40mm Cosina Voigtlander in Nikon mount: Any Users? Comments?

[Rob-F]

GAS attack: I was thinking of getting one of there from the bartender. Any user comments? Any comparisons with the 35mm Nikkor MF, or the 45mm f/2.8 Nikkor?

 

[mfunnell]

I have one, recently acquired along with an FM3a (the only lens I have for it, as yet). Physically it seems well-made, the aperture and focus rings have a high-quality feel to them and the lens, to me, seems to sit "just right" on the camera. I've only put two films through it so far, though (with one waiting to be developed), so I've no real basis for assessing its optical qualities yet aside from noting that it seems pretty decent.

...Mike

 

[kshapero]

I also have one with a FM3A. Handles well and gives me oh so smooth shots.

 

[Rob-F]

OK well thanks for those great shots! I feel encouraged by them. I've gotten to like my 40 CV on the Leica RF, so why not try one on the Nikon SLR? I wonder if anyone can compare it to the 35/2 AIS Nikkor?

 

[Aurance]

Also Considering Voigtlander?

Also Considering Voigtlander?

GAS attack: I was thinking of getting one of there from the bartender. Any user comments? Any comparisons with the 35mm Nikkor MF, or the 45mm f/2.8 Nikkor?

I am also thinking of getting the Voigtlander 40mm SLII, especially for B&W 'Film' Photography. The Voigtlander 58mm is also a consideration.

I recently purchased (secondhand) a Nikon 50mm f1.4 AI-s and a 28mm f2.8 AI Lens for a recently aquired FM3a but they 'do not seem' to provide me with the 3D effect I am seeking in my images. However they are sharp, well built and deliver very nice images. The 50 f1.4 does not come alive for IQ until f2.8.

I also am considering the Zeiss 35mm f2 ZF - although it is larger than the Voigtlanders.

Richard

 

[craygc]

VC 40mm f/2 SL in Nikon mount (at f/2)

 

[glchua]

VC 40mm f/2 SL in Nikon mount (at f/2)

I'm trying very very hard to assess the bokeh of the lens from these shots. Foreground detail is overwhelming. 😉

Seriously, from the look of the shots posted, it seems a good alternative to Nikkors. I had 50/1.8 and 1.4 before, and although they are nice and sharp, their bokeh is really horrible. The only lens that I keep now for my FM3A is a 28/2.8 AIS. Nicest that I tried. Now maybe I'll consider the 40/2.

 

[craygc]

Hi Chua,

I do read reviews that due to the aspherical elements in this lens, the bokeh can be a little harsh with specular lighting. I havent seen this yet but I dont use it as much as I should. I was shooting in Manila yesterday with my F3 and had this lens, a 15mm, 20mm and 85mm, all AIS and never once used the 40mm all day. Most shots were with the 20mm but I do like it a lot.

 

[FA Limited]

some bokeh tests here
http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikk...on-40mm-f2-ii-nikon-mount-review--test-report