40mm for Leica m9 - Leica/Minolta or CV?

[nightfly]

Which lens would pair better with an M9 a Leica or Minolta 40mm Summicron or a Cosina Nokton Classic 40mm/1.4? They are going for around the same price give or take $100. Not really concerned about the extra speed as I doubt I'll shoot it much at less than f2 anyway. Mostly want it as a small street/travel lens.

More concerned with rendition, color etc.

The CV is decades newer but I've seen mixed reviews. I do like the scalloped focusing tab better than the one on the Summicron, which I once owned but foolishly sold but obviously not a deal breaker.

 

[Huss]

I had the CV 40 1.4 at the same time as the Cron 40. Kept the cron sold the CV. Images just look ‘better’ to my eye from the Cron.
I also have the new CV 40 1.2 and just love it. Bigger though...
Speed does matter to me which is why I bought the 1.2 as I am a film shooter. Can’t just bump my ISO up willy-nilly!

 

[kermaier]

I also had the CV 40/1.4 and the Minolta 40/2, and kept the Minolta. Love the small size, ergonomics, smooth bokeh, etc.
If speed doesn't matter, there's also the Rollei 40/2.8 Sonnar, which is another wonderful lens....

 

[Huss]

I also had the CV 40/1.4 and the Minolta 40/2, and kept the Minolta. Love the small size, ergonomics, smooth bokeh, etc.
If speed doesn't matter, there's also the Rollei 40/2.8 Sonnar, which is another wonderful lens....

I happen to also have the Rollei 40 2.8 but much prefer the
Cron so I’ve been trying to sell the Rollei for a while now! I’m convinced the Rolllei is made by Cosina because the construction is near to identical to my CV 50 2.5

 

[kermaier]

I happen to also have the Rollei 40 2.8 but much prefer the
Cron so I’ve been trying to sell the Rollei for a while now! I’m convinced the Rolllei is made by Cosina because the construction is near to identical to my CV 50 2.5

Yes, my understanding is that the glass is from Rollei Germany, and the mount is from CV Japan.

Edit: By the way, both the Rollei 40/2.8 and the CV 50/2.5 physically look almost identical to the vintage Summaron 35/2.8 and Summicron 35/2 v1.

 

[nightfly]

Sounds like I want the Cron.

Thanks.

 

[splitimageview]

The 40 M-Rokkor uses standard filters in 40.5mm, the Summicron uses a series 5.5, if that matters...

 

[CameraQuest]

If you want small size, light weight, and a vintage look
get the original CL's 40 summicron, or its Rokkor brother

if you want the best performing modern image lens get the faster Voigtlander 40/1.2

 

[nightfly]

Filter size doesn't matter, I never use them.

Vintage look is fine, the 1.2 is unneccessary for my needs and bigger than I'd like.

The crown goes to the Leica or the Rokkor, whichever I find cheaper in decent condition.

 

[Huss]

The 40 M-Rokkor uses standard filters in 40.5mm, the Summicron uses a series 5.5, if that matters...

I use a thread adapter to use 40.5mm
What is more important is to know there are several versions of the Cron 40. The one I have has the aperture ring flush with the top of the lens so if u attach anything to the filter thread and snug it down it can bind w the aperture ring.

 

[Huss]

Yes, my understanding is that the glass is from Rollei Germany, and the mount is from CV Japan.

Edit: By the way, both the Rollei 40/2.8 and the CV 50/2.5 physically look almost identical to the vintage Summaron 35/2.8 and Summicron 35/2 v1.

The Rollei RF 35 camera that the 40 2.8 was packaged with was just a rebadged Cosina Bessa R2 so I doubt if there is anything German in the lens either. Final assembly (whatever the last piece was that had to be attached) was in Germany which qualified it for the esteemed ‘Made in Germany’ label.

 

[CameraQuest]

The Rollei RF 35 camera that the 40 2.8 was packaged with was just a rebadged Cosina Bessa R2 so I doubt if there is anything German in the lens either. Final assembly (whatever the last piece was that had to be attached) was in Germany which qualified it for the esteemed ‘Made in Germany’ label.

if i recall correctly, Rollei advertised it as German glass identical to the Rollei 35 40/2.8 lens

while the lens barrel looks like it was made by Cosina

 

[Huss]

if i recall correctly, Rollei advertised it as German glass identical to the Rollei 35 40/2.8 lens

while the lens barrel looks like it was made by Cosina

Identical in lens groups/design/coatings? Because it is much bigger than the lens in the Rollei 35 compact kamera.

 

[splitimageview]

I use a thread adapter to use 40.5mm
What is more important is to know there are several versions of the Cron 40. The one I have has the aperture ring flush with the top of the lens so if u attach anything to the filter thread and snug it down it can bind w the aperture ring.

I'm only aware of one production version, made from 1973-77, #11542

 

[Huss]

I'm only aware of one production version, made from 1973-77, #11542

At the 40 second mark you can see how the edge of the aperture ring is the bit that sticks out the most.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhOy3KtYdrc

This is like mine, and this binds if I use a regular aftermarket lens hood or filter.

On the contrary, this version of the Summicron's aperture ring is slightly under the filter thread area, so no binding:

https://www.sharegrid.com/newyork/l/79261-leica-summicron-40mm-f-2-pancake-lens?type=rent

 

[Veggies]

I settled for my converted Minilux lens. It's a little cracker!

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I had 40 CLE latest version.
At f2 bokeh was buzzing.
With 40 1.4 you'll get even more of it. To me it is not good.

Even if 40 is real match for crappy M9 35 frames, I still prefer 35 lens on my M-E. Despite of odd rendering at 1.4 I'm finding 40, 35 of it to be much more practical on M9 sensor.

 

[kermaier]

FWIW, if you have a choice, my personal impression is that the CL version of te M-Rokkor is somewhat more solidly built than the later CLE version.

 

[Huss]

I settled for my converted Minilux lens. It's a little cracker!

Is it rf coupled?

 

[santino]

I like the Cle‘s Rokkor - it takes 40.5 mm filters and the rf coupling is „normal“ - not cl specific.
The IQ is IMO outstanding and it is so small...