Advice for a Voightlander 50mm Lens for M11

[Guest]

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Hi,

I'm considering a Voightlander 50mm lens for my M11. 

The current options seem to be the Heliar Classic 1.5, the Nokton 1.5 or the APO-Lanthar 2.0

I'm looking for something not too large for general use, and as a newcomer to the M11 need some help. I have been considering the Summicron 50mm 2.0, but I'd like to dip my toe in the water with something less expensive.

The only other lens that I have right now is the 35mm 1.4 Summilux FLE.

All advice gratefully received!

Edited February 6, 2023 by Corius

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[satijntje]

I would go for the 2.0 APO VM lens.
Second hand you can find them here in the Germany for about 700€.
The rendering is very close to the 8000€ APO Summicron.
Good luck
 

[hdmesa]

Another vote for the APO – you won't fully see what the 60mp M11 sensor is capable of without a lens the CV or Leica 50 and 35 APOs. The output reminds me of medium format. Close up portraits with this lens will require retouching.

 

[tjxism]

I've gone for the Norton 1.5, which is ideal in size and design. It has a vintage look (in other words, with certain defects). I've used a 50APO with my M240 and M10, but I'd prefer a bit more character from the lens. Especially the OP has (and assumably likes) a 35 FLE, which is known as a lens with a strong character.

 

I love Leica APOs too, but I found the image they produce are close to high-end modern lenses from the big brands - aiming to archive perfection. 

[dpitt]

If you go on the used market there are a lot more options in this price range. Buy from a trusted shop and it is as good as buying new IMO. Lenses and certainly Leica lenses are made for eternity. My oldest usable lens is from 1935. Which is a bit extreme. But e.g. the last pre-ASPH version of the Summicron 50mm lasted from early eighties until now. So buying this one as a 40 year old lens in good condition makes sense.

[ianforber]

I suspect it’s just me but I can’t tell the difference between lenses unless they have a very dramatic characteristic such as the swirly bokeh that I’ve seen on some examples of the CV 35mm ultron f2. I have the latest 50mm Summicron and the new CV 35mm f1.5. Can’t tell the difference in image style/quality. I don’t take portraits though so maybe it’s that kind of image where the differences come to the fore. For me though, in future I’ll go for a lens based on size and price and just accept that they are all good enough for my M11. 

[chris7273]

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I have just bought a Nokton 1.5 and I am really happy. It's small, light and well built. Good balance with the M11 body. 

And I have also a 35 summilux FLE (2022 version) : incredible lens. I think this Nokton will be a good lens for a versatile kit with the Lux. 

 

Edited February 9, 2023 by chris7273