Bower (Kobalux) 28 3.5 M

[Charles D. Orze]

Hi all,

I just purchased a Bower (aka Kobalux) 28mm 3.5 black lens. What I expected from all the available info was a screwmount. The box is marked Leica M Series and indeed, this is an M lens, not a screw lens with adapter. As a bonus, it tests sharper than my Ultron at f4, is tiny, and is lower contrast (thus preserving more detail in shadow and highlights in bright sun). What a pleasant surprise. Does anyone else have one?

Charlie Orzech

 

[KoNickon]

I have never heard of this lens being M mount, only screw mount. Did you get it new? (Where can I get one??) Actually, I do have one of the screw mount lenses, of the later vintage with the broader focusing tab (I think earlier ones had a smaller one, similar to the Canon screw mount lenses). Mine is badged Kobalux.

This is optically a terrific lens -- I really am very impressed with it every time I use it. It seems fully comparable to any other 28 out there, and as you know is remarkably small. From a construction standpoint it is a little disconcerting -- there's a little bit of play in the lens cells when you turn the focusing tab, though less than 1mm. Also, the very thin aperture ring has some lateral (i.e. front to back) play. But optically it's first rate.

I was looking through the Hicks/Schultz Rangefinder book the other night and saw that they think quite highly of it as well -- "one of the sharpest and highest contrast lenses we have ever used" was I believe the gist of their comment. Roger, please let me know if I've misquoted.

Every now and then I think of selling it, but realize I love it, and where will I find another?

 

[Charles D. Orze]

Hi Nick,

Mine has the small cursor--like a traditional Leica. It also has the same mechanical slop that you mention. Only difference is the M bayonet. I wonder how many of these they made?

Best regards,

Charlie

 

[KoNickon]

Charlie, I'm thinking you have a pretty rare item, since I've never heard anyone else mention an M version of this lens. I think, but I'm not sure, that all versions had the same optical formula. The version that Adorama sold for a while was described as being an earlier version.

How did you come by yours? I bought mine from Dante Stella, who for a time was importing both the Kobalux lenses (both the 28 and the 21) from the manufacturer, YK Optical if memory serves. That was probably 4-5 years ago. I think he still has a link on the lenses on his website; the link itself was put together by him, I recall.

 

[peter_n]

He also wrote the content on the now defunct kobalux.com web site I believe.

 

[Charles D. Orze]

Hi Nick,

I bought it on ebay (look at the link below).

Best,

Charlie

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7537037721&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOAB:US:6