low contrast 21mm

[msbarnes]

How is the contrast level for these 21mm's:

CV 21mm f4.0 Skopar
Zeiss 21mm f4.5 Biogon
Zeiss 21mm f2.8 Biogon

Are they all somewhat similar?

They seem more practical and ofcourse more affordable to the Leica 21mm f4.0 and f3.4 Super Angulons.

[FrozenInTime]

The Zeiss 21/4,5 and 21/2,8 are super sharp, high contrast modern lenses.

[bogdanb]

The Skopar is a modern look, razor sharp and rather contrasty lens too.

[mfogiel]

For lower contrast, you need the Super Angulon 21/3.4, or perhaps 21/4.0. There is also a lens called Kobalux 21/2.8(or Avenar, Bower or Pasoptik), but I am not sure how contrasty it is.

[Nokton48]

The Canon LTF 19mm F3.5 FL is difficult to find, but similar to, and 1/3 to 1/2 the price of, the Leitz Super Angulon. I had a nice one until recently, and it was entirely satisfactory for my many uses. Worked great on my Leicas too, and has a lower-contrast "look" to it. If you get the FL model, you will also need the Canon Adapter B to get you to LTM.

I've also owned the 21mm Voigtlander Skopar, and it's contrastier (as one would expect) and sharper as well. A bit too clinical, for my tastes, so I sold it. Was particularly fantastic on the M5, I remember.

[raid]

For lower contrast 21mm lens: Consider the SLR 21mm lenses and get an adapter. The non-retro focus will/may not work with M8/M9 due to the protruding rear lement and the sensor. Some claim it works. If there is a problem mention online, get retrofocus 21mm SLR lens.

I use a W-Rokkor 21mm/4 with a Leica adapter for RF work, and a Nikkor 21/4 on a Nikon F2.

Another neat wide angle loens is the Canon 19mm/3.5 that you can use on a Leica with Adapter B.

[Jonathan]

One of my favourite, cheap, lo hassle options is a Tamron 17 mm cobbled onto a Canon P with an FD adaptor & adaptor B.

[Nokton48]

The Canon FL 28mm F3.5 is very inexpensive and also takes the Canon B Adapter. That lens and the 19mm F3.5 make a very versatile low-cost low-contrast combo. Just zone-focus and shoot away.