Re: [Leica] Have High Hopes for Heliar

[Mark Rabiner <mrabiner@concentric.net>]

TTAbrahams@aol.com wrote:
> 
> DT, I have been using the Heliar since the beginning of-99 and each time I
> process film shot with it, I am impressed. There are a couple of 'caveats" to
> consider, using it on a M6 tends to give you underexposed foreground — the
> angle of view can severely fool the meter. The finder takes in about 93% of
> the view so you get more than you see (if you are shooting slides it is
> probably within the slide mount tolerances). The front element is quite
> exposed, so beware of sharp objects in camerabags etc. It is a lightweight
> lens and the alloy in the barrel is prone to dings and dents (mine went from
> Mint to Exc-in about a week)! I have found that optimum aperture is around f8
> - f11, at 4,5 it shows vignetting and at f16 there is a beginning of
> diffraction that gets quite visible at f22. None of these 'flaws" are really
> Heliar exclusives, it is more a function of the rather extreme focal length.
>  Word of advice, do NOT sell the 21 Asph. I avoid selling any Leica lenses,
> it does stop one from the typical symptoms of deep regret. Once you have it,
> it is paid for and that pain is gone, just hold on to it. The 15/4,5 does not
> replace the 21, but it does supplement it nicely. Remember the rule: Thou
> cannot have too many Leica lenses!".
> Take a walk on the wide side!
> Tom A

Don't worry Tom!
I'm sure DT is just suffering from:
"opening up the box and thinking that your new glass is going to change
the world as we know it" shock.
My advice to DT would be: 
Use extra amounts of mouthwash and deodorant because you are going to
need to get in real close on a regular basis!
Mark Rabiner