Voigtlander 35mm APO-Lanthar Owners: Why did you buy, or not buy a Leica APO-Summicron ?

[BWColor]

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Speaking for myself, I had just purchased two expensive camera systems and from what I read, the Lanthar provided similar optical results in a larger package with slightly reduced close focusing ability.  My decision was based on my finances and perceived value.  So, my basic question is, did I get this one right?  Perhaps, in ten years, the Leica will keep it’s value when accounting for inflation and the Voigtlander won’t, but of course, the Lanthar was relatively inexpensive in the first place.

In retrospect, how do you view your move from the Voigtlander to the Leica?

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[Stephen.s1]

A no brainer for me. 

I went the el cheapo ($1800) route.  Loved the results. 

However...  now with a substitute pair for $10,000; I have a much heavier pair to strap on the already too heavy M10P and M10m.  That proves the no-brain remark.

Sigh....    Maybe the M 12M will be lighter...

[Almizilero]

I've come to a point where, if I'd have to choose, I'd rather get an expensive lens than an expensive camera. Cameras come and go, lenses (ideally) stay.
That said, I tried some Voigtländers (but no APO) and enjoyed them a lot. The 28 Ultron was my favourite 28mm lens so far. The 75/1.5 is amazing as well and so dirt cheap that it wouldn't even make sense to sell it again.

When I get a new lens, I always try to test the different options I consider. If there is anything that draws me to one or the other (and this anything can be as different things as superior image quality or simply the highly personal joy of use), I go for it. Always in relation to the price, of course. The difference between the Voigtländer APO and the Leica APO is hard to swallow. Still, I got the Leica (never tested the Voigtländer). A 35 is usually glued to the camera, so the smaller size and weight, as well as the handling (i love myself a focus tab) were enough for me (after extensive testing against my beloved Summicron 35 V4).

As another example (from the L mount):
I usually always have a 35 and 85 prime. When I got the SL2-S, I tested the Sigma 85/1.4 against the Leica 90 APO. The Sigma is an amazing lens and has the benefit of a wider aperture. It's great, but kinda boring. But the APO gave me a certain look that I loved instantly. So I got the more expensive one.
I did the same with the Sigma 35/1.2 and the 35 APO. While the APO was superior and had that same amazing look as the 90, the 35/1.2 has it's own special look wide open. So in this case, I couldn't bring myself to spend the extra money. 

 

[burchyk]

Don't own either, but have borrowed Voigtlander 35mm APO. Currently own 35mm Ultron f/2 and 35mm Nokton f/1.4 II, along with a bunch of other Voigtlander lenses. I am perfectly content with the image quality of Voigtlanders, and know for a fact that "better" lenses won't improve my photography at this point. Would rather spend the money on photo trips and film. YMMV.

[newtoleica]

I just picked one up used mint for a good price. 
I have owned an APO Summicron 50 briefly and didn’t get on with it

- too expensive for the use I get out of a 50 - just occasional 

- given my main lenses are the Summilux 24 and 35 I found the Summicron awkwardly small. 
reviews of the APO lanthar often comment that the lens is optically on par with the Leica but ‘cumbersome’ - actually I was delighted at how compact it was when I put it on the camera. Not what I expected. 
I just need to add one of the TT Artsans stick on lens tabs that I use on all my non-tabbed lenses and it will be perfect. 

[Pika898]

Size was the largest factor for me, had the APO-Lanthar as part of a trade but couldnt not gel with the size of the lens. 

The APO Summicron 35 has since been my perfect 1 lens kit for travel. 

[Gerard Gerritsen]

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I bought my first Leica an M 11 P. It was hard to decide what lenses suit me best. Therefor I bought 5 Voigtlander lenses: 28 Ultron II, Lanthar 35 APO, Lanthar 50 APO, Nokton 75 and the 2.8 APO 90. Buying all these lenses in Leica would cost a fortune! Disadvantage is the lack of 6 bit coding. After a lens change I "code" my own way. First picture 1 finger in front of the camera bis 28, 2 is 35, ..... 5 is 90. Now I'm getting used to the M and the Voigtlanders. My initial thoughts were changing 2 focal lenghts to Leica lenses.