Avenon Kobalux same lens as Voigtlaender ?

[24mgdriver]

Hi,

i saw a small 3,5/28mm ( 39mm srew Mount)
Lens named : Avenon Kobalux. Its seems the same
as the old Voigtlaender once, is it right ?

Can anyone tell me if this lens is good ?

Thanks
michael

 

[jonmanjiro]

Nope, not Voigtlander. The Avenon lenses were designed and built by Avenon Kohki.

When Sankyo Kohki folded, the chief lens designer, Abe-san, started his own company, Avenon Kohki, and AFAIK it was pretty much a one man show.

There's meant to be considerable variation (not surprising considering the hand made nature of the lens) but its a great lens if you get a good one!

 

[Roger Hicks]

Completely different. I've never seen a bad one. 'Excellent' would be nearer the mark. Very well made, too. I've been using a 21/2.8 for 15 years or so.

Cheers,

R.

 

[jonmanjiro]

I've never actually used an Avenon lens so am only relaying what I've heard and read in Japan. It's always baffled me why these Avenon lenses have a good reputation on RFF, but only a mediocre reputation in the land they were manufactured.

 

[maddoc]

I just recently bought such a lens, complete with original finder, cap and box, here locally. Unfortunately, the only two films that I could develop and containing photos taken with that lens were completely black ... :bang:

 

[maddoc]

I've never actually used an Avenon lens so am only relaying what I've heard and read in Japan. It's always baffled me why these Avenon lenses have a good reputation on RFF, but only a mediocre reputation in the land they were manufactured.

... these lenses are not labeled "Leitz Wetzlar, Germany" and don`t cost a fortune ... 😉

 

[nordleadx]

i am using the 21m f2.8. Thinking of getting a Leica but this lens is cheap and perform quite well.

M6 with the 21mm




on M8

 

[24mgdriver]

Thanks a lot guys. Last question : whats
the maximum price for a used one in silver
28mm / 3,5 i think its great for street.

 

[johannielscom]

Try Leicashop.com, they have several for sale.

The lenses were marketed as: Kobalux, Bower, Avenon or Pasoptik. Both in 21mm and 28mm. Not sure on the M vs. LTM for those focal lengths though. Some were in M only, others in both, possibly some in LTM only.

Since the chief lens designer of Sankyo Kohki is also the manufacturer of the Avenon Kohki lenses, I reckon he might have taken over the optical stock from Sankyo when they closed out, and the lenses might essentially be identical from an optical point of view. All guesswork, of course. Maybe somebody else can share more on this?

Since I sold my Komura 28/3.5 to David, I have wanted a 28/3.5 from Kobalux, but have lately found my peace with a Canon 28/3.5 from the 1950s that is much smaller.

 

[dberger]

Try Leicashop.com, they have several for sale.

--snip--

Since the chief lens designer of Sankyo Kohki is also the manufacturer of the Avenon Kohki lenses, I reckon he might have taken over the optical stock from Sankyo when they closed out, and the lenses might essentially be identical from an optical point of view. All guesswork, of course. Maybe somebody else can share more on this?

--snip--

Sankyo Kohki never made a 21mm lens in Leica screw mount, and its 28mm f3.5 is a different optical design than the Avenon (the Avenon is also much better). I would guess the Avenon/Kobalux 21mm and 28mm lenses were modern designs at the time.

cheers,

David

 

[johannielscom]

Thanks David,

I was aware of SK never creating a 21mm, but not about the different optical designs of the two 28's. Any online info on optical designs available?

 

[Tom A]

I had several of the Avenon's, both the 21 and 28. The early version of the 21 had a tendency to unscrew the front element by itself. Not a big problem as long as you checked it regularly! The performance is good, not much difference from the Pre Asph Elmarit 21f2.8. The finder is ugly,. It looks like a small garbage can.
The 28f3.5 is cute, the "fake" infinity look works well as a focussing tab. Performance is good, though a couple of mine had a bit of a flare problem. I would recommend the VC 28f3.5 instead - better performer across the board.
These were among the first of the modern "non Leica" Leica lenses and deserves credit for that.