15mm Super Wide Heliar: Which version do you like?

The Older version requires less pp and responds very well to Cornerfix on either the M8 or M9.

The newer version has the advantage of being coupled, but doesn't respond to Cornerfix as well. I find I really need to overexpose the newer version by more than one stop, otherwise I'm still stuck with some red discoloration on the left hand side of the photo, sometimes.

In the end, I find, I'd rather have a focused picture (newer version), so I reach for the newer version. YMMV
 
I have the older screw mount lens and love it. I don't need rangefinder coupling on such a wide lens. I get great results with a Leica M8 and this lens. Haven't used it much with my film rangefinders but I will give it a try.
 
No comparison again I'm afraid. My original 15mm usually lives on an M2 and is exciting to use, no issues. I just don't get a kick out of 20mm on the M8. I should use it more. I usually shoot B/W so the UV filter issue doesn't get in the way. I find it a great lens. Took it off the M2 today for a shot to post, straight jpeg out of the M8 @f5.6 640ASA.


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Grade II listed terrace at Lytham UK Warton Street
 
Just posted the last and noted we were having a good sunset so here is a colour. A bit noisy as the M8 doesn't go high very well but I think does it gracefully.

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This is with the version II of the Heliar 15mm f4.5. Optically version I and II are the same, but I prefer the handling of the II. It is a bit bigger, but the 52 mm filter thread makes it more attractive for me. The coupled rangefinder is a "good thing" for close-up work. Even with a 15mm - you better be right on at 0.5 meter!
I also like the almost "cinematicc" effect that the lens gives in scenes like this one.
TriX, Rodinal 1:60 for 10 min.
 
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Optically, I like the 12 mm more. You are splitting hair here - the difference is miniscule.
This is a shot of the Dome in Cologne, Photokina 2010. The "posers" were out in full force, figuring out that every 'Kina visitor would test stuff on them - and they could collect Euros from them.
For an extreme wide-angle - the 12 mm is remarkably "clean" - reasonable edge darkening, straight lines are rendered straight (provided that you hold the camera straight!). Bessa R4M, 12f5.6 version II, Neopan 400, HC 110.
 
Gabriel M.A. said:
A butter knife shouldn't but can be used to cut steak. I think some people want the same sharpness out of a butter knife when they're used to the steak knife.

That being said, I think my 15mm CV Heliar LTM works very well on my M8 if I don't have the adapter coded when not using an UV/IR blocking filter on it.
Click to expand...

So, the CV 15mm used on an M8 is equivalent to using a butter knife on steak? But it works very well as long as it's not coded? So are you saying it's as good as a steak knife as long as it's not coded? Apparently there is a problem with it when coded.

Is there a code for it? I recall there is a separate coder for CV lenses. I have only the coder for Leica lenses.

So what's the bottom line? Is it a go, or a no-go?
 
funny enough, the nex-5n now loves the 15, shooting sharp into the corners. Well reasonably sharp.

But I use the zm18, which is wonderful.

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this is a raw, auto WB, with no PP in LR, just converted to jpeg.

full size
 
I only have the LTM version and I use it on my M8 - coded. I also have a filter affixed and don't have any problems - all cutlery analogies aside. :)
Lens is incredibly sharp, does show vignetting and can be temperamental in certain situations with the colors in the corners, but nothing drastic. Fantastic lens. Can't speak for the M-mount v.2, though.
 
I got the LTM version a few weeks ago and still waiting for the first roll to be processed. Like the LTM version, because I can use it on the inexpensive Bessa-L body. But I tried it also with the Hexar RF.
Yeah, two rolls waiting with CV15 images...
What I dislike is the frameless 15mm viewfinder. I hope the new "brightline" VF type has a wider view than 15mm and frame lines.

Does it?
 
It does, but it scrunches more FOV into the same space (which accentuates the distortion) It gets pretty small in there. So, I prefer the plastic vf's view to the metal.

But, most folks seem to prefer the metal; the build is better and it clears the speed dial of the IIIf, which is why I keep it.

- Charlie
 
Rob-F said:
There is an earlier thread in which people say the 15 is just great on the M8. Now it apparently sucks. I have thought about getting one for my M8.2. I'd like to avoid making a mistake, so could I see in more detail what the objections are?
Click to expand...

I use the LTM version on the M8 and it works nicely. Sharp, nice colors and contrast and a useful lens.
 
I have the old version on the M8 and M2.
On both it is a great lens.

I'm still looking for the 21mm plastic finder, which is (nearly?) the same like the 15mm finder, but shows for the M8 the 21mm lines, for the M2 the whole finder shows more or less the 15mm....
But real hard to get one...



regards
chris
 
I've had both, (actually 1 M, 2 LTMs), and they do appear to be the same optically.

Advantage used to be was that you'd get the LTM one with a VF included for about 1/2 the price of the M one. I think that deal is gone.

LTM is smaller, focuses closer, but the M one can have a star effect when shooting into the sun. You may or may not like this behavior, I have some nice photos from both.
 
Another vote for the LTM version on the Ricoh GXR. It turns the GXR into a 22.5mm P&S with almost no shutter lag when in zone focus. Super for street photography.
 
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