Advice for a Voigtlander 35/1.7 LTM & Haze

[jonmanjiro]

I think the 28/3.5 and 50/2.5 LTM lenses are generally ok. The 28/3.5 seems a bit prone to schneideritis, if anything.

I've struck out multiple times with various early versions of the 35/2.5, and also had bad luck with haze in a 21/4, 35/1.7, 75/2.5, and 90/3.5 :bang:

 

[Erik van Straten]

Maybe we can collect lens numbers of Ultron 35mm f/1.7 lenses that are affected with haze (milky optical cement in fact) and wich are not. Maybe we can find out when Cosina started to use better optical cement.

The later type of Ultron 35mm f/1.7 has a more "undulating" style of focusing ring. Mine has this newer type of focusing ring, has no milky optical cement and has number 9450560.

"Haze" as I know it is something else than this very bad optical cement; it is vaporized lubricant that is deposited on the lens elements. Ususally it can be removed easily except in cases when "soft" coating is used.

Erik.

 

[maddoc]

Mine is serial number 9931084, also a later copy?

 

[Erik van Straten]

Gabor, does your lens have the "wavy" type of focusing ring (like a Summilux from the sixties) or the earlier smooth one with only smal ribbed surfaces?


Erik.

 

[maddoc]

Only small ribbed surfaces.

Gabor, does your lens have the "wavy" type of focusing ring (like a Summilux from the sixties) or the earlier smooth one with only smal ribbed surfaces?


Erik.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Only small ribbed surfaces.

That is the earlier version.


Erik.

 

[retinax]

Maybe we can collect lens numbers of Ultron 35mm f/1.7 lenses that are affected with haze (milky optical cement in fact) and wich are not. Maybe we can find out when Cosina started to use better optical cement.

The later type of Ultron 35mm f/1.7 has a more "undulating" style of focusing ring. Mine has this newer type of focusing ring, has no milky optical cement and has number 9450560.

"Haze" as I know it is something else than this very bad optical cement; it is vaporized lubricant that is deposited on the lens elements. Ususally it can be removed easily except in cases when "soft" coating is used.

Erik.

Is this the earlier style focusing ring? https://www.casualphotophile.com/2018/09/25/voigtlander-ultron-35mm-f-1-7-ltm-review/ My two specimens with haze were not like that, the focusing ring has valleys which are ribbed and smooth hilltops.

I'd continue calling this haze because that's what it looks like and in the case of the ore common haze due to condensation, "haze" is still a term that describes the visual impression, not the cause.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Is this the earlier style focusing ring? https://www.casualphotophile.com/2018/09/25/voigtlander-ultron-35mm-f-1-7-ltm-review/

The lenses on the picture you show is the earlier type, the later lenses have deeper valleys that are rounded towards the front of the lens, not straight as on these. They provide a better grip.

The lower one in the picture.

Erik.

 

[Archiver]

I just picked up number 9960391, it has the same fluted ribbing as the lower lens in the image above. There does not appear to be any haze. I'm quite thrilled to get this, as the earlier one I had couldn't be shimmed for my M9, but still had a unique and attractive rendering. It feels just right on the M9 and focuses quickly and accurately. It's soft and glowy wide open and at minimum focus distance, but further out, it's sharp and lovely.

 

[Sonnar2]

I sold mine many years ago (9960781). I bought it used already, never noticed bad haze, but the images came out dull at any frontlight. It also has strange flares when the sun was in front. I kept my old Canon RF 2/35 which was better here. It flares too (as any Gaussian wideangle) but in a nicer way.

 

[Erik van Straten]

The 50/2.5 in LTM also seems to be very OK, at least my copy of the lens for sure is.

I've never seen any haze in my Voigtländer lenses, also not in my LTM Ultron 35mm f/1.7.

Erik.

 

[traveler_101]

Reviving this thread: CV 35/1.7 Ultron LTM

Reviving this thread: CV 35/1.7 Ultron LTM

Teemo (OP): raised some concerns about the lens - I just wanted to add that it took me almost 5 years to find a good copy of the lens. If you get one don't worry whether it is silver or black.

 

[traveler_101]

Maybe we can collect lens numbers of Ultron 35mm f/1.7 lenses that are affected with haze (milky optical cement in fact) and wich are not. Maybe we can find out when Cosina started to use better optical cement.

The later type of Ultron 35mm f/1.7 has a more "undulating" style of focusing ring. Mine has this newer type of focusing ring, has no milky optical cement and has number 9450560.

"Haze" as I know it is something else than this very bad optical cement; it is vaporized lubricant that is deposited on the lens elements. Ususally it can be removed easily except in cases when "soft" coating is used.

Erik.

Hi Erik

Are you collecting serial numbers? mine is in excellent shape - No. 9450449

 

[traveler_101]

The lenses on the picture you show is the earlier type, the later lenses have deeper valleys that are rounded towards the front of the lens, not straight as on these. They provide a better grip.

The lower one in the picture.

Erik.

No. 9450449 is the second type.

 

[Erik van Straten]

The 50/2.5 in LTM also seems to be very OK, at least my copy of the lens for sure is.

Mine too, bought mine in 2002, also my 35mm f/1.7 LTM (serial 9450560) is excellent. I bought it in 2008 or so.


Erik.

 

[imaje]

I can add my lens here:

New Version serial: 9940776 - Condition - Bad. Extremely hazy when looking through with a torch

Unfortunately the seller in Japan (I'm in the UK) didn't mention it. The price was low enough for a possible repair, but I am yet to find someone apart from a reliable chap in Taiwan who will tackle the repair in the UK or Europe 🙁

 

[dexdog]

I have serial number 9050010 in silver, no haze. Just checked it on my a7iii, nice and sharp with good contrast.