The M-mount lens that isn't

[digbyhp]

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I was reasonably excited when the Voigtlander 40/2.8 Asph Heliar was announced. I love the 40mm focal length, and from experience with my 50mm Elmar find the collapsible experience fun and inconvenient at the same time.

 

So I was also disappointed when I saw that this new lens, while an 'M-mount', could not be focused on a M (through the rangefinder at least), and seems only really designed for use on digital. Yes, I know that Ms don't have 40mm frame-lines anyway, but that has never bothered me personally. I suppose not having to incorporate the gizmo that allows you to focus with the RF might have saved some engineering, space and money, but still feel it was a strange design decision for such a retro-looking lens.

 

And now I see it reviewed over on Steve Huff, mounted on an A7-something with an adapter. It looks ridiculous and negates the whole supposed advantage of having a compact collapsible when you have a fat adapter sticking it out.

[veraikon]

So I was also disappointed when I saw that this new lens, ...

 

Why ? It was communicated open that this lens is despite of his "M-mount" a lens for the

NEX system

On a M camera I presume it´s a fixed focus lens .

[luigi bertolotti]

It's an oddity in pure Voigtlander style... a lens WITHOUT focus helicoid, WITH a M bayonet but with warnings that DISCOURAGE its usage on Leica M cameras :

 

"The Heliar 40mm F2.8 is manufactured only for the purpose of using this lens onto E-mount camera body via VM-E Close Focus Adapter. You can not do focusing when you mount this lens via adapters not designed with built-in focusing-function or M-mount camera body directly. If you collapse the lens on M-mount camera body, it might result in damage the equipment. Any claims or damages due to improper use of this lens, which it was not designed for, are not covered by the warranty."

 

Of course... ... such warnings make me curious to TRY TO MOUNT IT on my M240... with some adapter... maybe arranging to mount it on some focusing ring like the old OUAGO... Luckily , is unprobable I see one into a shop an get tempted...