Voigtlander vs Leica 35 mm

[Ko.Fe.]

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22 hours ago, Howling Dick said:

Thanks

interestng what you say about the Leica and b &w. I’ve tried the Ultron but was expecting deeper blacks - maybe it’s all in the post processing?

MM cameras are not SOOC from my knowledge. 

[Howling Dick]

47 minutes ago, Ko.Fe. said:

MM cameras are not SOOC from my knowledge. 

Grateful for advice - thank you.

but What is SOOC ?

[costa43]

SOOC stands for ‘straight out of camera’

I’ve used the Ultron and it’s a really good lens. No complaints at all. In my experience though, when you buy Voigtlander at the beginning of your Leica M journey, you will likely have that itch to buy Leica glass at some point, may as well skip a step and pick up the Summicron. 

Edited June 22 by costa43

[Ko.Fe.]

43 minutes ago, Howling Dick said:

Grateful for advice - thank you.

but What is SOOC ?

Straight out of camera.

Some cameras are capable of SOOC. But bw usually needs some editing. 

[Howling Dick]

47 minutes ago, Ko.Fe. said:

Straight out of camera.

Some cameras are capable of SOOC. But bw usually needs some editing. 

Got it. Recon the Voightlander will do the trick then

Thanks - you saved me a lot of money

Richard

[Howling Dick]

55 minutes ago, costa43 said:

SOOC stands for ‘straight out of camera’

I’ve used the Ultron and it’s a really good lens. No complaints at all. In my experience though, when you buy Voigtlander at the beginning of your Leica M journey, you will likely have that itch to buy Leica glass at some point, may as well skip a step and pick up the Summicron. 

Agree  - a man after my own heart

However for once I’ll be sensible and experiment with a couple of Voightlander 21 and 35 to start and save up for better Leicas than I can afford today.

Thank you

Richard

Edited June 22 by Howling Dick
Grammar

[Jeff S]

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If you are in the US, CameraQuest offers a 30 day return policy on Voigtlander for ANY reason, no restocking fee (with same condition and packaging).  So, easy to try. And you can rent Leica and Voigtlander lenses from LensRentals.
 

Nobody can tell you for sure what suits your style and abilities (shooting or editing or printing… each different), and no forum survey can address ergonomics, build, controls and handling that meet your preferences. Most modern lenses provide excellent image quality potential; the differentiators often relate to other aspects. 

Edited June 22 by Jeff S

[Howling Dick]

Thanks Jeff - 

However I’m in UK but I take on board what you say

Richard

On 6/21/2025 at 7:51 PM, osaf said:

I had not yet the chance to test the 'cron 35/2 Asph, but I own and use the Ultron 35/2 Asph and I love it: The optical performance is excellent and the characteristic is fantastic. I have bought the lens as a "starter" / first lens, re-selling it later in mind. But I will keep it because I love it. I guess you would not make a mistake to start with the Ultron. Testing the 'cron and swap the lenses later is always an option. 

 

9 hours ago, Ko.Fe. said:

Straight out of camera.

Some cameras are capable of SOOC. But bw usually needs some editing. 

 

9 hours ago, costa43 said:

SOOC stands for ‘straight out of camera’

I’ve used the Ultron and it’s a really good lens. No complaints at all. In my experience though, when you buy Voigtlander at the beginning of your Leica M journey, you will likely have that itch to buy Leica glass at some point, may as well skip a step and pick up the Summicron. 

 

[Stuart Richardson]

Yes, and it is also not always the case that the Leica lenses are better. It is about the lens that is right for you. I use the Voigtlander 50mm f2 APO Lanthar with my M10 Monochrom, but I also have the 50mm 1.4 Summilux ASPH. I bought the Voigtlander because it is the sharper lens, and I mostly do landscape work. The price difference of nearly 9000 dollars between it and the 50mm APO Summicron M is simply absurd to me, for what is very similar performance in the end, where the Voigtlander is better in some areas (flare and price) and the Leica is better in others (vignetting and overall size). It really depends on what kind of photographer you are, and what you value in your gear. In a lot of cases, the newer Voigtlander lenses are sharper than the older Leica ones, but each choice needs to be evaluated individually by the photographer. But I don't think it as simple as to just say "Leica is better". It certainly isn't in some cases.

Edited June 26 by Stuart Richardson

[Howling Dick]

Wise words Stuart - I’ve made the decision to go with Voightlander for no other reason than I just can’t justify the Leica prices. They do a 35mm APO for £900 against the comparable Leica (admittedly smaller ) for £8k!!!!

[Eoin]

On 6/21/2025 at 8:35 PM, Howling Dick said:

Basically, I love my Q2 mono but acquired the M11 to hopefully get even more striking images

any tips?

Tips?, apart from improving my image editing skills to extract the best from the monochrome’s image, a 24mm on the M11M seems to give a similar FOV to the Q2M.

There is not a world of difference between the 2 cameras image wise, it’s more the shooting experience.

[Howling Dick]

Thanks

Yes the experience of shooting with the M11 is a great learning curve for photography. I’m taking a lot more consideration on my shots

 

[MarkPS]

I have a 35mm cron.  It is great.  I have a 50mm Voigtlander Lanthar which is both APO and Aspherical. Great leans and very reasonably priced.   Candidly, I am happy with both.  I think that you get more for your money with Voigtlander lenses.  I use both on an M10-R. Buy it from a store where you can return the lens if you don’t like it. B&H has a 30 day return policy.   The best judge will be you.  

[MindsEye]

23 hours ago, Howling Dick said:

Wise words Stuart - I’ve made the decision to go with Voightlander for no other reason than I just can’t justify the Leica prices. They do a 35mm APO for £900 against the comparable Leica (admittedly smaller ) for £8k!!!!

Are you getting the Voigtlander APO or Ultron?
If you haven't seen it yet Jack Takahashi has a very good review of the Ultron. He makes comparisons in it. He probably has one on the 35 VM APO as well. Lots of reviews out there of course. Ask two photographers and you'll get 3 opinions. 
Someone else I think mentioned viewfinder blockage which may be a concern for you with the APO...it would for me. As mentioned, very different lenses. If you have a store where you can try the two of them out, that would be ideal. Or at least a good return policy from an online store.
Enjoy whichever one you get!
Happy shooting,
Joel

[Howling Dick]

Thanks Joel - doing that next week . Thinking of adding a portrait lens as well 70/80

[S Maclean]

Between those two lenses I'd go with the Ultron. In fact I got the Ultron v2 and it's stellar in the Monochrom.  If you where looking at the Lux though, then i'd take the lux. 

THis is taken with the Ultron, Albeit on the M11, not the Monochrome (it's being calibrated for me)

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[S Maclean]

On 6/27/2025 at 3:47 AM, Howling Dick said:

Thanks

Yes the experience of shooting with the M11 is a great learning curve for photography. I’m taking a lot more consideration on my shots

 

Hints: Out of Camera the Q2M will give you better images. The M11M will give you better Negatives. That's my experience.  The Q offers an immediate connection the moment. It's fast, accurate, easy.  The M gives a better connection to photography, it's immersive, can be just as fast with practice but it requires more confidence and intent.  THe fact that you can try all sort of lenses with the M11M is trully exceptional. But, if you're used to the Q it would be a good idea to start with a 28 or a 35 (the Ultron is a perfect companion on 35, You can ge the 28 Nokton 1.5 if you want to have similar parameters to the Q.  This way you will have an already built eye for the scene and can better focus your skills.

The M is more delicate on the highlights, mostly because once you learn it you often shoot all manual.  Unless the scene or moment call for urgency avoid the trap of startng to use the Automatic modes, or use them as guides and then go manual.  This is the best way to understand the camera.

Everyone will tell you to under expose becasue you can recover 5 stops etc etc.  Unless the scene is extreme i don't agree either taking a bad picture to save it later. I under-expose by 2/3 or whatever is giving me the right balance in the moment, and, if I can i dopn't use the exposure compensation but rather work the trianle or ISO, S and A...this way I learn. I can always revert to A or use the SL3 or the Q when I'm hunting instead of fishing for images.

Also, everyone will tell you the ISO noise control in the Monochrome is incredible (it is) but don't get lazy and try to work the image in a more classic way. Low ISO, High aperture (unless DOF or light require closing a little) Good technique.

But, if you ever feel pinched to take the pic (i do) you still ahve every aid you need except for stabilization and Auto focus.  (on that, learn zone focusing and hyper focusing) it's easy on 28mm and 35mm.

Edited July 19 by S Maclean

[Howling Dick]

7 hours ago, S Maclean said:

Hints: Out of Camera the Q2M will give you better images. The M11M will give you better Negatives. That's my experience.  The Q offers an immediate connection the moment. It's fast, accurate, easy.  The M gives a better connection to photography, it's immersive, can be just as fast with practice but it requires more confidence and intent.  THe fact that you can try all sort of lenses with the M11M is trully exceptional. But, if you're used to the Q it would be a good idea to start with a 28 or a 35 (the Ultron is a perfect companion on 35, You can ge the 28 Nokton 1.5 if you want to have similar parameters to the Q.  This way you will have an already built eye for the scene and can better focus your skills.

The M is more delicate on the highlights, mostly because once you learn it you often shoot all manual.  Unless the scene or moment call for urgency avoid the trap of startng to use the Automatic modes, or use them as guides and then go manual.  This is the best way to understand the camera.

Everyone will tell you to under expose becasue you can recover 5 stops etc etc.  Unless the scene is extreme i don't agree either taking a bad picture to save it later. I under-expose by 2/3 or whatever is giving me the right balance in the moment, and, if I can i dopn't use the exposure compensation but rather work the trianle or ISO, S and A...this way I learn. I can always revert to A or use the SL3 or the Q when I'm hunting instead of fishing for images.

Also, everyone will tell you the ISO noise control in the Monochrome is incredible (it is) but don't get lazy and try to work the image in a more classic way. Low ISO, High aperture (unless DOF or light require closing a little) Good technique.

But, if you ever feel pinched to take the pic (i do) you still ahve every aid you need except for stabilization and Auto focus.  (on that, learn zone focusing and hyper focusing) it's easy on 28mm and 35mm.

Fantastic advice. I’ve now been using the M11 for a month and it’s changed my outlook on photography.

i really get what you mean about going manual.

R

[Howling Dick]

7 hours ago, S Maclean said:

Between those two lenses I'd go with the Ultron. In fact I got the Ultron v2 and it's stellar in the Monochrom.  If you where looking at the Lux though, then i'd take the lux. 

THis is taken with the Ultron, Albeit on the M11, not the Monochrome (it's being calibrated for me)

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I bought the novton and exchanged it for the Ultron v2 preferred the size for everyday use. I then acquired a used Leica 5.6 28mm which is fantastic. 
thats a great photo!

Edited July 20 by Howling Dick

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[Chris W]

On 6/21/2025 at 10:21 AM, sinjun said:

 Spending more money on a lens generally yields diminishing returns

I think that's too general a comment.

I bought a Leica 35mm f2 in 1990 and it remains my favourite lens. I have owned many camera systems and many lenses and the images this 35 creates are just gorgeous to my eyes. So what I'm saying is that buying one expensive lens can lead to lifetime of happy shooting.

There are some excellent Voigtlander lenses and various different Leica 35's, so more info is needed to advise the OP.