Why the LEICA 21mm SUMMILUX M makes sense - and why not

[@rexgigout1472]

Well-done presentation! Your presentation helps to affirm my decision against buying a Summilux-M 21mm in early 2022. I decided that the Super Elmar-M 21mm would probably be a better choice, for the ways in which I use a 21mm lens. Plus, I already had a superb Zeiss 21mm f/4.5 ZM lens, which causes color shift with Leica digital M cameras prior to the M11, but works well on my Type 246 Monochrom, which lessened the priority of adding another 21mm lens. Ultimately, I decided to acquire a Cosina Voigtlander Nokton 21mm f/1.4 VM, for the relatively few occasions I want to use a “fast” 21mm, or to shoot color images with a 21mm lens on my M10. By not spending $6K US for a pre-owned Summilux-M 21mm lens, or $9K US for a new one, I was able to acquire the 21mm Voigtlander, a pre-owned APO Summicron-M 75mm ASPH, and a pre-owned Elmar-M 24mm ASPH, plus a Cosina Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.0 Aspherical lens. I understand that the Summilux-M 21mm and Nokton 21mm VM lenses have different visual signatures, and different “character,” but I seem to prefer that my “character” lenses be of longer focal lengths than wide-angle.

[@flofroschmayer]

Smart move! I don’t know the 21mm Voigtlander but I will definitely check it out! Thank you for the tip!

[@soewst]

The Leica Summilux-M f.1.4/ 21mm was and still is my absolute dream lens. In 2021 I finally fulfilled my dream and am very happy with it! Worth every penny! In my opinion this lens is perfect for street photography. Sorry but Ii’s a 21mm focal length so of course you have to go reaaally close to your subject. :D I use it on my analog MP.

[@flofroschmayer]

I am happy you’re happy with it! The lens definitely deserves to be used! Do you have an instagram where I can see the pictures?

[@paulkwan2881]

Do you need a viewfinder for this lens with the M10 camera?

[@flofroschmayer]

Yes.. you can not see the whole field of view in the rangefinder window... either use an Visoflex or you can also use the LED screen to compose the picture. The rangefinder focus fields works perfectly.

[@GastonShutters]

Beautiful lens. I thought about it for a moment. Got the 21mm f2.8. I am not able to cope with large lenses on my M6 or M11. The reason why most of us shoot M systems is due to its compact size and the incredible small fast lenses that there are. Got the Summilux 50mm f1.4 II and I don’t use it as much as I use my 50mm f2 Apo.

[@flofroschmayer]

You are so right with the smaller lenses on the M... I have the 50 Summilux... the Apo is still somewhere in my dreams ;-)

[@johnkasianowicz6536]

The Summilux-M 50 mm f/1.4 II is quite versatile, given that it has close focusing capability.

[@damienphotographe]

Fast lenses are initially made for low light scenario prior to bokeh effect that is a side effect, wide lenses are made for situation where you cannot step back enough to frame the subject. Indoor events such are concerts or shows were you sit in first row is a good example of why you need such a lens. Choose a lens based on a scenario you do frequently. It's less a landscape or architecture lens where you won't value f1.4, more a reportage and event type lens. Thanks for the video.

[@flofroschmayer]

...sure... and the 1.4 can be creative tool as well!

[@richardsimms251]

Did you sell your 3 lenses yourself on ebay ? How did you sell the 3 lenses ? Thank you. Wonderful photos.

[@flofroschmayer]

I do sell most of my stuff on ebay. These three lenses I sold to Alexander from Foto Görlitz in Germany... or better said I turned them in because I bought the new lenses with him.

[@Reddotshutter]

I was going to buy this lens but saw your photos and got put off😂. Not your fault but the optics - its really soft and not sharp at the focused area unlike the 75 noc. I also see chromatic aberrations (green fringing). I would prefer the APO SL 21 instead for this reason. AF also makes it much simpler to use with shallower DOF. Thanks for saving me some money.

[@flofroschmayer]

Happy to help! ;-)

[@richardsimms251]

Excellent photos.

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you!!

[@lovrencg]

How was chromatic aberration on lux 21? it is simular to Lux 35 FLE? Congratulations on SL 90-280.... incredible sharp lens :=)

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you! I had actually no issues regarding chromatic aberration on both of them... which does not mean, that I can answer your question, sorry.

[@Narsuitus]

I have been very happy with my Leica 21mm f/1.4 wide-angle lens. I use it with 35mm f/1.4 and 90mm f/2 lenses on my M6 and M10. However, to free some cash, I have considered selling my 21 and replacing it with a less expensive Voigtländer 21mm f/1.8 Ultron. I thought this video would help me in my decision making.

[@flofroschmayer]

I have no experience with the Voigtländer 21mm 1.8, but it sounds interesting. I own the 12mm Voightländer and this is a fantastic lens... but of course totally different... with a f5.6 as fastest aperture. I will for sure try to check out the 21mm Ultron.

[@Narsuitus]

@@flofroschmayer While you are at it, also check out the TTArtisan 21mm f/1.5.

[@flofroschmayer]

@@Narsuitus okay! will do! Thank you!

[@ofeykalakar1]

The 21 luxe is just too big. The 21 Super Angulon disappears into the camera body and is tiny out front also much closer minimal focus distance- sure it’s from 1958 but it still holds up with large sensors.

[@flofroschmayer]

True, it is big!