CV lenses

[Guest guy_mancuso]

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Sean when you get a chance on the 12mm, it be interesting to know if we can squeeze a IR filter on via the 15mm application. i know we don't have the proper 12mm code for it but still be handy to know what filter we could fit inside the front mount if any. Getting close to ordering one

[sean_reid]

Sean - I had not realised that CV switching to M mount was a general strategy until I read it on RR last night.

 

..................Chris

 

They haven't announced that, to my knowledge. One can just see that trend watching what is being discontinued and what is being introduced. The new lenses are all M mount, the discontinued lenses are all screw mount. Were it not for the coding issue, that trend would be fine.

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

[sean_reid]

Sean when you get a chance on the 12mm, it be interesting to know if we can squeeze a IR filter on via the 15mm application. i know we don't have the proper 12mm code for it but still be handy to know what filter we could fit inside the front mount if any. Getting close to ordering one

 

Hi Guy,

 

Thanks for the reminder because I need to grab some O-rings today. I'm going to try a 46 and O-ring on the 12. It might vignette but we'll see.

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

[Guest guy_mancuso]

Great thanks. I have a B+W 52mm slim if you need to try it. I'm thinking we may need a leica filter here but maybe best after all said and done to just shoot without it altogether but worth a test to see. Maybe we can talk leica into a 12mm code. maybe not. LOL

[sean_reid]

Great thanks. I have a B+W 52mm slim if you need to try it. I'm thinking we may need a leica filter here but maybe best after all said and done to just shoot without it altogether but worth a test to see. Maybe we can talk leica into a 12mm code. maybe not. LOL

 

Thanks, I have a 46 Leica filter here as well as 52 and 55 486s. (Actually, I think the 55 came from you.) I don't think Leica is going to code for anything they don't make and I wouldn't blame them for taking that position. I'm still thinking the 12 might be best with no filter but I'll find out.

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

[geoff]

In addition to Sean's list, there is the following Cosina Voigtlander lenses for which I am expected delivery of any minute via FedEx:

 

Color-Skopar 21mm F4 P

This is the new Leica M mount version of the Color-Skopar 21mm.

 

Heliar Classic 50mm F2

This is a limited edition 250th Voigtlander Anniversary Kit, collapsible w/M mount available unbundled, as far as I know, only through CameraQuest. Only the black version is left.

 

After I returned from LA in a week, I am looking at acquiring both the new M mount Color-Skopar 25mm F4 P, which is expected to be available next week according to Stephen Gandy at CameraQuest, and the Nokton 40mm F1.4.

 

I just finished reading Sean Reid’s review of the Nokton 40mm F1.4 and I am actually intrigued by both the reported results at ƒ8 and it’s strange and unique out of focus characteristics. I mostly shoot at ƒ8 and above, but I also like new avenues to explore and turning limitations into advantages. So, in some cases, the Nokton 40mm F1.4 will be a speciality lens for me.

 

Even though I have overlapping focal lengths in a Leica 24mm Elmarit ASPH and 50mm Summilux ASPH with a 21mm Elmarit ASPH and both Tri-Elmars to shortly follow, I find the compactness and therefore portability of the Voigtlanders to be a big selling point. I really prefer to travel light and small.

 

When I acquired my M8s I also snatched up both the Ultra Wide-Heliar 12mm F5.6 Aspherical and the Super Wide-Heliar 15mm F4.5 Aspherical. The later of which became my standard lens during the inclimate months for my indoor nightlife work.

 

Now that spring is here and I am out traveling around to as many cities and places as I can get to, I am transitioning back into my extensive street photography routine. However, it will be the “first M8 spring” with new outdoor technics to learn and perfect. I am expecting the combined lightness and optical quality of the Voigtlanders to be a real asset.

 

 

Geoff

myspace.com/geoffotos

[sean_reid]

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Sounds great Jeff. My list included only the LTM Voigtlanders. They're of special interest now because they can be used with the Milich adapters. I'm going to test the new 25 but I wish it was still screw mount.

 

At F/8, the 40 is a sweetheart of a lens and I like your attitude about seeing what you can do with its strange OOF at F/1.4 and F/2.

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

 

Please report back when you've had a chance to work with them.

[sean_reid]

OK, the filter on the 12 works physically, at least. I used a thick o-ring to sit against the front lens element retaining ring and this acts as a spacer to keep the filter off the lens element itself. Then I, very carefully, slid a 46 Leica filter into the lens hood. It's a very tight fit but it's possible if one is careful. More details on this later because I need to find out if this will vignette or not. Then there's the coding question.

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

[Guest guy_mancuso]

Closet would be the WATE and worth a try at least, than we will know one way or the other. Thanks for trying this out, would be nice just to know were we stand on the 12mm

[jlm]

Sean: i have a retaining ring for your WATE test...what method\how fast should I ship It?

 

jm

[sean_reid]

Closet would be the WATE and worth a try at least, than we will know one way or the other. Thanks for trying this out, would be nice just to know were we stand on the 12mm

 

Yes, we had talked about the WATE 16 code but 16 is a long way from 12. In any case, I just checked and the filter vignettes emphatically if its mounted in the hood so that's a no go.

 

I think there will be a few ways to work with the 12.

 

1. No filter, no code. This lens vignettes less than the 15, as is.

2. no filter, WATE coded (may remove whatever vignetting does exist)

3. 77 mm IR-cut filter in factory filter holder (but from whom?), WATE coded (almost certain cyan drift will not be fully corrected though, will need extra work in post)

4. John whips up a filter holder that holds a smaller Leica filter ( 60?), cyan drift would still need correction in post

 

For now, my favorite option is number 2 with a Jamie profile.

 

Looks like a 60 mm filter might do the trick? So, down the road, we would need John to make us a threaded filter mount/hood that would mount to the outer barrel of the lens with a tensioning ring (which is how the stock hood mounts). Then we'd need to sort out the cyan drift. Seems like using the 12 is going to be a bit trickier than using the 15.

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

[Joe Mondello]

Here's a shot with the 40 1.4 Nokton on the R-D1. Sean calls the bokeh of this lens "caffeinated" I call it "nervous" (same idea really) . . . So yes, I also prefer it stopped down (see 2nd shot from M8)

 

 

[ericperlberg]

They haven't announced that, to my knowledge. One can just see that trend watching what is being discontinued and what is being introduced. The new lenses are all M mount, the discontinued lenses are all screw mount. Were it not for the coding issue, that trend would be fine.

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

 

Is there anythig to stop CV from coding their lenses to match what they feel is the closest Leica equivalent? Since the future of the M mount is digital, since they're retooling anyway... It would be a real plus from CVs marketing point of view IMO not to mention a boon for M8 owners.

 

Sean, you asked your readers with other camera systems for patience while you do all these M8 related articles. I'll look forward to your other reviews but I'm really pleased that you've provided so much critical info for M8 users. Thanks!

[sean_reid]

Hi Eric,

 

CV and Zeiss are not in a position to be producing coded lenses at this time. Thanks very much for the review comments.

 

Best,

 

Sean

[Guest guy_mancuso]

Yes, we had talked about the WATE 16 code but 16 is a long way from 12. In any case, I just checked and the filter vignettes emphatically if its mounted in the hood so that's a no go.

 

I think there will be a few ways to work with the 12.

 

1. No filter, no code. This lens vignettes less than the 15, as is.

2. no filter, WATE coded (may remove whatever vignetting does exist)

3. 77 mm IR-cut filter in factory filter holder (but from whom?), WATE coded (almost certain cyan drift will not be fully corrected though, will need extra work in post)

4. John whips up a filter holder that holds a smaller Leica filter ( 60?), cyan drift would still need correction in post

 

For now, my favorite option is number 2 with a Jamie profile.

 

Looks like a 60 mm filter might do the trick? So, down the road, we would need John to make us a threaded filter mount/hood that would mount to the outer barrel of the lens with a tensioning ring (which is how the stock hood mounts). Then we'd need to sort out the cyan drift. Seems like using the 12 is going to be a bit trickier than using the 15.

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

 

Kind of what i was figuring also and agree Number 2 maybe the way to go for now unless John wants to try a 60mm setup and we will have to add some extra work in PS but even just one action for one lens won't be so bad , i can certainly deal with one lens cyan drift. Thanks Sean that pretty much confirmed what i was thinking on this. i think the code for the vignetting alone maybe worth still coding it for 16mm, which i have a adpter here coded just waiting for me to buy it.

[sean_reid]

I can certainly get the vignetting/correction data in my tests over the next few days. If anyone has an extra 60 mm *Leica* IR filter they'd like to loan, I'd be happy to see how that does with the 12.

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

[ccc yyy]

what framelines does the 25/4 P

bring up on the m8?

[sean_reid]

I haven't seen the 25P or 21P yet. Maybe some one else knows. I can find out.

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

[Ecaton]

Hi Tim,

 

Stephen Gandy tells me that the 35/2.5 models are all identical optically. Right now, I'm testing two of them, the 35/2.5 Skopar and the 35/2.5 PII. I prefer the former because it's more compact with a hood mounted (although the hood on the latter is likely more effective) and esp. because the Skopar is thread mount which allows me to use it with a machined (for coding) adapter that John made me.

With respect to performance, either version of the 35/2.5 is exceptionally good. More specifics when I get into comparison testing. Right now I'm just using various cameras and lenses for my regular work to see how they perform in normal use.

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

 

In any case

 

To bridge the wait until a resonably priced asph Summilux 35mm crosses my way, I bought a new Skopar 35/2.5 Classic for (200 USD) and used it today the first time. Wow, what an excellent little lens. It is small (smaller than the CV 15), very lightweight, easy to focus with the knob, renders crisp, contrasty shots, sharp corner to corner and has a quite pleasing and smooth bokeh. What a great value for the money!

 

Cheers

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Hallo,

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[Guest guy_mancuso]

I can certainly get the vignetting/correction data in my tests over the next few days. If anyone has an extra 60 mm *Leica* IR filter they'd like to loan, I'd be happy to see how that does with the 12.

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

 

 

Sean i have a custom made B+W 60mm if you need it. It has no front threads . it was a 62mm glass fit inside a 60mm frame and had to reverse the retaining ring to hold it in but it works. Let me know send me a PM or e-mail