LEICA SUPER ANGULON R 21mm(F3.4)

Review and Photo example of Leica Super angulon 21mm F3.4.

Gallery

Photo example （with HASSELBLAD X2D)

Review

Leica R mount, Super Angulon R 21mm F3.4 is a lens of which 1530 were made from 1964 to 1968.

There are two types of Super Angulon R type: the old model, which has almost the same lens configuration as the M type (strictly speaking, different) and has an aperture of F3.4, and the new model, which is a retrofocus type and has an aperture of F4. Both lenses are designed by Germany’s Schneider, and the one we’re introducing today is the older one with an aperture of F3.4.
The F3.4 version is a symmetrical lens that follows the M mount, with the rear element protruding significantly toward the mount. The protrusion is not so noticeable when using an M mount, but when viewed as an R mount lens with a flange back of 47.15mm, it feels oddly shaped.

The shortest shooting distance is 0.2m, and the rotation angle from ∞ to the shortest shooting distance is about 350 degrees, almost all the way around.
The aperture ring is on the front and the focus ring is on the tip of the lens, and the lens barrel is thin, but I personally think it has a shape that reduces the chances of erroneous operation. Four aperture blades are used, in keeping with the Super Angulon tradition.

Before attaching it to the camera, be sure to check that there is a certain amount of space inside the mount, otherwise it may interfere with the internal parts of the mount and damage the inside of the mount. I couldn’t attach the LEICA T camera I had because there was a structure inside the mount in front of the sensor.
The lens is also fixed in an elaborate way: align the lens stopper part in advance, attach it to the mount, and then rotate the silver slide part shown in the photo to fix the lens.

The F3.4 version was released for the film Leica SL, but it was difficult to use because it required you to close up the mirror before using it. The F4 version is a general retrofocus lens that can be used normally with film Leica R series.

Market prices for the F3.4 version, which has such quirks, vary widely, and depending on the retailer, you can buy it at a price so low that you can’t believe it’s a Leica wide-angle lens.
A wide-angle lens with a symmetrical optical system with a protruding rear element, such as the F3.4 version, is unpopular because when used with an older 35mm full-frame sensor, not only vignetting but also color cast occur. That’s probably a factor.

The HASSELBLAD X2D, which I am currently using mainly, has a large sensor, so this lens lacks an image circle, but it is very good because it does not cause color cast.
Of the 44mm wide sensor, 82% (36mm) is just barely covered, so it’s not a problem for a 35mm lens. Depending on the sensor used, you may want to reconsider this lens, which allows you to enjoy symmetrical, distortion-free depiction. The paint on the lens rangefinder part of the one I own is peeling off and the brass surface is exposed.

Specification

Item	F3.4 Ver.	F4 ver	VARIO ELMAR
focal length(mm)	21	21	21-35
Maximum aperture	3.4	4	3.5-4
Minimum aperture	22	22	22
Lens configuration	8elements in 4groups	10elements in 8groups	9elements in 8groups
Leaf blade	4	4	6
Minimum distance(m)	0.2	0.2	0.5
Lens length(mm)	19	43.5	66.3
Lens max diameter(mm)	70	78	75
Filter diameter(mm)	Series 8	E72 or Series 8.5	67
Weight(g)	228	420	500
Lens Hood	14170W	12506 14145(Forent Cap)	12438
Production numbers	1,530-	10,850-	3,400
Release date	1964-1968	1971-1983	2001-