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LOOKING FOR: Voigtlander 75mm Lens Info.


ezc203

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I'm thinking about adding a 75mm lens to my arsenal (on the M8) many to sure for head shots and street-fashion photography. The 100mm equivalent is a focal length I really enjoy.

 

However with availability and money in mind, I have decided to either get the Summarit-M or a Voigtlander alternative. Which brings me to my question:

 

Can experienced members on the Forum provide me with some information regarding the two Voigtlander lenses: the 75/2.5 and the 75/1.8?? Or maybe some example pictures?

 

There are plenty of Leica lens reviews out there (namingly the 75mm Summarit) but Voigtlander lens reviews are a scarcity and even when I did find one it was usually a test on a micro4/3 platform. If anyone can offer some info regarding these two lenses on the M8, I would be greatly appreciative!

 

Thanks in advance.

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Its well worth the money to pay the modest subscription to Reid Reviews and find Sean's recent review of 75mm lenses. They are tested on the M9 but the essentials are the same. He also has an older review of the CV f2.5

 

FWIW I think the CV f2.5 is one of the true lens bargains you can buy, just the right weight and length to use on an M body and with great performance.

 

Steve

Edited by 250swb
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If memory serves well, the 75 1.8 is a portrait lens, an elegant way to say that it's not very sharp.

The 2.5 is much more of an allrounder, even Erwin Puts spent quite good words for it but mechanics level is not up to optical performance. As usual with CV, it's excellent bang for the buck.

 

Cheers,

Bruno

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I enjoyed my 75 2.5. Have to say I thought of it more as a long standard than a short tele.

 

Bought it new a few years ago, just sold it on at a profit a few weeks ago. This was on a Leica III

 

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Regards,

 

Bill

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The Voigtlander 75 f/2.5 is one of the best lenses for the money that I've tried, though never tried on a cropped sensor. For $250 and an adapter it's worth a try to see if you like the focal length on your M8.

 

Here's a shot with an M6 and the C.V. 75 f/2.5:

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Also I have a Summarit 35 and a 90 and they are as sharp as any modern Leica lens, without ever trying the 75 I can safely say that it's a great lens and probably be worth the upgrade at some point if you like the focal length....

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I also strongly recommend that you should read the Reid Review on this excellent and under-rated lens.

 

Recently bought a Summicron 75 and put my CV 75/2.5 up for sale. I'm currently getting the CV back from consignment to keep.

I've no experience personally with the f1.8, do you need the extra stop?

 

Mark

Edited by MarkP
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Thanks for the responses guys. I will read the two recommended reviews. I've always had difficulties with PayPal so have been reluctant to use it. However, I might have to bite the bullet this time...

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If memory serves well, the 75 1.8 is a portrait lens, an elegant way to say that it's not very sharp.

 

I'd say that not entirely fair....

 

Wide open sharpness is more than enough, since the bokeh it fades into is gorgeous. It's not soft in a 'cheap and crappy' way, more in a pre-asph 50 Lux kind of way.

 

I can't believe the 75 Heliar classic isn't talked about more in these parts as I feel it is an utterly superb lens. I bought mine as an alternative to the rare, heavy, slow-focussing 75 Lux, and I've not been disappointed in the least (and I've tried two 75 Luxes in the past).

 

It's a stunning lens, especially at the price, and I can't recommend it highly enough - and this is from someone with a strong Leica-bias in lens purchases. Other than to make a quick buck, I'd not trade it for a 75 Lux (mainly for functional reasons), and I hold that lens in extremely high regard also.

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I'd say that not entirely fair....

 

Wide open sharpness is more than enough, since the bokeh it fades into is gorgeous. It's not soft in a 'cheap and crappy' way, more in a pre-asph 50 Lux kind of way.

 

I can't believe the 75 Heliar classic isn't talked about more in these parts as I feel it is an utterly superb lens. I bought mine as an alternative to the rare, heavy, slow-focussing 75 Lux, and I've not been disappointed in the least (and I've tried two 75 Luxes in the past).

 

It's a stunning lens, especially at the price, and I can't recommend it highly enough - and this is from someone with a strong Leica-bias in lens purchases. Other than to make a quick buck, I'd not trade it for a 75 Lux (mainly for functional reasons), and I hold that lens in extremely high regard also.

 

Agreed. My impression was not based upon first hand experience but on the outcomes of Sean Reid's review. But I changed my mind further to seeing some pics posted in another thread here:

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/other/112892-m8-photography-33.html

 

There was one at full aperture which was really gorgeous. And I'm into real photography, not bottles or walls.

I can't say nothing about mechanics quality. I guess that as usual for CV it's not on par with Leica, but it's understandable since they cost much less than Leica lenses.

 

Cheers,

Bruno

Edited by !Nomad64
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The Voigtlander 75/2.5 is a compact. light, lens and gives excellent results on the M8. Very good value. e.g.:

 

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Thanks for the responses guys!

 

I've been looking at both the Leica Summarit and Voigtlander f2.5 very closely lately (in stores and everything) and I can't see how to justify buying the Leica. From what I've seen (both here and on Reid's) the Voigtlander is EXCELLENT.

 

Will most likely be buying a copy of the Voigtlander sometime this week. Thanks for all the help.

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I can't say nothing about mechanics quality. I guess that as usual for CV it's not on par with Leica, but it's understandable since they cost much less than Leica lenses.

 

In general I'd say this is usually true, but the Heliar is exceptionally well made for a 'cheap' lens - it seems sturdy, focus is smooth and precise - better than some CV lenses I've tried. Or course I've not had it for 30 years yet, so come back later for a more thorough review ;)

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In general I'd say this is usually true, but the Heliar is exceptionally well made for a 'cheap' lens - it seems sturdy, focus is smooth and precise - better than some CV lenses I've tried. Or course I've not had it for 30 years yet, so come back later for a more thorough review ;)

I can only confirm it. I general, 75 mm is wasted on me - I have no affinity with the focal length, so I bought a "cheap" CV 75/2.5 for occasional use. The lens thoroughly surprised me with its excellent optics and good build quality. It is now part of my "light" carry-around set: Elmarit 28 vIII-Summicron 40-CV 75-2.5. These lenses are well matched.

Edited by jaapv
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Just for clarity Jaapv, I am referring only to the 75/1.8 Heliar, not the 2.5 (which may well also be a fine lens)

 

The 2.5 is a well-established and generally well-liked lens - the 1.8 comparatively recent and harder to find source material for, but essentially is a 'Poor Man's Summilux' - and in some respects better.

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LeicaBraz - By "Street Fashion Photography" I am referring to taking pictures of people who I think are dressed interestingly. Seeing as I live in NY, this can be quite a fun activity. (I do NOT mean taking a model, dressed, out to the streets and shooting). Think of it as a urban version "bird hunting" :)

 

Jaap - I agree, 75mm is not a focal length I particularly enjoy. Even when using legendary lenses like the 80mm Summilux-R, I find the 65-80mm kind of redundant for me. However on the M8, that's a different story. The 90mm is a little out there for me, and the 75mm (effectively a 100mm) is just want I need. (Also, I don't like the 50mm (effective 67mm) on the M8)

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I have reviewed both lenses on my blog. I personally prefer the 75 f/2.5.

 

F/1.8

Review: Voigtlander 75mm F/1.8 Heliar

 

F/2.5

Review: Voigtlander 75mm F/2.5 Color Heliar

 

Personally at that focal length, I don't mind having a slightly slower lens if I can use it wide open. I honestly didn't find the softness of the F/1.8 that pleasing. It didn't really glow...it just was kind of overly soft. Not really the "soft focus" look either however. The F/2.5 is fantastic from wide open and never disappoints. It has a wonderful look and just amazing rendering.

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