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Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review

  
 
highdesertmesa
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p.20 #1 · p.20 #1 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review


Turn on subtitles if needed but some interesting thoughts on the Type I matte black version. Also interesting how some of his phrases used to describe tonal range and shadow detail translate into English.





Oct 08, 2024 at 10:35 PM
highdesertmesa
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p.20 #2 · p.20 #2 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review


Initial thoughts after some quick tests:

– The copy I received is perfectly centered and calibrated to the rangefinder.
– IQ at f/3.5 at all distances is outstanding.
– Extremely high microcontrast from wide open. The f/2 APO I remember being just as sharp, but I feel like highest contrast with the f/3.5 APO happens at even smaller detail frequencies (anecdotally, I no longer have the f/2 to compare).
– Astonishingly light. Featherweight. Like no lens is on the camera at all.
– The haptics of the detent at just under 0.7m is sublime.
– Aperture ring clicks are positive but nicely dampened. Its aperture ring sounds and feels exactly like the shutter speed dial on the M11 as opposed to the more metallic click of many M lenses.
– Focusing ring is extremely smooth and even throughout the focusing range. It moves as smoothly as the nicest brass lenses I've used such as the 50 Lux Black Chrome.
– Focus throw is pleasing, and I'm glad there is no focus tab since they rotate too far around when close focusing (Leica 50 Lux close focus for example, which has no textured focusing ring, only the tab, which gets awkward at MFD)
– Tolerance to the M mount when attaching the lens is tight. I need to use one hand's thumb to push the lens release button and the other hand to turn the base of the lens to unmount it. Tight but not scary tight if that makes sense.
– Matte black paint is a good match to the M11/P/D paint.
– White lens markings match the M11-P/D white script and other lettering nicely.

I will for sure be getting the Visoflex 2 to make use of the close MFD of this lens with the M11-D.

I don't think this lens will be coming off my camera for a very long time.








Oct 09, 2024 at 12:27 PM
Fred Miranda
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p.20 #3 · p.20 #3 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review


highdesertmesa wrote:
Initial thoughts after some quick tests:

– The copy I received is perfectly centered and calibrated to the rangefinder.
– IQ at f/3.5 at all distances is outstanding.
– Extremely high microcontrast from wide open. The f/2 APO I remember being just as sharp, but I feel like highest contrast with the f/3.5 APO happens at even smaller detail frequencies (anecdotally, I no longer have the f/2 to compare).
– Astonishingly light. Featherweight. Like no lens is on the camera at all.
– The haptics of the detent at just under 0.7m is sublime.
– Aperture ring clicks are positive but nicely dampened. Its aperture ring
...Show more

I’m glad you got a good copy! I’ve tried three versions, and they were all excellent as well. The matte black Type I looks absolutely stunning on the M11-D!



Oct 09, 2024 at 03:43 PM
highdesertmesa
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p.20 #4 · p.20 #4 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review


Fred Miranda wrote:
I’m glad you got a good copy! I’ve tried three versions, and they were all excellent as well. The matte black Type I looks absolutely stunning on the M11-D!


Thanks, Fred.

A few filter options taken from previous experience with the CV 40 f/2.8 Heliar.

I have a lot of 49mm diffusion filters, hence the larger-than-needed step up situation.







Oct 10, 2024 at 01:58 PM
Desmolicious
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p.20 #5 · p.20 #5 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review


Leica charges a huge limited edition premium for matte black/white lettering. Voigtlander just gives it to you as an option.



Oct 10, 2024 at 02:26 PM
Fred Miranda
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p.20 #6 · p.20 #6 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review


highdesertmesa wrote:
Thanks, Fred.

A few filter options taken from previous experience with the CV 40 f/2.8 Heliar.

I have a lot of 49mm diffusion filters, hence the larger-than-needed step up situation.


I decided I don’t need a hood for this lens, so I’m using the EINS 1.2mm thick filter to keep it as compact as possible. I also 3D-printed a cap for it.







Oct 11, 2024 at 01:55 PM
Desmolicious
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p.20 #7 · p.20 #7 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review


Fred Miranda wrote:
I decided I don’t need a hood for this lens, so I’m using the EINS 1mm filter to keep it as compact as possible. I also 3D-printed a cap for it.


How does that filter effect image quality? Looks like sideways lighting may flare/ghost/haze things up.



Oct 11, 2024 at 02:34 PM
Fred Miranda
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p.20 #8 · p.20 #8 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review


Desmolicious wrote:
How does that filter effect image quality? Looks like sideways lighting may flare/ghost/haze things up.


It's made with SCHOTT glass, and I haven't noticed any increased ghosting or veiling. While it might not be as good as B+W, I haven't done a direct comparison.

In my opinion, modern lenses don't need a shade for flare resistance. I only use hoods with my vintage lenses like the 50/1 Noct, 50/2 Rigid, 50/1.5 Summarit, etc. Not using the hood on them can significantly affect contrast, depending on the lighting conditions.

These filters are 1.2mm in thickness. In comparison the ultra slim B+W are around 3.3mm.

From their site:
https://www.un-ltd.co.jp/unx-9616unx-9626-en/

"This is UN’s original eins Super Protect Filter for classic lenses, designed to be as thin as possible (1.2mm thick when mounted / 2.2mm for UNX-9616).
Made of world famous glass made by SCHOTT, water/oil repellent coating and inked finish on outer circumference of the lens to suppress reflectance less than 0.3%.
The design of the filter is a classic, old-fashioned shape.
Available in 10 sizes: 19mm, 22mm, 22.5mm, 24mm, 34mm, 39mm, 41mm, 43mm, 46mm, 49mm."



Oct 11, 2024 at 03:12 PM
highdesertmesa
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p.20 #9 · p.20 #9 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review


Took a few snapshots this weekend while out of town. I think all of these were shot wide open at f/3.5.




  LEICA M11-D    uncoded lens lens    f/3.4    1/250s    64 ISO    0.0 EV  






  LEICA M11-D    uncoded lens lens    f/2.8    1/160s    80 ISO    -0.3 EV  






  LEICA M11-D    uncoded lens lens    f/1.0    1/1000s    64 ISO    0.0 EV  






  LEICA M11-D    uncoded lens lens    f/3.4    1/160s    125 ISO    0.0 EV  






  LEICA M11-D    uncoded lens lens    f/3.4    1/1250s    64 ISO    0.0 EV  




Oct 16, 2024 at 11:22 PM
Fred Miranda
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p.20 #10 · p.20 #10 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review


highdesertmesa wrote:
Took a few snapshots this weekend while out of town. I think all of these were shot wide open at f/3.5.


Great samples!

I'm considering adding 6-bit coding to my copy. The Elmar-M 50mm f/2.8 is the closest match to the CV 50/3.5 APO in terms of both naming and vignetting control. The vignetting you see in the samples above should be greatly reduced.

Elmar-M 50mm f/2.8 : 11831, 11824, 11823

6-bit code: 100010

PS: Great 6-bit reference from @yukosteel here:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1855867/1#16543768



Oct 17, 2024 at 05:18 PM
 


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highdesertmesa
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p.20 #11 · p.20 #11 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review


Fred Miranda wrote:
Great samples!

I'm considering adding 6-bit coding to my copy. The Elmar-M 50mm f/2.8 is the closest match to the CV 50/3.5 APO in terms of both naming and vignetting control. The vignetting you see in the samples above should be greatly reduced.

Elmar-M 50mm f/2.8 : 11831, 11824, 11823

6-bit code: 100010

PS: Great 6-bit reference from @yukosteel@ here:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1855867/1#16543768


Thanks! I quite like the vignette of the lens without correction, though





Vignette: left is uncorrected | right is corrected




Oct 17, 2024 at 07:38 PM
Fred Miranda
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p.20 #12 · p.20 #12 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review


highdesertmesa wrote:
Thanks! I quite like the vignette of the lens without correction, though


Yes, I like vignetting in images as well. I need to test how much correction the Elmar-M 50/2.8 provides.



Oct 17, 2024 at 07:49 PM
Fred Miranda
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p.20 #13 · p.20 #13 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review


Here’s a quick comparison of the CV 50/3.5 APO wide open, with and without the Leica 50mm f/2.8 Elmar in-camera correction:
(handheld)

It's subtle.




  LEICA M11    Elmar-M 1:2.8/50 lens    50mm    f/2.8    1/500s    64 ISO    0.0 EV  






  LEICA M11    uncoded lens lens    f/2.8    1/400s    64 ISO    0.0 EV  




Oct 17, 2024 at 07:55 PM
highdesertmesa
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p.20 #14 · p.20 #14 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review


Last light after sunset hitting a high cloud to the east.







f/5.6 / cropped to ~75mm FOV / Tiffen BPM 1/2 filter

  LEICA M11-D    uncoded lens lens    f/1.4    1/320s    64 ISO    -0.7 EV  




Oct 19, 2024 at 09:33 PM
Adamwilbert
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p.20 #15 · p.20 #15 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review


highdesertmesa wrote:
Last light after sunset hitting a high cloud to the east.



This is a beautiful one!

I picked up a CV 50 f2 APO, but the additional close focus option on this is really appealing...

Edit: looks like the type II focuses even closer?



Oct 21, 2024 at 12:32 PM
highdesertmesa
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p.20 #16 · p.20 #16 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review


Adamwilbert wrote:
This is a beautiful one!

I picked up a CV 50 f2 APO, but the additional close focus option on this is really appealing...

Edit: looks like the type II focuses even closer?


Thanks! Yes, Type I is 0.45m and Type II is 0.35m. Fred has a comparison earlier in this thread showing the difference, which can be dramatic for certain subject sizes at MFD.

I may own both variant types at some point, but for now I just crop from the 60mp M11 files if I want to get closer.



Oct 21, 2024 at 03:03 PM
highdesertmesa
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p.20 #17 · p.20 #17 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review


I just noticed my Type I stays engaged with the rangefinder down to about 0.58m. Don't most Voigtlander lenses that focus below 0.7m disengage from the rangefinder slightly below 0.7m but not that far below?


Oct 21, 2024 at 09:53 PM
Fred Miranda
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p.20 #18 · p.20 #18 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review


highdesertmesa wrote:
I just noticed my Type I stays engaged with the rangefinder down to about 0.58m. Don't most Voigtlander lenses that focus below 0.7m disengage from the rangefinder slightly below 0.7m but not that far below?


Most of my M-lenses can focus down to about 0.60m starting with the M10 series bodies, including the M11. Previous cameras like the M9 and 240 don’t allow such close focusing, and my MP only allows slightly closer than 0.7m. I think this has to do more with the rangefinder geometry than the lens coupling design, or perhaps a combination of both.



Oct 22, 2024 at 10:48 AM
highdesertmesa
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p.20 #19 · p.20 #19 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review


Fred Miranda wrote:
Most of my M-lenses can focus down to about 0.60m starting with the M10 series bodies, including the M11. Previous cameras like the M9 and 240 don’t allow such close focusing, and my MP only allows slightly closer than 0.7m. I think this has to do more with the rangefinder geometry than the lens coupling design, or perhaps a combination of both.


Thanks, Fred. I didn't remember ever getting below 0.6m, but I'll take it

I have a Visoflex 2 arriving today, so it'll be interesting to see how it works out with the M11-D.



Oct 22, 2024 at 11:55 AM
highdesertmesa
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p.20 #20 · p.20 #20 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review


Used the Visoflex 2 today to test the rangefinder accuracy with this lens. At f/3.5, it's critical that focus direction is from near to far. When focusing direction is from infinity to near, the rangefinder can be off by quite a bit.

My LLL 50 SPII and 35 8E seem unaffected by focus direction.



Oct 25, 2024 at 03:32 PM
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