DaveM wrote:
Some fantastic pictures here it's definitely going on my list of lenses to get.
Thanks, Dave!
I look at it this way... The Leica 21SEM is a killer lens, and I appreciate the 46mm filter size. Unfortunately, it's a bit slow for my preference - or I would've picked it up in a heartbeat (and nearly did!). Next up is the 21Lux... But I'm not spending that kind of major coin on a focal length I don't use as often as I would need to, to justify it. Plus it's bigger, heavier and uses funky Series filters. As timing would have it, along came the Ultron when I was in the market. It's a damn fine performer, especially for the money. Granted, it has a bit of LoCa wide(r) open, but so does the Noctilux... And it's easily dealt with. Such is the nature of fast lenses in daylight. In-camera correction actually works really well, mine's temporarily coded - and I'm still on my original markings with a Sharpie (the mount is recessed around the perimeter). Though I have to try the 21Lux coding, as EXIF only goes down to f/2.8 currently (and I tend to shoot wide open).
It's worth pointing out that the Ultron actually focuses closer than the Lux - so if you're after sheer bokeh, although the Ultron is slightly slower, you'll end up with a blurrier background. The trick is to know where on your camera strap (make a mark if necessary) equates to a .5m distance (from the sensor plane) since the rangefinder disengages at .7m. Hold your strap out to measure, shoot, voila!
Leica needs a 21mm Summicron...
As it turns out, I've been enjoying the 21mm focal length more and more since getting it!