p.6 #2 · CV Nokton Aspherical VM 75mm f/1.5 First Impressions
d.s. wrote:
I started at 28/50/100 (Minolta). When I got into rangefinders I went with a 21/35/75 but have since gravitated back.
I'd be curious to learn what Cosina tells the distributor. Not sexy enough? Not enough demand? A modern reinterpretation of the Tele-Elmarits I, perhaps ignorantly, think would do well.
Just asked the Australian CV distributor, who told me that it is simply a matter of sales volume. The APO-Lanthar 90/3.5 in M-mount, although it was a highly regarded lens, wasn't a particularly strong seller. Moreover, they achieved success at the ultra-wide end (10/12/15) because Leica didn't make lenses at those FLs and at the wide end (21/25/28/35) because Leica's offerings were considerably more expensive. There's also a sense that, as a small manufacturer, they've decided to concentrate on what they're good at (and what has been successful for them). After this conversation, I wouldn't be optimistic about a new 90mm M-mount lens appearing anytime soon.
p.6 #4 · CV Nokton Aspherical VM 75mm f/1.5 First Impressions
I wasn't optimistic to begin with. I get the stated logic, save for basing interest on their APO-Lanthar (few enthusiasts, at least, seem to see the potential of really nice, slow lenses), but I could see them offering something uniquely theirs in a faster offering at least. Ah well.
genji wrote:
Just asked the Australian CV distributor, who told me that it is simply a matter of sales volume. The APO-Lanthar 90/3.5 in M-mount, although it was a highly regarded lens, wasn't a particularly strong seller. Moreover, they achieved success at the ultra-wide end (10/12/15) because Leica didn't make lenses at those FLs and at the wide end (21/25/28/35) because Leica's offerings were considerably more expensive. There's also a sense that, as a small manufacturer, they've decided to concentrate on what they're good at (and what has been successful for them). After this conversation, I wouldn't be optimistic about a new 90mm M-mount lens appearing anytime soon....Show more →
Thanks for posting the link! I was unaware that the CV 75/1.5 was specifically optimised for 1m to 3m distance, that matches my own experience using the lens. I also appreciated Ashwin Rao’s observations about the differences between various 75mm M-mount lenses and agree with his opinion that the CV 75/1.5 is probably not a good choice as an “all-rounder” 75mm lens. For that reason I’ll hold on to my Summarit-M 75/2.5.
Excellent review. Thanks for the link serhan_. All the samples presented (here and elsewhere) really tell the story for this lens. It might be helpful for some to read Erwin Puts regarding RF lens optimization. The 1 - 3m subject distance is a traditional reportage framing reference. As is deliberate vignetting.
p.6 #9 · CV Nokton Aspherical VM 75mm f/1.5 First Impressions
Correct. With most Leica mount lenses that is the story.
mapgraphs wrote:
Excellent review. Thanks for the link serhan_. All the samples presented (here and elsewhere) really tell the story for this lens. It might be helpful for some to read Erwin Puts regarding RF lens optimization. The 1 - 3m subject distance is a traditional reportage framing reference. As is deliberate vignetting.
I tested my copy of the CV 75/1.5 on an infinity scene with my Leica M10-P and found it has essentially a flat field. Using the Leica Visoflex 020 external EVF, I focused on the center of the scene (which was at the hard infinity stop) and took exposures at f/1.5, f2.0, and f/2.8.
I then moved the focus point left to the mid-zone and then as close to the left edge as possible, making another three exposures each time. Since, at each of these locations, the sharpest focus was also at the hard stop, there is no point showing images to demonstrate subtle changes in focus since there were none.
p.6 #12 · CV Nokton Aspherical VM 75mm f/1.5 First Impressions
genji wrote:
...
I tested my copy of the CV 75/1.5 on an infinity scene with my Leica M10-P and found it has essentially a flat field. Using the Leica Visoflex 020 external EVF, I focused on the center of the scene (which was at the hard infinity stop) and took exposures at f/1.5, f2.0, and f/2.8.
...
One thing about infinity tests and manual focus lenses I always wonder about is whether the hard stop is actually infinity or just short of or long of infinity. Being even slightly off can make a big difference wide open. Stopping down usually masks any variance.
Anyway, in a few days I'll be looking at how one works on an M-240, and on a Z7 and a7ii with a variety of adapters. Everything posted so far clinched the deal. It's all good. ; - )
p.6 #13 · CV Nokton Aspherical VM 75mm f/1.5 First Impressions
Slalom wrote:
Thin front filter or wait for FE mount version?
An E mount version would require a different optical calculation or nothing will be improved.
Frontend filter might work. A thin filter modified A7R I/II/III will most certainly show better results.
My Heliar 15 III, which is a good copy, improved further on my A7R II Kolari UT.
p.6 #14 · CV Nokton Aspherical VM 75mm f/1.5 First Impressions
They’ve tweaked the optical calculations on other E/M models. No reason they couldn’t do an optimized E version here. I’m waiting for it...
KlausJH wrote:
An E mount version would require a different optical calculation or nothing will be improved.
Frontend filter might work. A thin filter modified A7R I/II/III will most certainly show better results.
My Heliar 15 III, which is a good copy, improved further on my A7R II Kolari UT.
genji wrote:
Thanks for posting the link! I was unaware that the CV 75/1.5 was specifically optimised for 1m to 3m distance, that matches my own experience using the lens. I also appreciated Ashwin Rao’s observations about the differences between various 75mm M-mount lenses and agree with his opinion that the CV 75/1.5 is probably not a good choice as an “all-rounder” 75mm lens. For that reason I’ll hold on to my Summarit-M 75/2.5.
I think he might have been referring to rangefinder focusing ease or accuracy. Have you found your copy to be easy to focus at all distance with the rangefinder patch, or that you need to use the EVF? Do you think it's similarly sharp at ~2m as at farther distances?
p.6 #16 · CV Nokton Aspherical VM 75mm f/1.5 First Impressions
rscheffler wrote:
I think he might have been referring to rangefinder focusing ease or accuracy. Have you found your copy to be easy to focus at all distance with the rangefinder patch, or that you need to use the EVF? Do you think it's similarly sharp at ~2m as at farther distances?
No, I haven’t found it consistently easy to focus at all distances with the rangefinder patch: attaining accurate focus wide open with the RF has been somewhat hit and miss. My focusing ease and accuracy wide open soared when I switched to using the EVF and I’ve resolved to use it for any further wide open shooting. Interestingly though, the first two images in this thread—the VW Kombi van and the motor scooter handlebars & dials—were both taken wide open and were easily focused. This may, however, be due to the fact that I had distinct lines to focus on.
Regarding sharpness at different distances I have to admit to being confused. According to Ashwin Rao, Stephen Gandy at Cameraquest believes the CV 75/1.5 is optimised for the 1m to 3m range whereas Fred suggested in his review that it’s optimised for mid to far distances. [SEE UPDATE BELOW] The images I mentioned earlier (Kombi van and scooter) were taken at about 3m and 1m distance respectively and, to my eye, they are similarly sharp and have the same rendering. However, the images in the last group I posted were all taken wide open and one in particular—the people inside the brightly lit igloo—was about 20m away and it has a very different rendering.
To summarise, I intend to use the CV 75/1.5 for subjects in the 1m to 3m range at f/1.5 with the EVF and with the rangefinder patch at either f/2.0 or f/2.8, depending on the available light. For subjects at mid to far distances (5m to infinity) in good light I’ll use the Summarit-M 75/2.5 at about f/5.6. Essentially, up close and personal with the Nokton and layered distant subjects with the Summarit-M.
[UPDATE] Actually, Fred acknowledged in his review that the lens is optimised for closer distances but was favourably impressed with its infinity performance on a Sony A7R3 from f/5.6 on.
p.6 #17 · CV Nokton Aspherical VM 75mm f/1.5 First Impressions
Hi genji, I am going to order this lens but I would like to ask you: as I understand this lens is not suitable for infinity it’s correct? as I am planning to use it in my leica M240 but not only for portraits.
Thanks genji wrote:
No, I haven’t found it consistently easy to focus at all distances with the rangefinder patch: attaining accurate focus wide open with the RF has been somewhat hit and miss. My focusing ease and accuracy wide open soared when I switched to using the EVF and I’ve resolved to use it for any further wide open shooting. Interestingly though, the first two images in this thread—the VW Kombi van and the motor scooter handlebars & dials—were both taken wide open and were easily focused. This may, however, be due to the fact that I had distinct lines to focus on.
Regarding sharpness at different distances I have to admit to being confused. According to Ashwin Rao, Stephen Gandy at Cameraquest believes the CV 75/1.5 is optimised for the 1m to 3m range whereas Fred suggested in his review that it’s optimised for mid to far distances. The images I mentioned earlier (Kombi van and scooter) were taken at about 3m and 1m distance respectively and, to my eye, they are similarly sharp and have the same rendering. However, the images in the last group I posted were all taken wide open and one in particular—the people inside the brightly lit igloo—was about 20m away and it has a very different rendering.
To summarise, I intend to use the CV 75/1.5 for subjects in the 1m to 3m range at f/1.5 with the EVF and with the rangefinder patch at either f/2.0 or f/2.8, depending on the available light. For subjects at mid to far distances (5m to infinity) in good light I’ll use the Summarit-M 75/2.5 at about f/5.6. Essentially, up close and personal with the Nokton and layered distant subjects with the Summarit-M....Show more →
p.6 #18 · CV Nokton Aspherical VM 75mm f/1.5 First Impressions
Njom wrote:
Hi genji, I am going to order this lens but I would like to ask you: as I understand this lens is not suitable for infinity it’s correct? as I am planning to use it in my leica M240 but not only for portraits.
Thanks
No, that’s not true. On a Leica M it’s flat field at infinity and performs well from f/2.8 on. You can see the results of my infinity test here:
In his review of the lens on a Sony A7R3, Fred wrote:
“When reviewing the lens, I knew the Voigtlander 75/1.5 was optimized for portrait distance - but I was surprised by the great performance at long distance as well. Not only is it capable of unique rendering but it's also a solid choice for landscapes as well.”
So Fred is happy with its infinity performance on a Sony stopped down to f/5.6 or so and it’s way better on an M. I would recommend that you read his full review, knowing that you will get superior results on your M240.
p.6 #19 · CV Nokton Aspherical VM 75mm f/1.5 First Impressions
With only a few quick shots in the evening, I can see I'm going to need the 1.25 eyepiece magnifier on the M-240, as with the 90 cron, or use the Visoflex, at least when wide open. Of the two, I prefer the 1.25 eyepiece.
Yes (without exhaustive testing) I can say it's essentially flat field on the M-240. 1m to infinity. It functions as a landscape lens, wide open (to effect - if that is what one is looking for). The edge to edge performance is excellent. As it's stopped down, the DOF gets better, obviously. And, it's also flat field on the Z7, 1m to infinity, exactly the same as on the M-240. Same as with the 40mm Nokton.
On the Z, I used a 7Artisans M-Z adapter on which the registration distance is just a hair too short. At infinity hard stop it focuses slightly past. I won't bother with a shimmed Kipon as that is even shorter. The 40 Nokton works fine with the Kipon.
p.6 #20 · CV Nokton Aspherical VM 75mm f/1.5 First Impressions
Can't help you folks here as I did my testing on the Sony A7rIII and posted on the thread Fred started.
I also put a link up of BB raws and Infinity as well. I'm replacing my adapter though I have a slight right side softness. Maybe could be a adapter issue. Have a new one coming but it's very slight. Or it could be me on testing.
