Re: [Leica] 24 2.8 Aspherical

[TTAbrahams <TTAbrahams@aol.com>]

Tom, I have used the 24/2,8 for just about a year now. In the beginning I was
not that ethusiastic about it, but now it has grown in popularity. Optically
it is very good, smooth tones, very little vignetting and good, clean images.
For sheer sharpness I would put it up against the 28/2,8 (the new version) and
that is a good recommendation as anyone who uses that lens can attest to.
Color/tones etc is close to what the 21/2,8 Asph produces and there is less
softening of the edge at 2,8 on the 24 than on the 21,( we are talking
splitting hairs here, I use a point source enlarger to even find those flaws
and they certainly dont detract from images).
 Now, the finder is another thing, it is clumsy and not very "User Friendly"
and i reccomend that you just go with a M6/M4?M2 body and figure out that what
you see is what you are going to get+ some.
 If you already have a 28 I would probably recommend that you get the 21
instead, but the 24/35/50/75 or 90 combination works well. The 21 feels wider
than the 3 mm difference in the focal lenght indicates and for shooting in
older cities, Europe, Asia etc the 21 is almost a necessity. US and Canada has
an excess of " wide open  spaces" and the 24 works well here as a very wide
lens.
 I always recommend that you convince your dealer that you want to shoot a
roll with a new lens before you buy. Kodak Gold 25 neg.color is sharp enough,
do a 24 exp. roll, shoot tight close ups,medium and infinity shoots and go
from wide open to fully stopped down. Give the roll to the dealer and have him
run it on a 1 hour or rush processing. This way you get the film back, while
you still remember what you shot and you judgement is clearer. One trick is to
aim the camera in the sky, facing north and shoot 2-3 shots, wide-open, mid
aperture and fully stopped down. If the sky is blue or even overcast you can
spot vignetting this way ( if possible do the same thing with an even colored
wall at about 3 meters distance, vignetting can change with focus). If the
lens meets your criteria, buy it from the dealer who allowed you the test. He
will feel good about having sold you something you wanted and that met your
standards and you now will have a reputation for being a good, but somewhat
picky customer and he will treat you well in the future. There are times when
you are better off paying a slight premium and get that kind of service,
rather than always trying to buy at the lowest price.
All the best,
Tom A