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Suggestions for a wide and fast LM or LTM lens
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 12, 2018 1:38 pm    Post subject: Suggestions for a wide and fast LM or LTM lens Reply with quote

Last weekend, I made some snaps from a gig in the pub. Due to the available light, I decided to use my Jupiter-3, and it handled the situation surprisingly well, with no major flaring despite some strong stagelights in the frame. I set the M at 1/60th, f-stop at 2-2.8 and auto ISO (which fluctuated from base 320 up to 4000)

However, I could only get head&shoulder-type of shots from the gig, not full body shots or e.g. more bandmembers in frame.

I am now considering a fast 35 or preferably even a 28. (24 is probably too wide, but of course I am open to pictures that could prove me wrong Wink )

Based on these requirements, what would be your recommendation?

- Min focus distance, if possible, of less than 1m
- I dont care much about corner performance
- preferably not too flare-prone
- rangefinder-coupling is a must!
- preferably compact
- let's say below 1000 euro, although for pub-use I feel more comfortable when the lens costs substantially less.
- preferably f/1.4 or 2.0, although for low light, 2.8 is often already good on the Monochrom, for subject separation it's nice to have some extra headroom


Thank you!


PostPosted: Wed Sep 12, 2018 2:35 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Voigtländer Ultron 28mm F2.0 or 35mm F1.4.
7Artisans 35mm F2.0 if you prefer a Sonnar.


PostPosted: Wed Sep 12, 2018 4:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Jupiter 12 any good? 35mm f/2.8 minimum focus 1m, rangefinder coupled, currently not horrendously expensive 'cos the extended rear element won't fit into anything less than a full-frame camera.


PostPosted: Wed Sep 12, 2018 8:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

kypfer wrote:
Jupiter 12 any good? 35mm f/2.8 minimum focus 1m, rangefinder coupled, currently not horrendously expensive 'cos the extended rear element won't fit into anything less than a full-frame camera.
I'm already researching the J-12 but for pub&club-use it seems somewhat vulnerable during lens changes. However, once I have my copy, I will of course give it a shot too Smile

calvin83 wrote:
Voigtländer Ultron 28mm F2.0 or 35mm F1.4.
7Artisans 35mm F2.0 if you prefer a Sonnar.
Sonnar.... yummy Smile that in itself could make me buy that lens! [/quote]


PostPosted: Wed Sep 12, 2018 9:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have the Voigtlander (Cosina) 35/1.2 type 1 Nokton and 35/1.7 Ultron.

I would suggest the Ultron- I have the original LTM version, black-paint. Focus is to 0.9m. Small, a little soft wide-open- but sharper than vintage lenses. A full stop faster than my Nikkor 35/2.5, and about the same price.

I had the Canon 35/2- sold it when I got the Ultron.


PostPosted: Sat Sep 15, 2018 11:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've got both CV Ultrons in M39/LTM, the 28mm/F1.9 and the 35mm/F1.7.

I like both. They perform excellently on my Ricoh GXR-M and better than expected on my FF Sony A7R II.


PostPosted: Sun Sep 16, 2018 9:42 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks Thomas!

For the 28mm, I'm currently looking into images made with the 1.9 Ultron. First impression is that it seems a good choice over other options, which have similar price but a full stop slower.

For 35mm, I made up my mind, I'll save up for the classic (spherical) Summilux 35mm. In the end, I would still want it so buying another 35 in between will only add costs. Besides, the 35 lux M seems now a bit more affordable than it was some months ago when I last checked.


PostPosted: Sun Sep 16, 2018 10:27 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sjak wrote:
For the 28mm, I'm currently looking into images made with the 1.9 Ultron. First impression is that it seems a good choice over other options, which have similar price but a full stop slower.


Here are some examples from my Sony A7R2 (converted with the existing lens profile in LR6):

F1.9



F 5.6



F1.9 with 5mm maximum extension of my helicoid adapter:



For my taste it's performing rather well despite the known issues on the A7 concerning corner smearing (which isn't of any importance for you anyway).


PostPosted: Sun Sep 16, 2018 1:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

You can pick up a LTM Ultron 35/1.7 Asph for about $300 and then sell it after getting the Summilux.

Wide-Open,

Pilot's Day 2013 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

Bokeh shot-

Pilot's Day 2013 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

Wide-Open, flare test

Pilot's Day 2013 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

Stopped Down to F4.

Pilot's Day 2013 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr


PostPosted: Sun Sep 16, 2018 2:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

If it`s wide enough the Minolta M Rokkor 40mm f2,is great,very sharp centre from WO and tiny,handles flare pretty well for an older lens,the J12 doesn`t! Can fit that and the A7ii in a biggish pocket. One from a friends gig.

DSC03965.jpg by Macca h, on Flickr


PostPosted: Sun Sep 16, 2018 5:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Macca wrote:
If it`s wide enough the Minolta M Rokkor 40mm f2,is great,very sharp centre from WO and tiny,handles flare pretty well for an older lens,the J12 doesn`t! Can fit that and the A7ii in a biggish pocket. One from a friends gig.
Nice pic!

I have its twin, the Summicron-C 40, which I really like a lot, especially on my Fuji.

The difficulty on the Monochrom is that lenses for the CL/CLE call up 35mm framelines, so the framing is really a bit of guesswork. In chaotic situations (such as near the stage, or drunk at a bar) it's not my 1st choice. It is a really nice and versatile lens though, one of my very favorites.

fiftyonepointsix wrote:
You can pick up a LTM Ultron 35/1.7 Asph for about $300 and then sell it after getting the Summilux.
Nice images too!

I know the Ultron 1.7/35 is a great lens, but I'd rather save straight away for the 'lux; it shouldn't take too long, if nothig unexpected happens this autumn Smile For daytime & streets, I already have a 1952 Summaron 3.5/35, a capable little lens.