Apo-Lanthar vs. ELMAR

[JimG]

I have been considering getting a Voigtlander Apo-Lanthar 90mm f3.5 lens but I can get a slower, used LEICA ELMAR 9CM 1:4 for less the half the price. Is there a dramatic differance between the two? I'm guessing that the CV lens is a little sharper and gives more contrast?

 

[Fred]

I can certainly vote for the quality of the Lanthar, sharp with good contrast and colour. I've used the 90 cron asph F2.0 also and the difference, although noticeable is not as much as you may think considering the CV lens is about 1/6th the price.

The CV is also very light and compact with the supplied hood removed, I leave it on as the supplied cap goes over the hood.

I've not used the Elmar so cannot comment on that.

Just as a matter of interest, what body would it be used on?

 

[sunsworth]

The Elmar is a good lens, but the CV is probably better - I've owned both lenes but never did a direct comparison. Once thing to bear in mind with the Elmar is that the focus throw is much greater than the CV. The CV is much easier to focus quickly.

The CV 90 is one of those lenses, like the Ulton 28 that loses it's paint very easily from the lens barrel.

Steve

 

[SolaresLarrave]

In a rangefinder camera a lens as slow as the Elmar feels like punishment. Go for the Lanthar. It's a bit less so, at least to me. I used an Elmar before, and it's not a sharpness giant but it has its fans. I simply am not one of them.

Are you hesitating between an old LTM Elmar or an M-mount one?

 

[JimG]

I'm looking for an LTM for the Bessa R. For what I photograph I prefer to see an image that shows some contrast. The reason why I'm trying to spend less is I'm not sure how much I'd use a 90mm. I usually prefer a wide angle lens, but it's good to try different styles of shooting sometimes.

 

[FPjohn]

Good portrait lens

Good portrait lens

Hello:

The Elmar, or at least a good example of it, is a fine portrait lens. It passes the spouse/girlfriend test for an investment of about $100. It is small; a great second lens for the pocket. Go coated if you get one.

yours
Frank

 

[JimG]

Is there someway to tell if it's coated other then looking at it. Sometimes ebay sellers don't give (or know) that much about the lens. So are they designated by other then the Elmar name, can you tell by the lens number?