Re: Hologon 16mm Experience

["Hubert Nowotny" <hubertn@mail.ctr.co.at>]

Richard,

I've seen the results a friend of mine had with the lens. Sharp, 
brilliant, beautiful colors and a thrilling feeling from the super 
wide angle. Think about this outstanding possibility of owning such a 
brilliant super-wide _without_ the need for retrofocus construction!

Therefore I bought the lens and had it modified for the Leica; 
it costed a fortune; je ne regret rien. (I don't feel sorry about it).

My own first film is still on the processing way, so I've not got own 
results, but I've seen slides made with the Hologon (16 mm if I'm 
correct, not 15 as the old one was as far as I remember) and its 
worth all the money.

Also, the conversion to Leica has to be expensive as it's a difficult 
piece of craftsmanship and requires mastership (or, if you have it 
done the cheap way, you will recognize this fact on all your pictures 
shot with the lens ...).

And, you should consider to dedicate an M body as home of the 
Hologon, put it on and never release it. Because of its exposed 
situation the rear lens is extremely vulnerable (and a scratch 
_would_ be a pity, wouldn't it?)

BUT you should decide quickly; rumour has it that the lens is yet out of 
production and the 2500 pieces which have been made until August 
are the only pieces which are made of this lens at the given time.

(So my working kit is completed to 16 / 21 / 35 / 50 / 90 mm w/ three 
bodies, to add to another thread of these days
 (M4 press, home of the Hologon; M6; M6J).)

HTH and have a fine day
Hubert

> Richard Clompus wrote:
> > 
> > Dear Leica Users,
> > 
> > I am considering the purchase of a Zeiss Hologon - wide angle now available
> > for the Contax and then have it modified for my M6.  Has any one out there
> > actually used this lens?  I would like to try one for a weekend but haven't
> > asked my dealer for a loaner on a Contax.

> > Richard Clompus
> > Pennsylvania, USA
> 
> The lens has had great test reviews in the magazines, although I 
> have no experience with it.
> 
> The cost of a conversion has been excessive,  more than the cost of a M6
> body!
> 
> Unless you can get a great deal on the conversion, it would be much
> cheaper, as well as more versatile, if you just kept a Contax body for
> that lens.

Well, surely not a bad idea (and by far cheaper than any conversion 
plus extra M body, as I did). BUT: It's a Contax, not a Leica ...

> 
> Stephen Gandy
> 
* Von/From: HUBERT NOWOTNY, CTR Hatzenberger & Nowotny OEG
* A-1040 Wien/Vienna, Kettenbrueckengasse 16 (Austria, Europe ...)
* Tel ++43-1- 586 20 22 - 0, Fax ++43-1- 586 20 22 - 24
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