Cosina Voigtlander Super Wide Heliar III

[Out to Lunch]

After a long wait the new 4.5/15 CV lens is for sale. Interestingly, I found yesterday that the owner of this site will now sell CV products to the Americas, only.

Not to despair. This big store in New York sells it as well...to anyone who is willing to pay US 749.

I am quite happy with my older 4.5/15 II version, even though it is prone to flaring on my Epson R-D1.

Should I upgrade to the III version?

 

[Out to Lunch]

Perhaps someone has bought one in the meantime?

 

[uhoh7]

The shots I have seen on the M240 are spectacular. The colorshift issues are gone. The lens can even be used on the stock A7 series cameras with decent results.

It's bigger, but for digital use the v3 is far far ahead.

On film it may be a closer contest.

The Cosina factory is putting out some great new stuff 🙂 the ZM 35/1.4 is great and this lens as well is wonderful.

 

[Out to Lunch]

Kay thanks for your feedback, uhoh7.

 

[Out to Lunch]

I know the III is just out but perhaps someone else has by now bought one?

 

[Out to Lunch]

OK, I'll give up. The II version of the Super Heliar Wide 4.5/15 is already a very worthwhile lens. Just wondering what the III version has to add. I'll recheck in six months or so.

 

[traveler_101]

After a long wait the new 4.5/15 CV lens is for sale. Interestingly, I found yesterday that the owner of this site will now sell CV products to the Americas, only.

Not to despair. This big store in New York sells it as well...to anyone who is willing to pay US 749.

I am quite happy with my older 4.5/15 II version, even though it is prone to flaring on my Epson R-D1.

Should I upgrade to the III version?

I would say "yes, you absolutely should upgrade." No, I can't give you a testimony because I don't shoot digital rangefinder cameras. What is clear is that this newest version of the 15/4.5 is designed specifically for digital cameras. The first two versions - the uncoupled LTM and the coupled M - are meant for film and have issues on digital. Is the lens any good? Early days, but this discussion suggests that it is very good indeed: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/242555-voigtlander-15mm-f45-vm-iii/

So yes do yourself a favour and get yourself a new lens. Or pick up a real camera and shoot film with the lens you have (LoL).