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Why the LEICA 21mm SUMMILUX M makes sense - and why not

Florian Froschmayer // STAY CURIOUS

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Videos mentioned:
Why Leica?: WHY LEICA? - My journey to embracing Leica...
12mm lens on a Leica Rangefinder Camera: 12mm Wide Angle lens on a Leica Rangefinde...

Music by Artlist: https://geni.us/artlist_ff (get 2 extra months free)

In this video, I am sharing the story of my Leica Summilux M 1.4 21mm ASPH lens. It's a very special lens with a unique look. I'll discuss the reasons why I bought it, the creative opportunities it presented, and the factors that eventually led me to part with it. If you're on the fence about getting this lens, my experiences might help you find the answers you're looking for.

Products mentioned in this video:
Leica Summilux 21mm: https://geni.us/leica_21_summilux_ff
Leica M10-R: https://geni.us/Leica_M10R_ff
Leica Summilux 35mm: https://geni.us/Leica_35mm_Summilux_ff
Leica Apo Vario Elmarit 90-280: https://geni.us/Leica_Elmarit_90-280ff
Panasonic 70-200 f2.8 Pro: https://geni.us/panasonic_70-200_ff

Leica FOTOS App: https://leica-camera.com/en-int/photo...

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Atomos Ninja V: https://geni.us/Atomos_Ninja_V_ff
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KRK GoAux4: https://geni.us/KRK_GoAux4_ff
KRK Rokit 5 G4: https://geni.us/KRK_Rokit5_G4_ff
Sure SM7B: https://geni.us/Shure_SM7B_ff
Neweer LED lights: https://geni.us/Neweer_LED_660_ff

edited on DaVinci Resolve Studio 18: https://geni.us/DaVinci_Resolve_Studio
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Music: Artlist.io
Visual Add-ons: Envato Elements

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Disclosures:
1. Some links in the description are affiliate links. If you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a commission at no additional cost to you.
2. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
3. All products shown in this video are bought and not sponsored
4. All opinions are my own. Sponsors are acknowledged.

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https://www.froschmayer.com
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Video produced by FF Entertainment GmbH, Berlin, Germany
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contact: https://www.froschmayer.com/contact

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00:00 - Intro
00:46 - Leica Summilu M 1.4 21mm / tec specs
01:30 - My history with the 21mm Summilux
02:40 - 21mm Summilux M for people photography
03:51 - 21mm Summilux M for street photography
04:33 - 21mm Summilux M for architecture
05:22 - 21mm Summilux M for landscape and nature photography
06:44 - 21mm Summilux M and using distortion for creativity
08:20 - Why I sold the 21mm Summilux M
10:52 - Final thoughts about wide angle photography if you should buy the 21mm Summilux
11:39 - Please like and subscribe

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15 Comments

@richardsimms251 2 years ago

Excellent photos.

@soewst 3 years ago (edited)

The Leica Summilux-M f.1.4/ 21mm was and still is my absolute dream lens. In 2021 I finally fulfilled my dream and am very happy with it! Worth every penny! In my opinion this lens is perfect for street photography. Sorry but Ii’s a 21mm focal length so of course you have to go reaaally close to your subject. :D I use it on my analog MP.

@damienphotographe 2 years ago (edited)

Fast lenses are initially made for low light scenario prior to bokeh effect that is a side effect, wide lenses are made for situation where you cannot step back enough to frame the subject. Indoor events such are concerts or shows were you sit in first row is a good example of why you need such a lens. Choose a lens based on a scenario you do frequently. It's less a landscape or architecture lens where you won't value f1.4, more a reportage and event type lens. Thanks for the video.

@GastonShutters 3 years ago

Beautiful lens. I thought about it for a moment. Got the 21mm f2.8. I am not able to cope with large lenses on my M6 or M11. The reason why most of us shoot M systems is due to its compact size and the incredible small fast lenses that there are. Got the Summilux 50mm f1.4 II and I don’t use it as much as I use my 50mm f2 Apo.

@richardsimms-v4n 2 months ago

Very, very good photographs
RS. Canada

@paulkwan2881 2 years ago

Do you need a viewfinder for this lens with the M10 camera?

@peterebel7899 1 year ago

Gut gemacht!
Ich habe mich gerade für ein gebrauchtes Super-Elmar entschieden. Ich glaube das ist stimmiger (zumindest für mich)

@rexgigout1472 2 years ago

Well-done presentation! Your presentation helps to affirm my decision against buying a Summilux-M 21mm in early 2022. I decided that the Super Elmar-M 21mm would probably be a better choice, for the ways in which I use a 21mm lens. Plus, I already had a superb Zeiss 21mm f/4.5 ZM lens, which causes color shift with Leica digital M cameras prior to the M11, but works well on my Type 246 Monochrom, which lessened the priority of adding another 21mm lens. Ultimately, I decided to acquire a Cosina Voigtlander Nokton 21mm f/1.4 VM, for the relatively few occasions I want to use a “fast” 21mm, or to shoot color images with a 21mm lens on my M10.

By not spending $6K US for a pre-owned Summilux-M 21mm lens, or $9K US for a new one, I was able to acquire the 21mm Voigtlander, a pre-owned APO Summicron-M 75mm ASPH, and a pre-owned Elmar-M 24mm ASPH, plus a Cosina Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.0 Aspherical lens. I understand that the Summilux-M 21mm and Nokton 21mm VM lenses have different visual signatures, and different “character,” but I seem to prefer that my “character” lenses be of longer focal lengths than wide-angle.

@lovrencg 3 years ago (edited)

How was chromatic aberration on lux 21? it is simular to Lux 35 FLE? Congratulations on SL 90-280.... incredible sharp lens :=)

@richardsimms251 2 years ago

Did you sell your 3 lenses yourself on ebay ? How did you sell the 3 lenses ? Thank you. Wonderful photos.

@Narsuitus 3 years ago

I have been very happy with my Leica 21mm f/1.4 wide-angle lens. I use it with 35mm f/1.4 and 90mm f/2 lenses on my M6 and M10.

However, to free some cash, I have considered selling my 21 and replacing it with a less expensive Voigtländer 21mm f/1.8 Ultron. I thought this video would help me in my decision making.

@ofeykalakar1 2 years ago

The 21 luxe is just too big. The 21 Super Angulon disappears into the camera body and is tiny out front also much closer minimal focus distance- sure it’s from 1958 but it still holds up with large sensors.

@johnwalton2166 1 month ago

Interesting - the 35 Summilux FLE is a lens I’ve owned twice and sold. My least favourite Leica lens - I have the 35 APO Summicron instead.

@johnwalton2166 1 month ago

I don’t think 21mm is a portrait lens at all. Its benefit is in tight urban situations, and with a subject in the foreground. Care is needed with ANY ultrawide lens to keep the sensor plane perpendicular to the subject. Having 1.4 is just another option, not the point. It’s still 21mm that defines the lens.