15 or 75?

[cbass]

Went with the 75/2.5

Went with the 75/2.5

After over-analyzing my needs and preferences I finally just threw up my hands, said "what the heck", and ordered a black CV color heliar 75/2.5 from PhotoVillage.

I'm very excited to use this lens after hearing so many positive things about it from people here and on pnet. I'll post some images next month after I get back from my trip.

Thanks again to everyone who provided advice.

 

[Dingo]

Sorry to reply so late that the thread seems ended.
I just want to say, when I saw the question '15 or 75?', I immediately think of a very popular question : Who will you save first if your mum and your wife fall to the sea at the same time ? ( Usually a wife asks her husband ).
BTW, I own both lenses and don't use either of them much recently.

 

[sleepyhead]

Hi Chris, I'm a bit late on this one, and as you've said you've decided to save the money. Okay, how about THIS suggestion: sell the 25mm and get a 21mm instead!

The 21mm in more generally usable than the 15mm, and better spaced in relation to the 35mm lens that you already have. Personally, I have found the 24-25-28mm focal length to be a bit "neither-here-nor-there". If 35mm and 75mm make a great combo, I would equally argue that 21mm and 35mm are a great combo

my 2 cents, Yaron

 

[cbass]

This thread has new life! Thanks again to everyone who replied.

I know I said that I would try to save my money but fate intervened and I ended up purchasing BOTH the 15 (used) and the 75 (new)! I've just started on my test roll so I don't have any images to share just yet. Here are my initial impressions of each lens:

15/4.5: Wow, this lens is small! Despite its size the aperture and focus rings are easy to use. The finder is big and bright with a high eyepoint but seems prone to flare. Mounted to my Bessa L body the lens and finder form a very small and light package. Most impressive. I'll be bringing this lens to Europe for sure. When I bought the 15mm the seller included the CV lens case and I can recommend this accessory to anyone who purchases the 12/15/25 or 35mm lenses. It's very handy.

75/2.5: Wow, this lens is big! Pictures do not give you an adequate idea of this lens's bulk, especially compared to the smaller CV wide angle lenses. The 75 is beautifully built, with a nicely finished brass shade and a buttery smooth focus action. When mounted to my Bessa R the 75mm lens forms a bigger package than I'm used to but it is surprisingly easy to handle. The R+ 75 is quite heavy but man, it is gorgeous! I hope it shoots as good as it looks.

 

[Laurence]

Hi Chris, I'm a bit late on this one, and as you've said you've decided to save the money. Okay, how about THIS suggestion: sell the 25mm and get a 21mm instead!

The 21mm in more generally usable than the 15mm, and better spaced in relation to the 35mm lens that you already have. Personally, I have found the 24-25-28mm focal length to be a bit "neither-here-nor-there". If 35mm and 75mm make a great combo, I would equally argue that 21mm and 35mm are a great combo

my 2 cents, Yaron

Now, all this banter back and forth about the 75 and the 90 adds even more to my conundrum...and since this is in keeping with this current thread, I'll ask my question here, and assume that it will also aid the original poster.

I have the CV 21/4 (brand new) and a Jupiter 50/2. My "plan" was to round this out with a CV 90.

But now...I hear good things about the 75 too.

So...based on my anticipated shooting, is there one that I "should" have over the other? (Yeah...I know it's in the eye of the beholder, and I should do what feels right for me, but I'm just trying to rip opinions out of you guys as to what you would do).

My anticipated shooting:

50% landscapes using chrome film on off-trail backcountry
25% head and shoulders portaiture using b&w film with available light and/or fill
25% opportunity/street using b&W film

 

[danielnorton]

75 vs 90

75 vs 90

I too questioned whether the 75 or 90 would be right for me, Finally deciding on the 75 I have been very happy with it, the reason I went with the 75, besides seeing so many great examples, is that I am still relatively new to RF and figured it would be easier to compose with the bigger framelines.

Now after having the 75 (which I bought new from camera quest- highly recommended) I came across a good deal (actually a trade) for a Leica 90/4 and craving the look of older lenses, added it to my arsenal just a few weeks ago.

So far I am loving the look of the 90 and have no problem with the smaller framelines 😎

Now I have a 40/50/75/90 combo for my Bessa r3a :angel:

Soooo after saying all that, if I had to be reduced to 1 lens for the bessa I think I'd go with the 75 for my work, which is mostly people, both full length and "headshots"

Also take into consideration there are lots of older 90's out there you can pick up later, but only a few 75s..

Daniel