If you follow Four Corners Dark, you know that one of our all time favorite camera’s is the LC-A -RL. I think I once said that ‘I would buy two just so I could shoot with one in each hand.’ The optics of the Russian lens are worth the extra few bucks, and the auto exposure and ISO setting assure a good exposure almost all of the time. We had been on the fence about the wide angle lens, though- mostly due to it’s $150.oo price tag, but when looking at other super wides like the Bessa.. it’s cheaper to buy the lens then a second camera just for the times you want to shoot super wide. 

I knew that the results would be dramatic, but I was amazed at just how wide you can actually go with this lens- I didn’t want a fisheye, just something in the 20mm range for situations when I can’t get far enough away from a subject, or want a different perspective. I was not prepared, however, for just how wide this would go. It’s stunning to see the transformation of the shot between the built in lens and the attached super wide. 

Looking for a spot to test head to head, I cam across an abandoned building- a good subject as I would be able to get a wide landscape shot and close up details as well. The wide shot says it all- this is the lens you want if you shoot with an LC-A and are looking to get more of the subject in your image. The perspective spherizes slightly, but not to the point of a fisheye, and most importantly- keeps it full frame. A fisheye, and even their Tunnel Vision lens will cut into the frame a bit, which at times works out well. But I wanted to keep it full frame, and I don’t mind a little distortion on close up shots.

The craftsmanship of the lens is top notch. While I don’t often rave about the Evil Empire that is Lomo, they build this lens to exact standards, and with beautiful detail. It slides on the tracks that you’ll find on each side of the lens, and attaches with a knob that locks it in place- ending something that the Tunnel Vision always makes me nervous about- falling off. Also supplied is a very necessary viewfinder that slides into your hot shoe, and gives you a good idea of what the lens is going to produce. Much like the Voightlander, the viewfinder allows you to see the distortion before you take the shot- something you won’t find with the Tunnel Vision lens.

The pictures below tell the real story- they were shot with Kodak 400cn, on a tripod with the camera not moving a bit while I slid the lens on, so they are exact representations of the regular and wide angle lenses side by side. My only complaint would be the lack of a back of the lens cover, the included bag is nice, but I don’t want anything scratching the optics of my new favorite lens.

Details:

• Focal length with adapter: 20mm (approximate)
• Lens construction: 4 elements in 3 groups
• Field of vision: 120 degrees (full frame)
• Size: 5 x 3cm (2 x 1.25 inches)
• Weight: 140g (5 Oz)
• Mount: Front LC-A+ mount, via accessory rails

Want it? If you shoot an LC-A you want it. In fact, you may already have it.

Need it? If you are looking to get some super wide shots without having to buy a Bessa, this is the lens for you. Its a little pricey, but its worth it.

Regular Lens, 2 meters away…

Same shot, with the Wide Angle lens attached.

The trash pike may seem out of context with the regular lens…

But more dramatic when you can see the environment.

Can’t get far enough away from a subject?

The Wide Angle gives a much better perspective.

A detail shot at less then 2 meters…

Displays the most dramatic effect of the super wide lens.