Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/01/25
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Patrick Sobalvarro wrote: > > I was wondering if people on the list had any experience with the > Japanese 21/2.8 Leica-thread-mount lens that's sold by Adorama. I've > been looking for a lens this wide for some time. I'm a little wary of > the Russar 20mm/5.6, because (a) my one experience with Russian lenses > (a 50mm/1.5 Jupiter) shows them not to have the best build quality, > Dear Patrick, The 20 Russars seem to vary greatly with the individual example. If you can get a return/exchange privilege if you are not happy with the shots, this would not be a bad way to go from a financial standpoint. The off brand Jap optics have one fatal flaw: resale value. You will be lucky to get 1/2 of your investment back when you go to trade or sell, REGARDLESS of how great the glass might be. On the other hand, if you buy wisely, you will be able to get all of your investment back, or even make a profit, if you buy used Leitz 21's. Keep in mind that most people find no need to RF focus a 20/21 lens, the depth of field is so great. Also keep in mind that the Russar IS NOT RF coupled. A very cheap alternative to getting a GREAT 20/21 is to use the Canon FD 20 and the various Nikkor 20's, especially the excellent current 20/2.8 AF version. Personally, I shoot the 20 Russar if I want a lightweight combination, and I shoot the Nikkor 20/2.8 AF with the superb Russian square finder when I need a faster lens. How you might ask? Canon made a great series of adapters. The first you need is the Canon "B" adapters. This is to mount a Canon FD lens on a Leica screw mount body. Put a Leitz bayonet adapter on it, and you can mount a Canon FD 20 on your Leica M, using scale focusing and the M6/5/CL/CLE metering systems. Now, use the rare and relative unknown Canon N adapter, and you can attached a Nikon F lens to the Canon B adapter. Put them together with the 20/2.8 AF Nikkor, and you have that lens on your M6. Frankly, the combination is a bit bulky with the adapters, but it allows the photographer to save on lenses, and there is no other way I know of to use a 8mm/2.8 fisheye on your M! Best, Stephen Gandy