Ulysseita wrote:
Hi everyone!
I’m a long follower of your reviews and topic and after years I have a big question to the users of this glass.
As a super happy 40 1.2 owner of vm version on a7r3 with techart and vm close focus adp too, I was close to the 21 for wider end (got batis just for tropicalization) and now I ask on this topic suggestions for the long end of my ideal three lens config.
Tried the 105 sigma.. huge. Returned.
Now I’m between this to be used with techart and the Sammy 85...
Fred you had both.. do you have something to suggest?
I love the touch of Nokton and the stars too but seems the sammy is a great product for bokeh and sharpness...
What I love on Nokton 40is the microcobtrast when you shot between f 4 and 8 on landscapes.
Is the 75 similar?...Show more →
The Voigtlander 75/1.5 is an outstanding lens. It's so compact and already very good from wide open. It does improve at f/2 and at f/2.8-4, it's just as good as the mighty CV 65/2 APO at center. (I've posted some crops on this review thread). I would not worry IQ and rendering with this lens.
The Samyang 85/1.4 is another great lens but it's bigger and heavier. It renders very close to the 85/1.4 GM but not as smooth and without the round specular highlights towards the edges wide open. It's also a great choice.
Decisions, decisions. ...keep in mind that although close, they differ in FL, so you have to pick your favorite.
I prefer 75mm and 135mm.
My VM 75/1.5 arrived yesterday so I took it out for quick spin adapted to my Z7 with Novoflex. This is a sequence from wide open to f4 with half stops. (I may have missed one or two, so I’ll only indicate for the first and last in the sequence...) The B/W at the end is the farm vehicle that sits behind the flower in the shots.
f1.5
Old thresher (?) at Rocklands Farm Winery. Focus on nearest corner at 5.6 (I think)
I also shot a few of my nieces and my sons to see how portraits might look. The 75/1.5 fills a gap in my prime lens line up between a VM 40/1.2 Nokton and 125/2.5 APO-Lanthar (F mount). My primary interest in the lens is for informal portraiture, both at home and the street. All of the following were shot wide open on my Z7 + Novoflex. I’ve done some auto adjust in Lightroom on a few or more. It’s a challenge to focus on such at thin plane with about 100 degrees of throw.
Last, but not least, some random shots, mainly up around Potomac/Poolesville outside of DC. All shot wide open on my Z7 + Novoflex, except one dandelion at 2.8 for comparison. I’m very happy with this lens... more compact than I expected, excellent build and balance, great bokeh. Looking forward to trying out with my BT ND/CPOL in the coming weeks. Will definitely be in my Roatan kit this August.
Focus on yellow ball
Focus on lower eye
Focus on knob
Focus on foreground tip
f1.5
f2.8
Celebrating my wife’s promotion and sister-in-law’s 40th last night :)
Fred Miranda wrote:
The Voigtlander 75/1.5 is an outstanding lens. It's so compact and already very good from wide open. It does improve at f/2 and at f/2.8-4, it's just as good as the mighty CV 65/2 APO at center. (I've posted some crops on this review thread). I would not worry IQ and rendering with this lens.
The Samyang 85/1.4 is another great lens but it's bigger and heavier. It renders very close to the 85/1.4 GM but not as smooth and without the round specular highlights towards the edges wide open. It's also a great choice.
Decisions, decisions. ...keep in mind that although close, they differ in FL, so you have to pick your favorite.
I prefer 75mm and 135mm. ...Show more →
Thanks Fred, I think you're right.
FL is the biggest difference maker and this lens will be my first lens for my 3 shot brenizer technique, so I need a max 85mm lenght and minimum 65mm.
And a lens with not so many external aberrations.
Fred Miranda wrote:
Received the 135/4 Tele-Elmar today and was able to focus with accuracy wide open without any magnifier.
Perhaps it won't be needed with this lens. Here are some snaps from the backyard: (all wide open)
PS: This lens is a steal for the price. Sharp throughout the frame from wide open. I will be using it with the Sony as well.
Fred Miranda wrote:
Forgive me for the OT post as this is not related to the CV 75/1.5 but I'm shocked by the extreme corners of the Leica 135/4 Tele-Elmar at infinity distance. (hard stop on my lens)
Here it is WIDE OPEN. (See the image showng my lens version which I think it's from 1969!!!)
Weighs 504g (measured) - It's a steal for the price I paid ($250 in mint condition)
Hi Fred,
I know this really isn't the place for this, but after reading your posts about the Leica 135mm f4 Tele-Elmar, I just purchased one of these lenses made in 1965 from the original run of 1000. Mine cost more but is coming from Australia and will take sometime to arrive. I was willing to pay more because the lens includes the locking hood and lens cap though it is not in quite the condition as yours. I will use the lens with my A7r stock, A7r V3 Kolari Thin Sensor modded, A7rII Kolari UT Sensor modded, and my A7rIII. Hopefully my copy will perform similarly to yours on my Sony cameras.
I will experiment with the lens with both my Hawk's Factory V5 Helicoid alone and also with my Kenko Sony FE 10mm and 16mm extension tubes with and without the Helicoid for closer focusing.
Has anyone tried the lens with the Leica 55mm Elpro lenses for closer focus?
I know this really isn't the place for this, but after reading your posts about the Leica 135mm f4 Tele-Elmar, I just purchased one of these lenses made in 1965 from the original run of 1000. Mine cost more but is coming from Australia and will take sometime to arrive. I was willing to pay more because the lens includes the locking hood and lens cap though it is not in quite the condition as yours. I will use the lens with my A7r stock, A7r V3 Kolari Thin Sensor modded, A7rII Kolari UT Sensor modded, and my A7rIII. Hopefully my copy will perform similarly to yours on my Sony cameras.
I will experiment with the lens with both my Hawk's Factory V5 Helicoid alone and also with my Kenko Sony FE 10mm and 16mm extension tubes with and without the Helicoid for closer focusing.
Has anyone tried the lens with the Leica 55mm Elpro lenses for closer focus?
My two Leica Elpro close-up filters are 55mm so a 39-55 step up ring will be needed. I've never tried the new Elpro 52mm.
I have used a 10mm macro extension tube on the Leica M10 and can close much closer. On the Sony I've used the Voigtlander close-up adapter (4mm) with it and didn't think it helped much. Probably a 10mm extension tube will be needed for a good close-up range.
My two Leica Elpro close-up filters are 55mm so a 39-55 step up ring will be needed. I've never tried the new Elpro 52mm.
I have used a 10mm macro extension tube on the Leica M10 and can close much closer. On the Sony I've used the Voigtlander close-up adapter (4mm) with it and didn't think it helped much. Probably a 10mm extension tube will be needed for a good close-up range.
Hi Fred,
Both the original like yours and mine take the 39mm as does the second version. The 3rd and last generation take the 46mm filter size.
Yes if I purchased the Elpro lenses they would be in the 55mm filter size as they could also be used with several of my Leica R lenses.
This is the kind of hood and lens cap included with and designed to be used with my lens:
Hi, Fred, I received Voigtlander 75mm from BH, It is indeed a very lovely lens. I quite like it especially consider how small it is and with almost the same 90 degree focus range as Leica M glass.
However, on my Leica M10p, its infinity hard stop is exact stopped there, I almost feel it doesn't reach infinity. Almost all Leica glasses I have there is a hair line of wiggle room for infinity. I also do feel the lens is slightly back focused which may not be real because it is very hard to distinguish at this focal with rangefinder. Do you have similar experience? If that is normal, I will keep it after it pass decenter test.
I ordered black version, anyone has the silver and how you like the finish?
Hi, Fred, I received Voigtlander 75mm from BH, It is indeed a very lovely lens. I quite like it especially consider how small it is and with almost the same 90 degree focus range as Leica M glass.
However, on my Leica M10p, its infinity hard stop is exact stopped there, I almost feel it doesn't reach infinity. Almost all Leica glasses I have there is a hair line of wiggle room for infinity. I also do feel the lens is slightly back focused which may not be real because it is very hard to distinguish at this focal with rangefinder. Do you have similar experience? If that is normal, I will keep it after it pass decenter test.
I ordered black version, anyone has the silver and how you like the finish?...Show more →
There is some tolerance with the lens adjustment since bodies don't have the exact same flange distance. I feel that Voigtlander tries to be precise in the adjustment but sometimes it creates issues whenever the hard stop does not quite reach infinity.
Many of my lenses don't reach infinity at the hard stop. Ironically my CV 75/1.5 Nokton does reach infinity. (actually focuses slightly pass infinity at the hard stop)
Hi, Fred, I received Voigtlander 75mm from BH, It is indeed a very lovely lens. I quite like it especially consider how small it is and with almost the same 90 degree focus range as Leica M glass.
However, on my Leica M10p, its infinity hard stop is exact stopped there, I almost feel it doesn't reach infinity. Almost all Leica glasses I have there is a hair line of wiggle room for infinity. I also do feel the lens is slightly back focused which may not be real because it is very hard to distinguish at this focal with rangefinder. Do you have similar experience? If that is normal, I will keep it after it pass decenter test.
I ordered black version, anyone has the silver and how you like the finish?...Show more →
Super curious to hear your thoughts on it--I have almost purchased it myself several times. Please let us know
Fred Miranda wrote:
There is some tolerance with the lens adjustment since bodies don't have the exact same flange distance. I feel that Voigtlander tries to be precise in the adjustment but sometimes it creates issues since the hard stop does not quite reach infinity.
Many of my lenses don't reach infinity at the hard stop. Ironically my CV 75/1.5 Nokton does reach infinity. (actually focuses slightly pass infinity at the hard stop)
Thank you, Fred.
Slightly pass infinity should be the way to go based on my experience with all those Leica branded M glasses. Basically, the focus will stop at hard stop but it will be a hair line pass infinity. The longer the lens, the more critical this need to be. Usually, with wrong infinity, the lenses most likely will have focus problem here or there with rangefinder.
I need more time to determine if this one is in spec.
---------------------------------------------
nehemiahphoto wrote:
Super curious to hear your thoughts on it--I have almost purchased it myself several times. Please let us know
Maybe I'll stop itching for a 75/80 Lux...
The lens is quite modern based on quick review on LCD actually, but handling is surprisingly lovely. I usually don't trust myself on initial evaluation until use it enough under different scenario. Before reach certain using time, I don't think I am objective about gear especially for lens with honeymoon period or camera that need time to understand its plus minus, but I will let you know my initial impression.
And I can tell you now that I fully don't expect it will replace 80lux, they are quite different lenses from what I have seen, and it is normal to have multiple lenses cover the same focal for FMer
zhangyue wrote:
The lens is quite modern based on quick review on LCD actually, but handling is surprisingly lovely. I usually don't trust myself on initial evaluation until use it enough under different scenario. Before reach certain using time, I don't think I am objective about gear especially for lens with honeymoon period or camera that need time to understand its plus minus, but I will let you know my initial impression.
And I can tell you now that I fully don't expect it will replace 80lux, they are quite different lenses from what I have seen, and it is normal to have multiple lenses cover the same focal for FMer...Show more →
Nothing is going to beat the 75/80 lux at being the Lux But there are many longer portrait lenses I like, but usually they are pretty large or heavy. It'd be nice to hear from about the non-technical stuff--your feel of the rendering, how much and what type of character, how it compares against new and older lenses. I always appreciate your input/opinions.
nehemiahphoto wrote:
Super curious to hear your thoughts on it--I have almost purchased it myself several times. Please let us know
Maybe I'll stop itching for a 75/80 Lux...
I tested this lens on SL2 and M. It show field curvature on both, but slightly different behavior which indicate sensor stack thickness is different between SL2 and M., not really a surprise for me. And this particular lens stop right at infinity for both for me.(I use OEM LEica M to L adapter) I also confirmed it is a well centered copy with correct rangefinder on my m10p.
With M, the corner will focus further than center so it will be concave type of field curvature. With SL2, Corner and center will be both in focus but mid field (more toward to corner zone) will be out of focus. However, even with FC, the lens perform quite good at long distance. Stop to landscape aperture will be a very respected performer.
The lens clear show contrast drop at close range but I actually like the draw in this case and it is still sharp enough for me. Bokeh is quite smooth and predictable actually.
That means this is no 75/80 lux as it performs quite clean and modern. It won't give you 80lux draw but at the same time it might offer smoother bokeh under most condition, just not those glowing SA which is a selling point for me for lux.
Seriously, this is a superb value for a Leica user TBH, or anyone value a small manual focus lens highly. It is not cheap if you compare to f1.8 or even f1.4 glasses from other manufacture, I can guarantee Nikon f1.8S beat it on sharpness and similar or better bokeh and CA. but for me personally, this is a superb value and a superb choice. I definitely think this is the best VC lens I ever used overall, not necessarily better than 40 or 50 f1.2, but just more special for me as a Leica user. Put it another way, 40 and 50 f1.2 have no chance knock out 50lux for me but this one indeed can potentially change my selection of 75 90 cron or Summarit, no kidding.
If use a single word to summarize this lens, it would be: balance. Which is one of most important factors when consider a Leica M glass for rangefinder use. Highly recommended!
Jul 03, 2020 at 01:26 AM
Steve Spencer Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
zhangyue wrote:
I tested this lens on SL2 and M. It show field curvature on both, but slightly different behavior which indicate sensor stack thickness is different between SL2 and M., not really a surprise for me. And this particular lens stop right at infinity for both for me.(I use OEM LEica M to L adapter) I also confirmed it is a well centered copy with correct rangefinder on my m10p.
With M, the corner will focus further than center so it will be concave type of field curvature. With SL2, Corner and center will be both in focus but mid field (more toward to corner zone) will be out of focus. However, even with FC, the lens perform quite good at long distance. Stop to landscape aperture will be a very respected performer.
The lens clear show contrast drop at close range but I actually like the draw in this case and it is still sharp enough for me. Bokeh is quite smooth and predictable actually.
That means this is no 75/80 lux as it performs quite clean and modern. It won't give you 80lux draw but at the same time it might offer smoother bokeh under most condition, just not those glowing SA which is a selling point for me for lux.
Seriously, this is a superb value for a Leica user TBH, or anyone value a small manual focus lens highly. It is not cheap if you compare to f1.8 or even f1.4 glasses from other manufacture, I can guarantee Nikon f1.8S beat it on sharpness and similar or better bokeh and CA. but for me personally, this is a superb value and a superb choice. I definitely think this is the best VC lens I ever used overall, not necessarily better than 40 or 50 f1.2, but just more special for me as a Leica user. Put it another way, 40 and 50 f1.2 have no chance knock out 50lux for me but this one indeed can potentially change my selection of 75 90 cron or Summarit, no kidding.
If use a single word to summarize this lens, it would be: balance. Which is one of most important factors when consider a Leica M glass for rangefinder use. Highly recommended!...Show more →
Thanks Michael, your views a very similar to my own. Not a perfect lens, but a well balanced one, and by the way I agree about the Nikon 85 f/1.8S as well. That is a lovely lens, but I just prefer manual focus most of the time. The Voigtlander does have a modern look, but I still like the rendering a lot.
Steve Spencer wrote:
Thanks Michael, your views a very similar to my own. Not a perfect lens, but a well balanced one, and by the way I agree about the Nikon 85 f/1.8S as well. That is a lovely lens, but I just prefer manual focus most of the time. The Voigtlander does have a modern look, but I still like the rendering a lot.
It is a great lens. The most standout is size/speed ratio and for sure it has neutral(smooth) bokeh
90APO has more even cross frame sharpness at f2, but weight more and bigger, slower, more easy to flare. Both suffer at close range contrast.
For now, I will keep 90 APO as I found many time I regret selling Leica glass and have to buy them back at higher price down to the road TBF, For optics, many beat it now.
zhangyue wrote:
I tested this lens on SL2 and M. It show field curvature on both, but slightly different behavior which indicate sensor stack thickness is different between SL2 and M., not really a surprise for me. And this particular lens stop right at infinity for both for me.(I use OEM LEica M to L adapter) I also confirmed it is a well centered copy with correct rangefinder on my m10p.
With M, the corner will focus further than center so it will be concave type of field curvature. With SL2, Corner and center will be both in focus but mid field (more toward to corner zone) will be out of focus. However, even with FC, the lens perform quite good at long distance. Stop to landscape aperture will be a very respected performer.
The lens clear show contrast drop at close range but I actually like the draw in this case and it is still sharp enough for me. Bokeh is quite smooth and predictable actually.
That means this is no 75/80 lux as it performs quite clean and modern. It won't give you 80lux draw but at the same time it might offer smoother bokeh under most condition, just not those glowing SA which is a selling point for me for lux.
Seriously, this is a superb value for a Leica user TBH, or anyone value a small manual focus lens highly. It is not cheap if you compare to f1.8 or even f1.4 glasses from other manufacture, I can guarantee Nikon f1.8S beat it on sharpness and similar or better bokeh and CA. but for me personally, this is a superb value and a superb choice. I definitely think this is the best VC lens I ever used overall, not necessarily better than 40 or 50 f1.2, but just more special for me as a Leica user. Put it another way, 40 and 50 f1.2 have no chance knock out 50lux for me but this one indeed can potentially change my selection of 75 90 cron or Summarit, no kidding.
If use a single word to summarize this lens, it would be: balance. Which is one of most important factors when consider a Leica M glass for rangefinder use. Highly recommended!...Show more →
That seems to be most people's thoughts, and thanks for the input. From what I have seen thus far, I think that will be my opinion as well. I'll try one at some point, I generally prefer a soft draw, especially with portraits lenses, but I'll give this a try nonetheless. It's sounds very much like a CV lens with the modern draw and high degree of optical excellence but no perfection, small size/weight and ergo.
nehemiahphoto wrote:
That seems to be most people's thoughts, and thanks for the input. From what I have seen thus far, I think that will be my opinion as well. I'll try one at some point, I generally prefer a soft draw, especially with portraits lenses, but I'll give this a try nonetheless. It's sounds very much like a CV lens with the modern draw and high degree of optical excellence but no perfection, small size/weight and ergo.
Yep. The most impressive part is size. It is simply lovely. It is right there around 300-350g that Leica 50 and 35lux at. and can be as landscape lens stop down as lux as well. A perfect three lens setup for me for M
...keep in mind that although close, they differ in FL, so you have to pick your favorite.
