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Model history (2)

Specification

Source of data

• LEITZ General Catalogue for the LEICA system (June 1966).

Manufacturer description

From the LEICA photography magazine (1966, No. 1):

The 21mm Super-Angulon f/3.4 lens, darling of the press and magazine photographer, is now available to Leicaflex owners as the Super-Angulon-R. This eight-element extreme wide-angle lens, with its 92° angle of view is already known and treasured for its bravura performance in architectural, sports, landscape and other fields where unusual perspectives or all-inclusive views are important.

Its unusual speed for a lens of this short focal length, combined with excellent edge-to-edge sharpness and fine contrast make it a standout for all sorts of interior architectural and even general photography. It is also outstanding for photographing scale architectural models, producing a remarkably life like perspective of these small displays.

used with finder

The very short focal length of the 21mm lens makes it necessary for the rear element to be close to the film plane. On the Leicaflex, the rear element of the Super-Angulon-R is so close that the mirror must be locked up out of the way to permit mounting the lens on the camera. This means that an Optical Bright-Line Viewfinder (Cat. No. 12,002) must be used in the Leicaflex's accessory shoe, and the lens focused by scale. The raised mirror also prevents the use of the built-in meter, so diaphragm stops and shutter speeds must be set manually. The incredible depth of field of the 21mm Super-Angulon-R makes focusing virtually unnecessary in most cases, however.

The focusing range of the Super-Angulon-R is from infinity to about eight inches (0.2 m) and focus is set on a dual feet/meters scale. The smallest field covered is approximately 5 7/8 x 8 3/4 inches (148 x 221mm). Click stops, and half-stops from f/3.4 to f/22 are provided.

The reflex version of the 21mm lens accepts Series VIII filters which are held in place by the round lens hood supplied with the lens. This hood, incidentally, is different from the one supplied with the M-camera version of the lens and the two can not be used interchangeably.

The 21mm Super-Angulon-R f/3.4 lens complete with special lens hood (Cat. No. 11,803) is $303.00.

From the Camera 35 magazine (December 1967/January 1968)

It is for reasons Leicaflex users swear by their cameras. As if astounding [resolution] figures were not enough, there is the fantastic German workmanship and unique quality that convinces amateurs and pros alike that the rather steep Leitz prices are well worth it. What's more, even a novice could not help notice the distinctive clarity typical of all Leica and Leicaflex negatives. Under the microscope, the sharpness seems to be jump right out at you. Incredible is the best description here.

From the editor

Optically the lens is the same as the M-mount version supplied for Leica by Schneider. It was made for LEICAFLEX (Standard), the mirror must be locked up in order to mount the lens on camera due to protruding rear element of the lens. Therefore the lens can't be used with other Leica SLR cameras. Moreover it needs dedicated viewfinder (12002), the same as for Leica M cameras.

The lens has internal thread for M67 x 0.75 filters. The lens hood serves as a retaining ring for Series VIII filters. The replacement front lens cap 14107 fits over rim of reversed lens hood.

Notes

• The lens was designed for use with 35mm film SLR cameras with the mirror locked in the up position.

Other ultra-wide angle prime lenses in the Leica R system

Lenses with similar focal length