[Leica] Edges and Corners, Elaboration of My Needs

[krieger at usc.edu (Martin Krieger)]

I am photographing as a documentary or journalistic photographer in factory 
buildings with people working, or workshops, or more generally at 
workplaces. Also, sometimes at houses of worship. Flash is disturbing, and 
having a tripod along slows me down too much (I often have very little time) 
and makes me too noticeable and big deal. I need to be quick, not too 
obtrusive, and respectful. I always shoot WIDE OPEN (2.8 or 4.5 for the 
SCW/M). I don't need to hide, since I am given permission to go where I do 
go. I want to document these sites, and it turns out that what is of 
interest might well be a poster on the wall (but I only discover this 
later). Also, I have no idea of what will interest researchers twenty years 
from now. It is not a matter of framing, so much a matter of preserving as 
much information as I can.

I use wide angle because I need to get as much in as possible, and often I 
cannot move back. I am also much less obtrusive this way, since I am in the 
middle yet getting materials which most people think of as out of my frame. 
And using a tele would make me suspect, an unwelcome intruder.

Having said all this, 
---Is the G 21 better than the R19new? I have the G21 too. And where does 
the SWC/M Biogon stand here. All of these will be WIDE OPEN. I know that I 
can do better stopped down, but that is precluded by the light. 
--If I changed to a different lens, where should I go? Would the M21 be 
worth it? Would I be better off with a 50mm Summicron? I realize all the 
differences in angle of view, rf vs. slr, but what I am asking here is sheer 
quality of lens at the edges and corners. I really don't care about the 
center since I know it will be good enough.

I hope this is more helpful than my original posting. I appreciate your 
consideration.
Martin

My original post:
I am interested in detail in the edges and corners, just where most lenses 
fall off. Perhaps you discover afterwards you are interested in some detail 
(maybe what is written on the wall) that happens to be in the outer zones of 
the negative. Right now I use the 19mm Elmarit-R new for most of my work, 
not at all closeup. Often wide open indoors, no flash. I know that I should 
be on a tripod, etc. But for my work that is precluded. Can I do better? 
Maybe a faster lens (albeit less wide), maybe a different system (Leica M, 
Contax G, Canon, Nikon,...) offers a gem.

I also use a Hasselblad SWC/M with the Biogon T*. Its being f/4.5 is 
sometimes a real problem unless I use film rated at 1600.

Also, is there any thoughtful comparison the main normal lenses for the 
various camera marques. From what I can see, very roughly, the Summicron-M 
beats them all, but I am no expert. If it is in the archive or someplace, 
just point me to it.

Thank you,
Martin Krieger
krieger@usc.edu