12 or 15

[Paul Hart]

12.

Just buy one.

[wstotler]

Essemmlee,

Haven't shot with the 12--but I can say the 15 does a great job for wide shots on the M8. Infinity starts at about 6 feet even at f/4.5.

Here's my CV15 gallery if you want to see some additional samples:
CV15 - a set on Flickr

It isn't "Leica" glass for sure, but it doesn't suck, either. And for the price, its *tiny* size, and its ability to transform the M8 into a "snappy" camera (auto exposure + no focusing = point and shoot capability) is great. It opens up some relaxed shooting possibilities.

Good luck with your selection,
Will

[Essemmlee]

Originally Posted by Paul Hart

12.

Just buy one.

Great answer - short, succint and full of meaning.

12.

I'll buy one.

[Etruscello]

I do not suggest getting the CV12 and the CV15 to be used together -- although they do represent the 35mm functional equivalents of 16mm and 20mm lenses (a considerable difference). Rather, I find it's best to couple my CV12 and ZM18 as one super-wide set, and my CV15 and ZM25 as another -- for me, either set is a more flexible alternative to the WATE zoom. The first set is wider than WATE, the second is faster.

[brill64]

does anyone have a picture of the CV12/15 on their M8, I've no idea what this lens looks like? Errrmm.......what does CV stand for, btw?

[Hookeye]

CV stands for Cosina Voigtländer. Cosina has taken over the famous Voigtländer brand. They make rangefinder cameras and lenses. The lenses can also be used on a Leica with a suitable adapter. Most of the CV lenses are screw mount, but will fit perfectly on a bayonet Leica M with an adapter. The CV lenses are popular with Leica users as they offer excellent value; Very good quality and (unlike Leica) not very expensive. The CV12 and the CV15 are 12mm and 15mm wide angle lenses and are very popular with Leica owners.

[sean_reid]

Originally Posted by Hookeye

CV stands for Cosina Voigtländer. Cosina has taken over the famous Voigtländer brand. They make rangefinder cameras and lenses. The lenses can also be used on a Leica with a suitable adapter. Most of the CV lenses are screw mount, but will fit perfectly on a bayonet Leica M with an adapter. The CV lenses are popular with Leica users as they offer excellent value; Very good quality and (unlike Leica) not very expensive. The CV12 and the CV15 are 12mm and 15mm wide angle lenses and are very popular with Leica owners.

It's getting to be that many of the CV lenses are M mounts. That's too bad, actually, because the LTM lenses are so much easier to code with an LT-M8 adapter.

Cheers,

Sean

[Gareth2]

I love the fov of the 12, the 15 doesn't quite do it for me. the compromise is that if you get low and try looking through the viewfinder, the horizon goes off big time. I solved the problem through a coldshoe double mount adapter which saved the lens from ebay for me. I ahve the external viewfinder and a bubble level mounted on it so I frame the shot with the viewfinder and then look at the bubble level just before shooting.

It's only a big deal if you try to get low to exaggerate the foreground, then for some reason i start looking at the horizon like a drunkard.

[leitz_not_leica]

I had both...did a side-by-side a/b mounted on a TT pod...sold the 15.

[Dr.Kildare]

I've had both but now have the 12 and the WATE. I was a little disappointed with the 15 but you certainly get more than you pay for.

Here is a recent holiday snap with the 12.