Hello friends! Today, let’s talk about something really cool, especially for those of you who love photography and cameras – the Leica R 19mm f/2.8 lens. Now, this lens is a legendary one, but here’s where it gets interesting – there are two versions of it: Leica R 19mm V1 vs V2.
I know many people are curious about the difference between these two lenses, and if you’re looking to buy one or already have one, you’re probably wondering: which one is better? Don’t worry! I’ll walk you through everything in simple terms. By the end of this, you’ll have a good idea of the differences between the two, and which one might be the right pick for you!
Leica R 19mm V1 vs V2: A Lens Battle
Overview of Leica R 19mm V1 and V2
Let’s start with a basic overview. The Leica R 19mm lens is a wide-angle lens, which means it lets you capture a wider view in your photos. This can be great for things like landscapes, architecture, or even just fitting more into your shot when you’re in a tight space!
The first version, Leica R 19mm V1, was introduced in 1975. It was a big deal back then because of its impressive image quality. It had 15 elements in 12 groups, which is a fancy way of saying that the inside of the lens had 15 glass pieces arranged in a specific way to make sure your pictures look clear and sharp.
Then, around 1990, Leica came out with Leica R 19mm V2. This version had a totally new design, and instead of 15 elements, it had 12 elements in 10 groups. Leica said this made the lens lighter and improved how well it handled colors and distortion (that weird thing where straight lines in your photos sometimes look curved).
But which one is better for you? Let’s find out!
Leica R 19mm V1 vs V2: Key Differences
Now let’s talk about the most exciting part – what makes these two lenses different. To make things easy, here’s a table that summarizes the main differences between the two:
| Feature | Leica R 19mm V1 | Leica R 19mm V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Year of Release | 1975 | 1990 |
| Optical Elements | 15 elements in 12 groups | 12 elements in 10 groups |
| Filter Thread | Series 8 | 72mm filter thread |
| Weight | 670 grams | 560 grams |
| Focus Type | Close focus: 30cm | Close focus: 28cm |
| Image Quality | Great, but some distortion | Improved, less distortion |
| Build Quality | Classic, heavy-duty | Lighter, more compact |
Now let’s break down these differences a bit more, because there’s a lot to understand here!
Leica R 19mm V1: A Classic Workhorse
The Leica R 19mm V1 is definitely a legend in its own right. When it first came out, photographers loved it because of its solid build quality and how sharp the photos looked. But, like any old-school lens, it does have a few quirks.
- Sharpness: The V1 is sharp, especially in the center of the frame. However, if you’re taking a photo and focusing on the edges (like in a landscape photo), you might notice that the image gets a little soft or blurry on the sides. This was something that people noticed more as camera technology improved.
- Distortion: If you’re taking a photo of a building or something with straight lines, you might notice that those lines look a little curved. This is called distortion, and it’s more noticeable in the V1 than in the V2.
- Size and Weight: The V1 is quite heavy compared to the V2, weighing around 670 grams. That’s like carrying a small bottle of soda! Some people love the heavy, solid feel of this lens – it feels like it can survive anything. But for others, it might be too bulky, especially if you’re carrying your camera around all day.
- Build Quality: Leica is famous for making things that last, and the V1 is no exception. It’s made of metal and feels super strong, so even though it’s old, many V1 lenses are still working perfectly today!
Leica R 19mm V2: Modern and Improved
Now, let’s look at the Leica R 19mm V2, the newer version. Leica made some important changes in this version that made a lot of photographers happy.
- Sharper Across the Frame: One of the big complaints about the V1 was that the edges of the images could get a little soft. Leica fixed this in the V2. Now, when you take a picture, the image is sharp not just in the middle but across the whole frame – from edge to edge.
- Less Distortion: Remember how I mentioned that lines could look curved in the V1? Well, in the V2, that problem is much less noticeable. The lens handles distortion way better, so buildings and other straight objects look straighter, especially when you’re shooting wide-angle shots.
- Lighter and Easier to Use: The V2 is also much lighter than the V1. It weighs about 560 grams, which is a noticeable difference. This makes it easier to carry around, especially if you’re out and about shooting all day. The new design is also a bit more compact, so it fits better in your camera bag!
- Better Colors and Contrast: Leica also worked on improving the lens coatings (the special layers on the glass that help with light transmission). The V2 has better color rendering and contrast, meaning your photos will have deeper, richer colors and more “pop.” This makes your pictures look more vibrant and alive!
Which One Should You Buy: Leica R 19mm V1 or V2?
So, you’re probably wondering – which one should you get?
Well, it depends on what you’re looking for!
Buy the Leica R 19mm V1 if:
- You love classic lenses and enjoy the old-school build quality. It’s heavy and solid, which can feel great if you’re into vintage photography gear.
- You don’t mind a bit of distortion or softer edges in your photos. Some people actually like this because it gives their pictures a certain charm or character!
- You’re on a bit of a budget. The V1 is generally cheaper than the V2 because it’s older, so you might be able to save some money.
Buy the Leica R 19mm V2 if:
- You want sharp images from corner to corner. If you’re a perfectionist and need your photos to be sharp all the way across, the V2 is the way to go.
- You do a lot of architectural or landscape photography, where distortion matters. The V2 handles straight lines much better, so if you’re shooting buildings or interiors, this is a big plus.
- You prefer something lighter and more modern. The V2 is easier to carry around and works better with modern cameras, especially if you’re using an adapter to put this lens on a digital camera.
What’s It Like to Use These Lenses?
Both the Leica R 19mm V1 and V2 are manual focus lenses, meaning you have to twist the focus ring yourself to get the image in focus. This might seem tricky at first, but once you get used to it, it can actually be pretty fun!
Manual focusing gives you a lot more control over your shots, and many photographers love it because it makes you think more about what you’re shooting. Plus, these lenses have a smooth focus ring, which makes focusing easy and precise.
For video shooters, both lenses are a good choice, too. Because they’re manual, you can pull focus smoothly, which is great for getting that cinematic look. The V2, however, might be a better choice for video because of its improved image quality and less distortion.
Leica R 19mm V1 vs V2 – Which One Wins?
Alright, friends, to wrap it all up:
- If you love vintage lenses and enjoy the feel of a solid, heavy lens, the Leica R 19mm V1 is an amazing option. It’s got that classic Leica quality and character that some photographers can’t get enough of.
- But if you’re looking for something a bit more modern, with sharper image quality and less distortion, the Leica R 19mm V2 is the clear winner. It’s lighter, more compact, and the improved optical design makes it a better all-around lens.
No matter which one you choose, both versions of the Leica R 19mm are great tools for creating stunning, wide-angle photos that will make your photography stand out.
So, which one do you think fits your style? Happy shooting, and may your photos be as sharp and colorful as the world around you!