CV 25/4 vs. CV 35 2.5 Classic

[sooner]

Hi Folks,

This may be a stupid question because of its apples and oranges nature, but I noticed that popflashphoto is selling these lenses for the same price, barely in my price range, that I could attach to my Zorki 4k and take on a vacation to Paris, where I will want a fairly wide lens. I realize the 25 is not rangefinder coupled, but is there anything else you can offer to help me decide between them? I am leaning towards the 25 because of its relatively distortion-free repute and wide angle, but 35mm is one of my favorite angles for every day. Are there other differences here I should consider? Thanks in advance.

 

[Kyle]

If you want to put the 35/2.5 on your Zorki you'll need an external finder for 35. I think Photo Village NOS CV 35 finders for under $70, but that adds to the cost. The 25/4 comes with the finder (I believe Photo Village still has some for $209 as well). The 25 is a great lens. The lack of rangefinder coupling isn't much of an issue, as I've never had out of focus shots in the four rolls I've shot with it (sorry, no examples scanned). IMO, I'd go for the 25. If you had a camera that had framelines for a 35 that'd be a different story.

 

[sooner]

Excellent, thanks, that helps a bunch because I'm not able to spend the extra $70 on a viewfinder in addition to the cost of the lens. It did seem odd that the 35mm cost the same, 'cause I always had the impression the 25/4 was the most affordable of the CV lineup. Thanks again.

 

[cbass]

I own both of these lenses and, like you, I am taking them both with me to Paris 😀 . If I had to pick one, however, I would go with the 35/2.5 for two reasons. First, it's RF coupled so it'll be easier to get good results close up. Second, it's faster so it will be better suited for indoor photography.

They are both excellent lenses, though. You can't go wrong either way.

As Kyle noted, PhotoVillage has leftover NOS 25/4 lenses (chrome only) for $209 with the old-style finder. A good buy. The fellas at PV are nice to deal with (I bought my 25/4 & Bessa L from them).

 

[Bertram2]

Hi Folks,

This may be a stupid question because of its apples and oranges nature, but I noticed that popflashphoto is selling these lenses for the same price, barely in my price range, that I could attach to my Zorki 4k and take on a vacation to Paris, where I will want a fairly wide lens. I realize the 25 is not rangefinder coupled, but is there anything else you can offer to help me decide between them? I am leaning towards the 25 because of its relatively distortion-free repute and wide angle, but 35mm is one of my favorite angles for every day. Are there other differences here I should consider? Thanks in advance.

Coupling is surely NOT a decisive point for a 4/25. Once you've learned to work with the DOF and with a preset distance (3 tabs and a focusing lever help to set it blind) you will love it because it is a kinda liberation and makes you very very fast. Best it works on a L tho, with the metering LEDs outside on the back of the camera. That is the perfect street machine, tiny, lightweight, faster than any other camera. I shoot 90 % of my pics with the L/4/25 combo in Paris .

Bertram

 

[dgray]

Another important issue is the compatibility with your Zorki. Even if the Zorki works great with the lens it came with, this doesn't ensure that the flange distance is perfectly aligned for other lenses - that is, many FSU bodies and lenses were fine tuned specifically for each other, even if that meant they were no longer standard for the rest of the world. If this is indeed the case with your camera body, then the 25/4 is the clear choice because it is not coupled anyway and the depth of field will more than make up for any potential flange distance issues that might throw off your focus. If, however, you get the 35 it is possible that you might have problems up close and wide open. You probably already have a 50 on there anyway, so in that case I think the 25 is a better choice regardless because it gives you a lens with a much more different look than the 50, whereas the 35, though different, might not be different enough. And the Eiffel Tower is really tall!

 

[tedwhite]

For $69 bucks or so, you can get a brand new Bessa L body with a built in meter which is specifically designed to handle the 25/4. And yes, the 25/4 comes with the viewfinder. So what's not to like about that? I like Zorkis, but I'd get the Bessa L and leave the Zorki home for this trip.

I used the L and the 25/4 and almost never got an improperly exposed picture. Very good street camera limited only, and then rarely, by the f:4 max aperture.

 

[sooner]

Thanks for the follow-up messages. The 25/4 sounds like the way to go, and it fits my limited budget much better. The Bessa L sounds like another good idea, not only due to the price and meter but also reliability. Thanks again, I needed the encouragement!

 

[Kyle]

Good choices! I recommend buying from PhotoVillage. They have the 25/4 with old style finder for $209 (thats $50 off normal price) and you get a Bessa L for only $69 with purchase of lens. Also, when you buy any Voigtlander body, you can buy a Voigtlander half case (which is actually a two piece full case) for $1! Thats quite a deal, and their service is top notch!