LLL 35 LTM at your discount link and it’s great. Thanks John Perth Australia . Also some shooting tips on how you use your Barnacks ie Aperture and speed settings and film speeds you find works best for you ?
Hi John, often if I do anything that's not a lens review I get a fraction of the views, and as each video takes at least 2 days to make I try to play to the probability of making videos that might get a few views. I don't have inside info on the film / future but if I can work out a way to include the topics into future videos I will. Congrats on your 35mm .. yes love that lens. You'll see it get mentioned in another video soon!
You've got a great eye, Matt. I would love to see more of your landscape work. Since you so good at photographing models may I humbly request a future video topic....."How to compose in square format for a model photoshoot". :-)
I love your landscape photos! I have the f4 in LTM for my IIIf but also use it on my M9. I often convert to B&W or even just use B&W jpegs, but when I want color that Cornerfix app others mentioned seems good. It would be really nice on a monochrom body! ;-)
Sorry I've not tried that lens. I did review the 28mm f1.4 7Artisans lens vs the Leica Q. The TTA lens will be much bigger. Only consider it if you need to shoot at fast apertures. The best 21mm i've used is the Zeiss ZM 21mm f2.8. See video. I own that too.
Great video Matt and nice comparison. Following our recent conversation I had a play at converting an Industar on the CL that was interesting but have settled on a TTA 35mm f2 v1 as it came along at the right price. In future I might consider the 21mm 3.5 on a full frame if I don’t look at some vintage LTM mounts 😊
Hi Matt, what wide angle lens would you recommend for a Leica M8, Voigtlander 28mm, Minolta Rokkor 28mm, Konica M-Hexanon 28mm, or the Carl Ziess 28mm? Thank you for your help Matt. John
I’ve not tried them all. Voigtlander are great and small. Zeiss probably win for optics / T coating look. I’d get / did get, the Skopar (see latest video)
Check the website you are buying from. Robert White that I use tell you in the description. Check the weight if you are not sure. Heavy lenses are brass.
Another great video! I`m using the 21mm f4 on the Lumix S5 and Nikon ZF and don`t see the purple fringing at the corners (they are quite soft though). Is this an issue affecting only Leica cameras?
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Cool. For someone with the 58 1.4 is the extra stop worth the cost. That's something I'd be interested to hear your opinion of.
Yes the photos shared with the f4 on the M240 show purple cast. The photos shared with the f3.5 on the M240 show no purple cast. See the part of the video showing this side by side test.
Matt: This is just like the Coupeville Prairie Sand Cliffs , same height and sheer drop if your stupid. I walk there all the time and I have enjoyed this video as much or more that the " pretty girl " video's , I speak as a Photographer that has no models or access to them , so I have to work very hard with what I can find. Question: Will the 3.5 Color Scopar , work as well as the F4 model ..if I buy one lens , I have to use on Film and Digital correct ? Right now I am waiting for the ROLLEI WIDE inmages to come back from development , that I think is about a ?? 28mm in 6x6 120mm as it its a 55mm at F4 , if I am wrong , let me know. So excited about those first shots 😌 Good video lovely country there , my Ancestors are from Wales and Scotland. Cheers. C.
Thanks Chris! I don't think this video will be as popular as my usual videos but I wanted to mix it up a bit. It was also nice to get out and about exploring but I don't think the photos were anything special. Thanks for the feedback. Maybe I can do a few more exploring videos next year. Yes the f3.5 is an improved f4 it's just a bit bigger and heavier. (and yes 50mm on a Hassy is about 28mm so yours is maybe 30mm ish).
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Thanks Matt but I cannot find your review of the Leica 21mm f3.4 lens
@@crissignori7482 apologies, I tested the 21/2.8 version
Matt, lovely shots and a reminder I should shoot with the 21mm f4 more often. Of course, Cornerfix removes the purple fringing in no time!
Thanks! Yes 21mm can be a lot of fun. Great tip about Cornerfix, thanks.
I bought the 21mm f/3.5 II when I got my Leica M5 this summer. I love it. I had the f/4 years ago. Your assessment seems spot-on to me. NOTE to Leica M5 Users: it seems the lens goes deep enough into the M5 to fold down the metering stem a little bit. You will have to meter off-camera on an M5.
Thanks Scott! Yes the M5 like the CL film camera have the different meter design so they don't like lenses that go too deep. Thanks for noting.
I've got the 21 f/3.5 and the 50mm f/1.2 (both Voigtlander) as well as a 135mm. I think the thing to remember when deciding what aperture to get is to look at the total equivalent light. Because you can shoot at f/focalLength, that already lets in more shutter speed light (1/20 s) than a 50mm (1/60s). And with the ISO performance on modern digital cameras (I'm using a Sony A7C), the total quality light you can get is great even for higher ISOs. In short, you probably don't need a huge f/1.4 Summilux. Also, most of these shots (as Matt alluded to when setting the 21mm f/4 lens to f/22) are going to be at f/8 or beyond and shot from the hip or zone focused. Both the f/3.5 and the f/4 are incredibly small, so I do think the only consideration between them is if you shoot film or digital. Very happy with mine. It is a challenge to use.
Thanks, yes at f8-f11 most things are in focus. I don't go beyond f11 with any lens unless trying to make sunstars as you get reduced image quality from diffraction.
You can't necessarily shoot at 1/focal length if you like to photograph subjects that move around a lot. In fact, with a wider lens you'll need to be closer to get the same subject size in the final image, and that will increase the effect of subject movement. (Unofficial Motto of Photography: “There's no such thing as a free lunch!”) So, that's why some people need those bigger f/1.4 lenses… although I agree that not everybody does!
I've just (today) ordered the 3.5 for my M8. Looking forward to using it. Great video.
Excellent! You made the right choice though with the crop M8 sensor either would have been fine I think.
I can't afford the 21mm ,but do have the 50mm f2.8 and the 35mm Skoparex in DKL mount . They are very contrasty lenses , And the small size works great on my Pen F .
I love small lenses! The 28mm TTA lens is cheap if that is wide enough. The Pen F is nice and small. I still have mine. (Film one*)
I do have the Schneider Kreuznach 28mm f4 in DKL mount too ,I have the digital Pen F. getting film developed is too expensive here now . @@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom
You did another great one. You certainly have the eye to pull great pics out of the morass of trash. The review is your usual excellently researched, planned and presented gem. Or as they say where you are, smashing, brilliant. Cheers
Ha thanks Sandy, yes this was indeed me trying to make photos from nothing. I guess it's good to challenge ourselves now and again but give me models any day!
Thanks for the great review Matt. I am using the voigtlander 21/4 and 25/4 on a leica M240 and on the Sony A7. Especially on the A7 i always had a nasty colorcast, Since i am using the A7IV the colorcast is gone. I think it has to do with the BSI-sensor...
Thanks for sharing! Yes there is no issue on film either.
I owned both in the past and did prefer the 3.5 on my digital M's.. Have been thinking about purchasing it again. Thanks Matt..
Thanks! Yes the 3.5 has the edge when comparing side by side but I love the small f4 and for real world use it's more than good enough for B&W
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom For B&W I loved that little f4, but if used with color not so much with that purple hue cast on the sides...
0:21 liking the new open with BTS clip from the knit-hood shoot! 04:00 was hoping we'd hear you read some of those Welsh signs...
Ha thanks James, the "knit hood video" will go on Patreon today/ soon. Welsh haha..I can barely speak English! :P
These new tiny skopars are amazing. I just got the tiny 28mm 2.8 based on your review and I love it. the focus ring action, the aperture ring, the overal build quality have improved so much compared with my older cosina lenses. The focusing tab is too tiny and slippery compared with Leica lenses though.
Great and yes I love them too! Some versions have the bigger tab.
I've had the F4 for a few years now. Long before the F3.5 came out. I love my f4 on film and digital, although most tests say otherwise. I've never missed any sharpness (m240 and a few years now with my m10) and have no reason for a change.
Yes I like my f4 too and don’t look to upgrade.
Matt, my vertigo was acting up when you were walking along that path next to the cliffs…OMG! Nice location otherwise and some great pics to highlight the spectacular 21mm lens. How would this VM 21mm f3.4 match up with the SL, SL2, SL2 S ?
Ha sorry about that! It was probably safer than it looked as I don't like heights either! Yes both lenses will be fine on the SL cameras, esp. the f3.5. I've used my f4 on mine.. there is a sample photo in the intro "FF digital".
I bought the f4 version and had only film M cameras. If I had to repurchase it, I would always go to the f3.5 version because I can also use it on my digital M10, which I bought later. Optimized for digital should always work well on film rather than vice versa. Just as a hint. There is a free correction software for the purple corners called Corner Fix.
Cornerfix is superb. Works very well.
sites.google.com/site/cornerfix/
Yes agreed! I had the f4 lenses well before the f3.5 was released. I still use the f4 but if I shot colour I would get the f3.5.
Thanks!
21mm is a vavoirite FoV for me Matt, I have the 21mm Elmarit-M which is permanenly on one of my M9s in the landscape it gets about 75% of the shots I have 35mm and 75mm on the other 2 bodies and they share the other 25%.
Great! In some locations I do love 21mm And once my eyes get used to it anything longer feels too tight! The Elmarit is nice. I linked that video at the end.
Great walking around video and very interesting photos! That Welsh coast reminds me
of my walk around the Falmouth Cornwall area.
Thank you! A bit different to my usual. I will try to do a few more exploring videos next year.
Nice review👍📷🚶
I have four Canon Rangefinders: (2) Canon VT Deluxe and
(2) Canon VT
I fit them with (2) Voightlander 21mm f4 LTM Color Skopar MC,
a Voightlander 25mm f4 Snapshot Skopar MC ltm,
and a Canon 50 mm f1.8 ltm
All black and white. I love it all.
Thanks! Strong combo. Yes I love those small Skopar lenses too. I use them to zone focus on my 1931 Leica Standard sometimes.
Hey Matt good review and thanks for your posts this year and going in 2024 forward could you do some update reviews and predictions in regard to new film stocks and chemistries emerging and some of your thoughts of whats looks like a resurgence of camera makers bringing forward some new film cameras ( Mint Fuji Leica as well as the aging quality vintage cameras being soaked up in the secondhand market ) ? Have a good Holiday Season . I ended up getting a good deal on the LLL 35 LTM at your discount link and it’s great. Thanks John Perth Australia . Also some shooting tips on how you use your Barnacks ie Aperture and speed settings and film speeds you find works best for you ?
Hi John, often if I do anything that's not a lens review I get a fraction of the views, and as each video takes at least 2 days to make I try to play to the probability of making videos that might get a few views. I don't have inside info on the film / future but if I can work out a way to include the topics into future videos I will. Congrats on your 35mm .. yes love that lens. You'll see it get mentioned in another video soon!
You've got a great eye, Matt. I would love to see more of your landscape work. Since you so good at photographing models may I humbly request a future video topic....."How to compose in square format for a model photoshoot". :-)
Thanks Greg! Hmm that is an interesting topic yes. It might not be soon but I’ll add it to my video ideas list.
I love your landscape photos! I have the f4 in LTM for my IIIf but also use it on my M9. I often convert to B&W or even just use B&W jpegs, but when I want color that Cornerfix app others mentioned seems good. It would be really nice on a monochrom body! ;-)
Thank you! Not my best work but I tried! Yes I love the LTM version to use on Leica iii cameras, Bessa R etc.
Did you compare it against the TTARTISANS 21 1.5? What do you think is the best option?
Sorry I've not tried that lens. I did review the 28mm f1.4 7Artisans lens vs the Leica Q. The TTA lens will be much bigger. Only consider it if you need to shoot at fast apertures. The best 21mm i've used is the Zeiss ZM 21mm f2.8. See video. I own that too.
Great video Matt and nice comparison. Following our recent conversation I had a play at converting an Industar on the CL that was interesting but have settled on a TTA 35mm f2 v1 as it came along at the right price.
In future I might consider the 21mm 3.5 on a full frame if I don’t look at some vintage LTM mounts 😊
Thanks Kev and great stuff! See my other vintage wide lens videos if you do, there are a few options. :)
Really enjoyable watching your workflow whilst also an informative lens review. I recently bought the 21mm f3.5 for use with my zf.
Thank you! Ah stay tuned, I'm hoping to feature a Zf in a future video!
@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I look forwards to it! It's a fantastic camera.
My Leica 246 was whining all the time that it wanted a 21mm so I shut it up with the f4 and it has quit bugging me. For now......lol
Haha, don't you just hate that! I had the same recently with my Nikon film cameras ganging up on me and making me buy a Nikon FM3a! Such bullies! haha
😊
Thanks!
What about the Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm/F3.4 ASPH ?
See that video (I reviewed in 2023)
Hi Matt, what wide angle lens would you recommend for a Leica M8, Voigtlander 28mm, Minolta Rokkor 28mm, Konica M-Hexanon 28mm, or the Carl Ziess 28mm? Thank you for your help Matt. John
I’ve not tried them all. Voigtlander are great and small. Zeiss probably win for optics / T coating look. I’d get / did get, the Skopar (see latest video)
Great review as usual Matt. I have the f4 use it on my film M body but also on my Nikon Z body and there is no purple fringing.
Thanks and thanks for the info when on a Nikon Z. Someone else reported similar when using a newer Sony body.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaComI have the F4 use on my Panasonic S1 body. there is no purple fringing.
Good video Matt
Love those rare lenses.
Thanks Rob! A bit different to the recent normal videos.
Nice!
But different shoes walking home 😊
Thanks! Same shoes (I only had one pair with me) (ah did I flip some footage so the logo was backwards.. haha if yes well spotted!)
the typ II body it's made all of brass?
Check the website you are buying from. Robert White that I use tell you in the description. Check the weight if you are not sure. Heavy lenses are brass.
Another great video! I`m using the 21mm f4 on the Lumix S5 and Nikon ZF and don`t see the purple fringing at the corners (they are quite soft though). Is this an issue affecting only Leica cameras?
Thanks! Yes it does impact some cameras more than others. The very new cameras seem to be OK including Sony (I’m told).
what is the name of the strap used in this video?
I use Wontancraft bags and straps normally so probably that. Link under video.
Thanks I was waiting for this lens comparison as an owner of the f3.5.
Thanks Dave, slowly working through my to do list and all the lenses I still need to test for Leica users!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Would love to hear your take on the new Voigtlander 55mm 1.2 for Nikon if you wanted something for your list.
@@davegball interesting you say that. I tested it about 4 months ago, the same trip as this video actually. I just need to put the video together
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Cool. For someone with the 58 1.4 is the extra stop worth the cost. That's something I'd be interested to hear your opinion of.
Use mine on a nikon body and have to shoot more to get more workinhg images
Great. It’s not my usual FL for models but can be great fun for street etc
does it still has purple cast on M240? i have the 25mm version and has the purple cast on the side with color
Yes the photos shared with the f4 on the M240 show purple cast. The photos shared with the f3.5 on the M240 show no purple cast. See the part of the video showing this side by side test.
Thanks!
Thanks John!
Matt: This is just like the Coupeville Prairie Sand Cliffs , same height and sheer drop if your stupid. I walk there all the time and I have enjoyed this video as much or more that the " pretty girl " video's , I speak as a Photographer that has no models or access to them , so I have to work very hard with what I can find.
Question: Will the 3.5 Color Scopar , work as well as the F4 model ..if I buy one lens , I have to use on Film and Digital correct ? Right now I am waiting for the ROLLEI WIDE inmages to come back from development , that I think is about a ?? 28mm in 6x6 120mm as it its a 55mm at F4 , if I am wrong , let me know. So excited about those first shots 😌 Good video lovely country there , my Ancestors are from Wales and Scotland. Cheers. C.
Thanks Chris! I don't think this video will be as popular as my usual videos but I wanted to mix it up a bit. It was also nice to get out and about exploring but I don't think the photos were anything special. Thanks for the feedback. Maybe I can do a few more exploring videos next year. Yes the f3.5 is an improved f4 it's just a bit bigger and heavier. (and yes 50mm on a Hassy is about 28mm so yours is maybe 30mm ish).
Tube doesn't have enough 21 content! Take this into model use.
Ha thanks! Yes I've done some 21mm model photography (FF and APS-C), I tend to use 28mm more for wide shots.