35mm f1.7 Ultron or 35mm f1.4?

[Ronchan]

Thanks a lot. Looks promising. I will get my black version on Thursday 🙂

 

[Dez]

That is a very nice shot, Maggie. I especially like the smoothness of the out of focus areas. I only got my Ultron quite recently, and was shooting 400 speed film, and so had little chance to explore its wide open performance, but it looks like I have some good news coming.

Cheers,
Dez

I've got loads of M8 shots, if that helps.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mediawench/sets/72157608072327949/

This one was shot wide open:


Blossom, April 30, 2011 by Maggie Osterberg, on Flickr

 

[Doug Smith]

I used to have an Ultron, however the barrel became loose so I sent it to Cosina for repairs. Within one week the barrel was loose again, so I gave up on the lens. However, I thought the rendering was superb and would still be using it if I could.

 

[maggieo]

Thank you, Dez!

 

[traveler_101]

The 35mm Ultron f/1.7 that you are considering has a documented history of problems with the build: check it out. The Nokton, by contrast, is both compact and very well made: it feels solid.

Just developed my first two rolls shot with the 35/1.4 Nokton. I am a bit surprised at how contrasty it is (single coat); it's plenty sharp and has its own "signature" that's for sure. I think it renders textures well.

 

[traveler_101]

Ok the site won't upload my photos--nothing changes . . . Anyway here is a link to my photostream if you are interested in seeing the lens. The only shot there not taken with the Nokton is the wide angle of the fountain.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/93975264@N05/

 

[froyd]

I agree with you Traveler, contrast is not flat at all, I would call it about "medium", but what I like is that the Nokton manages to retain shadow detail well, at least in my experience.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Hi. Can anybody post some samples of the Ultron on an M9 wide open? Is it usable?

Not on an M9, but on an M2. Perfecly usable at full aperture.

Leica M2, CV Ultron 35mm f/1.7, Tmax400.

Erik.

 

[Chris101]

I used to have an Ultron, however the barrel became loose so I sent it to Cosina for repairs. Within one week the barrel was loose again, so I gave up on the lens. However, I thought the rendering was superb and would still be using it if I could.

Same thing happened to mine. However, instead of sending it to Cosina, I Googled the repair. Turns out it was a two hour job, and I had to buy a 000 Phillips head. A dab of enamel paint on the loose screws fixed it permanently.

 

[computer controlled]

I ended up with the 35mm f1.4 SC version. I really like how they look on the M.