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Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Heliar Classic Review

Fred Miranda
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p.5 #1 · p.5 #1 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Heliar Classic Review

rscheffler wrote:
It would be an interesting comparison. To my eyes, the Heliar has a different look wide open. I'd really need to do a side by side to figure it out. At least my copy of the 50/1.1 isn't mostly across-frame sharp until f/11-f/16. For me at least, I don't think the Heliar would be an EDC 50, and neither is the 50/1.1. For that I prefer the 50 Lux ASPH because it's gentle (though not crazy) wide open and very good across-frame sharpness at f/5.6. It better matches my daily preferences. As you suggested, price point of the Heliar dissuades...Show more →

The Voigtlander 50/1.5 Heliar behaves in a distinctive way. It's actually optimized for close distance where it yields higher contrast than mid and longer distances. That's why some samples at 1m appear sharper and more contrasty than samples at 2.5 and 5 meters (~15 feet). The latter distance is the one that provides higher SA and glow. Quite different than what one would expect. With the CV 50/1.2 Nokton for example, the longer the distance the less SA.

Feb 22, 2022 at 09:27 AM

mapgraphs
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p.5 #2 · p.5 #2 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Heliar Classic Review

helimat wrote:
... I guess I am a little confused why I've seen quite a few pop up used already, for something that hasn't been out that long.

I got mine from Mapcamera, at a good price reduction. Used but it looks untouched (complete in box). It looks to me like the home market churns through the fast lenses, perhaps flipping them with each new release. I was surprised at the number of fast e-mount and APO lenses offered.

https://www.ebay.com/str/mapcamera/Voigtlander/_i.html?store_cat=11764577015&_sop=16

Feb 22, 2022 at 10:08 AM

mapgraphs
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p.5 #3 · p.5 #3 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Heliar Classic Review

Rail Fence

Feb 22, 2022 at 10:19 AM

genji
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p.5 #4 · p.5 #4 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Heliar Classic Review

Fred Miranda wrote:
The Voigtlander 50/1.5 Heliar behaves in a distinctive way. It's actually optimized for close distance where it yields higher contrast than mid and longer distances. That's why some samples at 1m appear sharper and more contrasty than samples at 2.5 and 5 meters (~15 feet). The latter distance is the one that provides higher SA and glow. Quite different than what one would expect. With the CV 50/1.2 Nokton for example, the longer the distance the less SA.

If I had known this—that it’s sharper and more contrasty at close distance—I might not have returned my copy the day after I purchased it. In any case it’s moot now since, as a recent convert to and now ardent follower of the Scheffler Doctrine, I’ve started replacing my CV lenses with Leica lenses (and won’t be buying any new CV ones).

Feb 22, 2022 at 08:34 PM

rscheffler
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p.5 #5 · p.5 #5 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Heliar Classic Review

genji wrote:
... and now ardent follower of the Scheffler Doctrine ...

Feb 22, 2022 at 09:20 PM

Desmolicious
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p.5 #6 · p.5 #6 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Heliar Classic Review

genji wrote:
If I had known this—that it’s sharper and more contrasty at close distance—I might not have returned my copy the day after I purchased it. In any case it’s moot now since, as a recent convert to and now ardent follower of the Scheffler Doctrine, I’ve started replacing my CV lenses with Leica lenses (and won’t be buying any new CV ones).

wut about the new 40 2.8?

As for the other lenses - I get it. I'm giving my Nokon 50 1.5 v2 Vintage another go - this time on my M7. But the focus ring feels like I should be zesting lemons with it. Or perhaps grating some parmesan. How did this make it to production?

Feb 22, 2022 at 09:27 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.5 #7 · p.5 #7 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Heliar Classic Review

genji wrote:
If I had known this—that it’s sharper and more contrasty at close distance—I might not have returned my copy the day after I purchased it. In any case it’s moot now since, as a recent convert to and now ardent follower of the Scheffler Doctrine, I’ve started replacing my CV lenses with Leica lenses (and won’t be buying any new CV ones).

I noticed this when checking my sample images in post because I was using the rangefinder and therefore could not "preview" this effect during the shooting. I did mention this character here:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1719880/2#15718939

Feb 22, 2022 at 09:38 PM

rscheffler
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p.5 #8 · p.5 #8 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Heliar Classic Review

Desmolicious wrote:
As for the other lenses - I get it. I'm giving my Nokon 50 1.5 v2 Vintage another go - this time on my M7. But the focus ring feels like I should be zesting lemons with it. Or perhaps grating some parmesan. How did this make it to production?

Unfortunately another Cosina example of aesthetic design over practical function.

I vote for a Type 2 (tabbed) refresh! Then they could have a staggering 12 variants from which to choose.

Edited on Feb 22, 2022 at 09:51 PM · View previous versions

Feb 22, 2022 at 09:50 PM

genji
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p.5 #9 · p.5 #9 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Heliar Classic Review

Desmolicious wrote:
wut about the new 40 2.8?

As for the other lenses - I get it. I'm giving my Nokon 50 1.5 v2 Vintage another go - this time on my M7. But the focus ring feels like I should be zesting lemons with it. Or perhaps grating some parmesan. How did this make it to production?

Nope, I returned the old 40/2.8 almost as quickly as I did the Heliar 50/1.5. And “no more CV lenses” means no more CV lenses.

“zesting lemons” and “grating some parmesan” are terrifyingly accurate descriptions of CV’s approach to designing focusing rings. The cogwheel focusing ring of the Nokton VM 50/1.5 v1 was nearly as bad.

Huss, you might want to consider embracing Ron Schleffler’s teachings as I did, thereby finding inner peace and happiness. Even in distant Australia I can hear the insistent voice of a Lux 28 ASPH calling to you: “Buy me, buy me…”

Feb 22, 2022 at 09:51 PM

rscheffler
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p.5 #10 · p.5 #10 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Heliar Classic Review

Yah, except this weekend my 28 Lux's focusing ring decided to partially disconnect from the helicoid for the second time since I acquired it (used) in 2016. It now has extremely annoying 2-3mm lag/play when changing focus direction. So all is not rosy with me and Leica at the moment.

Feb 22, 2022 at 09:55 PM

Desmolicious
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p.5 #11 · p.5 #11 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Heliar Classic Review

genji wrote:
Nope, I returned the old 40/2.8 almost as quickly as I did the Heliar 50/1.5. And “no more CV lenses” means no more CV lenses.

“zesting lemons” and “grating some parmesan” are terrifyingly accurate descriptions of CV’s approach to designing focusing rings. The cogwheel focusing ring of the Nokton VM 50/1.5 v1 was nearly as bad.

Huss, you might want to consider embracing Ron Schleffler’s teachings as I did, thereby finding inner peace and happiness. Even in distant Australia I can hear the insistent voice of a Lux 28 ASPH calling to you: “Buy me, buy me…”

But but but it's the new 40 2.8! With no weirdo adapter needed to use it. (so it's useless w/o an adapter? Isn't that like selling only half a lens?)
And the restyle seems good! This time, maybe, they got it right!

I was trying to cajole Highdesertmesa to sell me his 28 Lux, cuz he is now all gooey-eyed over his Summaron.
;p

Seriously, how come none of the "official" reviews mentioned the focus ring? I have tough manly calloused fingers from desk jockeying all day long. No dainty soft manicured mitts here!

Feb 22, 2022 at 10:17 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.5 #12 · p.5 #12 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Heliar Classic Review

rscheffler wrote:
Yah, except this weekend my 28 Lux's focusing ring decided to partially disconnect from the helicoid for the second time since I acquired it (used) in 2016. It now has extremely annoying 2-3mm lag/play when changing focus direction. So all is not rosy with me and Leica at the moment.

That's frustrating!
Send it in to Youxin Ye. He does great work on Leica lenses. So far he worked in two of my lenses and I'm very happy with the service.

Feb 22, 2022 at 10:26 PM

philip_pj
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p.5 #13 · p.5 #13 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Heliar Classic Review

Some - too many - appear to have been made to look at, rather than to use. The functionality vs aesthetics is a troublesome line, you can imagine their design management meetings.

'how come..'

They want early access to the next lens to come their way, so they can monetise their videos, and their identity and their work output. Fred could be making a fortune, showing these bums how it's done.

Feb 22, 2022 at 10:30 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.5 #14 · p.5 #14 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Heliar Classic Review

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Samples 7

Mar 03, 2022 at 09:20 PM

rscheffler
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p.5 #15 · p.5 #15 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Heliar Classic Review

rscheffler wrote:
Yah, except this weekend my 28 Lux's focusing ring decided to partially disconnect from the helicoid for the second time since I acquired it (used) in 2016. It now has extremely annoying 2-3mm lag/play when changing focus direction. So all is not rosy with me and Leica at the moment.

Fred Miranda wrote:
That's frustrating!
Send it in to Youxin Ye. He does great work on Leica lenses. So far he worked in two of my lenses and I'm very happy with the service.

Last time Leica serviced it at no charge, so hoping for a repeat.

Did you send your 35 Lux pre-ASPH to YY for CLA?

Mar 04, 2022 at 01:24 AM

Fred Miranda
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p.5 #16 · p.5 #16 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Heliar Classic Review

rscheffler wrote:
Last time Leica serviced it at no charge, so hoping for a repeat.

Did you send your 35 Lux pre-ASPH to YY for CLA?

Yes, but only for re-greasing. The glass is pristine.

Mar 04, 2022 at 09:20 AM

Fred Miranda
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p.5 #17 · p.5 #17 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Heliar Classic Review

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Samples 8

I've been shooting with the Voigtlander 50/1.5 Heliar Classic for a while and I am still learning from it. I do like its 'painterly' rendering and unique signature and will post my final thoughts soon.

If you own this lens, please feel free to post samples on this thread. I will link them to the review.

Mar 04, 2022 at 03:46 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.5 #18 · p.5 #18 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Heliar Classic Review

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Samples 9

The images where the subject is focused at mid/long distance show more 'glow' and 'soft focus' effect. I don't see this at close distance. (from 0.5 until about 1m)

These images are pretty much out of the camera with minimal processing.

Mar 06, 2022 at 08:12 PM

JustShootMe
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p.5 #19 · p.5 #19 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Heliar Classic Review

LEICA M10 Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Heliar Classic wide open

Mar 10, 2022 at 06:55 PM

tangfj
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p.5 #20 · p.5 #20 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Heliar Classic Review

Can anyone compare the Heliar with Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 II Aspherical (Vintage Line)? I recently got a Voigtlander 50mm APO and while it's a great lens I don't really like how it balances on camera. Looking at either the Heliar or Nokton Vintage Line... If I understand correctly the Heliar will have a much more dreamy look at 1.5 whereas the Nokton Vintage Line will have a bit more pop at 1.5?

If anyone has owned both can you comment on how the lenses compare and which one you like better and why?

EDIT: Also considering the Light Lens Lab 50mm Elcan repro since it also looks very lightweight.

Thanks!

Mar 13, 2022 at 06:48 PM

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