Cled Lewis' 21mm Compositions
14th March 2025
In: News, Members' Articles
Cled has more than a soft spot for 21mm lenses and has now plunged for the 21mm Summilux. He shows us how he has used these different lenses in his article:
EXPERIENCES WITH THE LEICA 21MM LENSES.
Over the years I have owned four Leica 21 mm lenses. The first being the Super Angulon R f4
Followed by the Elmarit M f2.8, the WATE 16-18-21mm and now the 21mm Summilux.
My interest in the 21mm stemmed from an article in the Leica Photography International back in the early 80’s and as I was using the Leicaflex SL at that time I bought the Super Angulon.
Pam at this time acquired an R4s and claimed the Super Angulon. As I had an M5 I bought an Elmarit M f2.8.
When I owned the M8, Leica offered any least a reduced price to compensate for the infrared problem and I bought the WATE and sold the Elmarit
Fast forward to the present day I had always wanted the Summits 21mm and eventually succumbed to temptation and bought a secondhand lens putting the WATE in part exchange.
It was a case of want over need but it really is a magnificent lens but has a steep learning curve to use it effectively.
One advantage of owning an M11 with this lens is that the hybrid shutter speed dispenses with the need for neutral density filters.
I have included an example from each of the above lenses.
The man at prayer taken with the WATE.
The Chancel picture is taken with the Elmarit.
The cemetery is taken with the Summilux
The picture of the landscape is taken with the Super Angulon.
The final two pictures taken with the Summilux, one in colour at f1.4 and 1/16000sec and one converted to B&W of the figures taken at f5.6.
Cled Lewis.
Man at Prayer - Wide Angle Tri-Elmar - 21mm
Ewenny Priory Cemetery - M11 - 21mm f1,4
Ewenny Priory Chancel - M11 - 21mm Elmarit
Derelict Dram - M6 and 21mm Super-Angulon on Tech Pan
21mm Summilux - f5.6
21mm Summilux - f1.4 1/16000
EXPERIENCES WITH THE LEICA 21MM LENSES.
Over the years I have owned four Leica 21 mm lenses. The first being the Super Angulon R f4
Followed by the Elmarit M f2.8, the WATE 16-18-21mm and now the 21mm Summilux.
My interest in the 21mm stemmed from an article in the Leica Photography International back in the early 80’s and as I was using the Leicaflex SL at that time I bought the Super Angulon.
Pam at this time acquired an R4s and claimed the Super Angulon. As I had an M5 I bought an Elmarit M f2.8.
When I owned the M8, Leica offered any least a reduced price to compensate for the infrared problem and I bought the WATE and sold the Elmarit
Fast forward to the present day I had always wanted the Summits 21mm and eventually succumbed to temptation and bought a secondhand lens putting the WATE in part exchange.
It was a case of want over need but it really is a magnificent lens but has a steep learning curve to use it effectively.
One advantage of owning an M11 with this lens is that the hybrid shutter speed dispenses with the need for neutral density filters.
I have included an example from each of the above lenses.
The man at prayer taken with the WATE.
The Chancel picture is taken with the Elmarit.
The cemetery is taken with the Summilux
The picture of the landscape is taken with the Super Angulon.
The final two pictures taken with the Summilux, one in colour at f1.4 and 1/16000sec and one converted to B&W of the figures taken at f5.6.
Cled Lewis.
Man at Prayer - Wide Angle Tri-Elmar - 21mm
Ewenny Priory Cemetery - M11 - 21mm f1,4
Ewenny Priory Chancel - M11 - 21mm Elmarit
Derelict Dram - M6 and 21mm Super-Angulon on Tech Pan
21mm Summilux - f5.6
21mm Summilux - f1.4 1/16000
Comments
By David Askham: Cled, A fascinating series of pictures taken at 21 mm focal length. I think my favourite one is the boat wreck. With your carefully chosen viewpoint, your eye is drawn through the wreck to the sea beyond. Lovely!
My mind boggles at your choice of shutter speed necessary on a sunny day! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. By Keith Walker: These are great examples of good use of a focal length that needs care. Your avoidance of converging verticals is excellent. By Cled Lewis: Thank you for your nice comments, I have obviously chosen carefully but the shot of the man at prayer is a crop. I would not dream of encroaching into someone’s space at such a private moment but it does show what is possible with a 21mm lens.
Your comments really are appreciated.
Cled