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

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