Best buy - Classic Nikkor 28 f3.5 versus the Voigtlander equivalent

[Enoyarnam]

Dear all,

I recently bought a Voigtlander R2S from Robert White in the UK. I have since acquired the following Voigtlander lenses; 21mm, 35mm, and 50mm nokton. The Heliar 50mm f3.5 came with the camera.

My query is as follows: How does the Voigtlander 28mm f3.5 lens compare with the classic Nikkor 28mm f3.5 equivalent?

I have been unable to establish a basis, as yet, on which to judge their relative pros and cons. I would be using my final lens of choice, to shoot tri-x in a street setting.

I would particularly like to hear the views of anyone who has used either, or both, of these lenses on a regular basis.

Best regards
Eugene

 

[Tom A]

I have both of these lenses. The Nikkor 28f3.5 is a charming lens! It is small and lightweight and for a 50 year old lens, not bad at all. It does have the "hidden" aperture ring - you have to "grope" inside the lens cavity to set apertures. It is also difficult to find a hood for it - thankfully, it is quite good when it comes to flare control.
The Color Skopar 28f3.5 SC is a modern lens and it is also derived from what many, me included, considers one of the best 28's made by anyone - the LTM version 28f3.5.
Your choice is mostly dependent on your own preference. The classic combo would be the Nikkor 28f3.5, but for optimum quality, I would go for the Color Skopar 28f3.5.
Go to Flickr and "tag" these lenses. There should be plenty of samples, at least with the VC lenses. The image quality is the same with the LTM Color Skopar and the SC mount. Occasionally the SC "shines" as the longer throw of the focus tend to improve "pin point" sharpness.

 

[jonmanjiro]

I have both these lenses too 🙂 There's a thread here dedicated to the W-Nikkor 2.8cm f3.5 with some good sample photos.

I once shot about half a roll of film of the same targets with these two lenses to directly compare them. In terms of sharpness there was no comparison - the Skopar 28/3.5 is way sharper. Its one of the sharpest lenses I've ever used. It's incredibly sharp even at f3.5. In comparison, the W-Nikkor shows its age and is clearly not as sharp, especially in the corners, but still fully usable of course. In terms of contrast, again the Skopar is way ahead and gives images a modern saturated look. The W-Nikkor is a typical 1950's lens in that its fairly low contrast, but that may work well for B&W depending on the look you're after.

As for the best buy, if you can find a W-Nikkor for a good price, go for it. Otherwise, the Skopar is pretty hard to beat!

 

[NIKON KIU]

You have all the modern VC stuff, it's better to stick to those.
Old Nippon Kogaku stuff are highly addictive, if you venture into that territory, you may never be the same😀

As for the best deal, most of the old 2.8cm f3.5s sell for around $500 and that's without the finder. VC lens sells new for under $400, you can get it from the head bartender too.

http://cameraquest.com/inventor.htm


Kiu

 

[Enoyarnam]

Tom, Jon and Kui,

Thanks for the timeliness of your replies. Its much appreciated here in snow swept England (with yet more snow expected). The Scopar 28 3.5 looks like a winner (esp the S mount version).

The Nikkor 28 3.5 will have to wait another day. Love its look as I do (thanks for the photos Jon, they're lovely), I first have to learn how to gain expert control over my camera and its exposures.

I have so much to learn! And I am still very much at the beginning of this journey.

Best regards to all
Eugene

 

[Tom A]

I just put some "fresh" shots up on Flickr with both the Nikkor 28f3.5 and the SC Color Skopar 28f3.5 yesterday. They were done with TriX and stand developing so the grain is a bit of "true grit" though. Both lenses work well, but the SC 28f3.5 is the better lens - as well as being easier to use from an ergonomic point of view.