Creaking from the Chair

It is sometimes a sadness to me that Leica discontinues wonderful lenses.

There are of course practical realities as to how many lenses can be kept in the range.   And some are superseded of course. The 21mm & 24mm Elmarits were replaced by the Summiluxes of the same focal lengths.  Yes, the ‘luxes have a two stop advantage and the glow of the 1.4 aperture.  But are significantly bigger, heavier and more costly too.  The wide Elmarits are a real steal on the used market and I strongly recommend.  Fabulous compact gems.

The 24mm Summilux is a wonderful lens too: Sadly, it was discontinued shortly after the 28mm ‘lux was released.

I am so delighted I acquired a 24 ‘lux when they were still in production.  Last Sunday, I visited the V&A museum with my M11 and the 24mm ‘lux.  As a photographic destination, the V&A is a rich seam to mine.  In less than an hour I was able to grab enough images to tell the story.  And the photographic gallery upstairs is worth a visit on its own.

As the the 24mm length is a bit ‘Marmite’ Leica no longer produce one for the M.  Many users feel it is not a true wide like the 21mm and not as versatile as the 28mm. I can see these points, but I feel it is wide enough in most applications. The depth of focus is just that much more ‘separating’ wide-open than the 21mm ‘lux.  

I am pleased to attach some images. All taken on the 24mm ‘lux during my recent museum visit, which I hope illustrate what the lens can offer.  (I should add that all vignetting is added in post for effect. This lens does not vignette at all, even wide-open). Click an image to open up the gallery. It’s a gem, and another opportunity on the Ebay scene.  I will be continuing my thoughts on discontinued lenses in future creaks from the chair;  lucky you!

And now for something useful: 

A quick update on the 2025 TLS virtual exhibition.  Entries have been steadily arriving and the harvest is very good indeed.  Deadline is fast approaching (14.11.25) for submitting up to two colour and two mono images per TLS member.  Only rule is the image must have been taken using a Leica camera and or lens.

Many thanks for taking part.  It matters. Please send your entries to me:

Thank you all for being part of a very unique community.

Contact Giles, use the contact us page and select chairman’s corner from the drop-down