Color-Skopar 50mm f/2.5

[aoresteen]

I'm considering the Color-Skopar 50mm f/2.5 for use with my Leica IIIf RD.

What I've read thus far indicate that quite a few persons do not like it.

1. How sharp or not so sharp is it? Is it really as bad as some say?

2. When used with the rectangualr shade, how much of the viewfinder is cut off?

I usally make 10x15 inch or 11x14 inch prints. I shoot only B&W.

Thanks!

 

[Graham Line]

here's a thread with some examples:

http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=0090Ra

seems to be a not-much-discussed or used lens.

added 11/7:

Coincidentally, I placed an order for one about the same time you made that posting, so I'll let you know how it looks when I have film to study.

The round hood on the VC 28/3.5 has always been fine for me, so I didn't explore the rectangular one for the 50.

 

[Didier]

There are also some Skopar 50 samples here:
http://flickr.com/groups/50mm_color_skopar/
D

 

[Jason Sprenger]

Here's a couple of images with a Leica IIf wearing a CV Color Skopar 50/2.5 so that you can have an idea of how it hangs.

Unfortunately, the rectangular hood blocks about half of the built-in finder on this camera. With the "ring" hood, the aperture dial intrudes into the finder a little bit in the lower right, but not very much.

The rectangular hood works better with Leica M's and Bessa R's. The proximity of the finder to the lens with the Leica II/III makes using such a hood something of a problem.