28mm Options

[v3cron]

Looking to add a 28mm lens (and will probably then have to get a CV R4m, since my M4-2 doesn't have the lines). I tend to prefer lenses with character, like my DR Summicron, Summarit, and 35 Summilux, rather than the ultra-modern stuff. If I am on a very limited budget, say under $700, what are my options? I've read about some old Canon LTM 28's, but the opinions seem to be mixed. The 6.3 Hektor is too slow. Any personal recommendations?

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

I love the Zeiss 28 Biogon. I'm not sure if it's a modern design, but I shot it with real pleasure on the Contax G1, and now I'm loving it on the M2, R4A, and R-D1. Here's one shot on the R-D1.

 

[v3cron]

Thanks. I've had some Zeiss lenses before (G series, ZM Planar), and I think the look is too modern for my taste.

 

[raid]

The Canon 28mm/3.5 is a wonderful little lens with relatively low contrast and high resolution. I also highly recommend the Kobalux 28mm/3.5 for a unique look with color film and high sharpness. If you have $400-$500 to spend, consider the high quality Rokkor 28mm/2.8 (M mount). It is a superb lens of the same quality as a Leica 28mm lens. These lenses do not show a modern harsh look.

My final suggestion for the look that you seem to like: get a Canon 28mm lens. The 28mm/2.8 and the 28mm/3.5 are both liked by users. The 3.5 lens may be sharper, but I have not made any comparisons as I have the 3.5 lens.

 

[back alley]

the rokkor goes for 4 to 5 hundred, really?

 

[rover]

No modern look....hmmm.....

Well, there is the Canon 28/3.5 which I have not used.

I think the ZM 28 is excellent, but if you think that is too modern looking, then the CV 28/3.5 Skopar won't work as it is sharp and contrasty, and the CV 28/1.9 Ultron is too, a great lens if not too large for your taste, fast, but also very sharp and modern in image making. I sold my 1.9 and am waiting for the new CV 28/2 Ultron. There have been a few posts regarding this lens here, and of course, go visit flickr to view more images from this lens.

I don't know about the Leica lenses, or the 28 Hexanon, but I think they will not have that old character you are looking for.

 

[rover]

the rokkor goes for 4 to 5 hundred, really?

Get to the classifieds before Joe amends his for sale post!!!! 😉

 

[raid]

Get to the classifieds before Joe amends his for sale post!!!! 😉

When the digital RF cameras came out,and before the CV market flood, the price of such a lens reached over $800.

 

[tbarker13]

Hexanon 28/2.8 is a nice choice also.

 

[Ron (Netherlands)]

Looking for old vintage look, try the very cheap Orion (not for low light of course).

 

[Bingley]

rumor has it there's a nice rokkor 28 for sale in classifieds right now... 😉

 

[raid]

Looking for old vintage look, try the very cheap Orion (not for low light of course).

Ron,

The Orion is not less expensive than a Canon 28mm/3.5. If you are selling a "very cheap" Orion, please let me know. 😀

 

[raid]

rumor has it there's a nice rokkor 28 for sale in classifieds right now... 😉

$300 only: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost-classifieds/showproduct.php?product=13544

 

[Tom A]

With some luck you might be to find one of the stranger Leica lenses at your $ level. It is the Summaron 28f5.6 LTM. They are a bit scarce, but it has a look all its own. Probably one of the lowest contrast lenses you will find - flat as a pancake, lightwise - BUT one of the highest resolving lenses I have ever used! Tiny too. Unfortunately I got gripped by a desire for speed and swapped it for an Elmarit 28f2.8 III many years ago. Still regret that!
You are right, the Hektor 28f6.3 is rather abysmal performance wise, but Zeiss had released the Tessar 28f8 and Leica had to come up with something.
The other odd 28 is the Avenon 28f3.5 - quite a good performer and it does have a rather "old fashioned" look to its rendition. They were also sold under the Kobalux label some years ago.

 

[David Murphy]

I've used a few of the above lenses under discussion. The Canon 28/3.5 is sharp for a vintage wide. The Canon 28/2.8 is a remarkable piece of engineering for its time, but not as sharp as the 28/3.5. The Kobalux/Avenon/Bower 28/3.5 is wonderful, but a little hard to find and not cheap (they are a bit delicate too). The Voigtlander 28/3.5 is a great deal and sharp. The Orion 28mm F6 is sharp and slow, but not too expensive and intriguing (try not to pay more than $140 for this lens). There are a few others besides the expensive Leica offerings, but most are a bit rare: Komura, Nikon, etc. I think the Zeiss 28/8 Tessar was made or converted to LTM, and while an interesting lens (I own one in Contax RF mount), I'd not recommend it as a day-to-day shooter.

 

[David Murphy]

I've heard similar comments to Tom's regarding the 28mm Summaron - apparently it was a big improvement on the Hektor. It will probably increase in value over time too.

 

[Tom A]

I have the 28f8 Tessar in Contax mount and use it on a Zeiss SW with an adapter. I agree that it is not a day to day user (unless you live somewhere with a LOT of sunshine). Interesting lens in its own right though. Stopped down to f32 it looks a bit like a pinhole lens and does show substantial diffraction.
The Summaron 28f5.6 was truly a great lens - but it is slow, though very usable at 5.6. One of these days I will find another one. The last one I had I picked up at a LHSA meeting in St Paul/Minneapolis in 1990 for the princely sum of $300 and that included the original hood! Dont think I can match that today!
Another alternative is the Elmarit 28f2.8 III - they are not that expensive as everyone is chasing asph f2,8 and f2.0.

 

[Al Kaplan]

The 28/2.8 Minolta Rokkor is a very sharp lens with decent contrast. It doesn't bring up the 28mm frame in Leica M bodies but does in the Minolta CLE. Also, it has a tendancy to develop white spots on the internal elements. At one time Minolta would fix the problem for free but I don't think that they still do. It's been about 35 years since they made them.

 

[raid]

My copy has no white spots, Al. Maybe I am lucky here.

 

[Leica0Series]

I have the Avenon 28 (the last model, I think, apparently there were several variations) and like it a lot, especially on the M8. It's dinky, too.