CV 28/2 or M-Hexanon 28/2.8

[wilonstott]

I am considering buying a 28mm for use with leica film bodies. I have narrowed down my search to the 28/2 CV and the 28/2.8 M-Hex. I am interested to know if anyone has owned both, and what your impressions of both lenses are.

Other than the difference in speed, which do you believe is optically superior?
Although I am concerned about sharpness and contrast--please include references to these in your comments--I am very concerned about distortion.

I realize that a bit of distortion is inherent to any wideangle lens, but I am particularly interested in "pulling" or "stretching" in the corners of the frame ( I hope I'm making myself clear here--I may not be)--from looking through flickr, the Ultron seems to display more distortion, at least to my eye.

Am I right about this or not?

Which do you prefer and why?

Feel free to post examples of pictures which display the strenghts/weaknesses or each lens.

Thanks for your help.

 

[wilonstott]

No advice?

 

[healyzh]

No advice, just a question. Have you also considered a Zeiss 28mm f/2.8, or a used Leica 28mm? I'm curious about the replies you might get as I'm currently considering adding either a 28mm or 35mm lens.

 

[wilonstott]

I'm sure either of thos lenses are wonderful. However, price is an issue for me, and that's the reason I'm trying to decide between the Hex and the CV.

 

[LeicaFoReVer]

if price is an issue take m-rokkor 28mm/2.8

I have a very clean one for sale...

 

[Peter S]

Do not think there are many people that own both I guess. Neither do I, I only have the M-Hexanon 28 and I don't use it that often, but when I do I am always amazed at how small it is and how nicely it draws. I think the M-Hexanon lenses are in a class of their own. I also have Leica and VC glass, but my little 28 feels/looks the best. The finish, how the aperture clicks etc etc. Why do you worry so much about distortion, what do you plan to shoot with the lens ?

If money is an issue I would look at the VC lens, I have seen the M-Hexanon sell for USD 1,100 not so long ago. There is a 28 1.9 in the classifieds for a lot less. You can always try it and if you do not like or there is too much distortion to your taste you could always sell it and maybe even not lose any (or a small amount of) money on it.

 

[tbarker13]

Between the two, I'd probably go with the Hexanon - they are marvelous lenses. But regarding price, I doubt you can get a used 28 Hexanon much cheaper than a used Zeiss 28/2.8.
I've seen both in the $650-$750 price range. Obviously there will be some variance, based on condition, etc.

 

[wilonstott]

if price is an issue take m-rokkor 28mm/2.8

I have a very clean one for sale...

The m-rokkor doesn't bring up 28/90 framelines on leica bodies does it?
Can that be fixed inexpensively?
And what's the deal with the spots?
Can those be cleaned.

Seems like that lens has gotten some bad press. However, I've never used one and might have a schewed impression.

 

[LeicaFoReVer]

I was first very afraid of the white spots but it is exaggarated as you say. Mine does not have at all anyways. Some of them were fixed by minolta. Mine might be one of those. It's said that it does not affect the quality at all. One with white spots was sold for 400$ last week on rff.

It does not bring the 28mm frame lines that is right. It is tested over internet that it is sharper than CV though it has lower contrast.

It is not a focal length I use often that is why I will sell...

 

[oldoc]

28

28

I have have both of these.
I kept the hexanon longer, as it is considerably sharper at all apertures.
I didn't miss the speed.
I had a thread about a year ago with shots even at f16. The only reason I don't have it is my 28 Elmarit ASPH, which I'll keep as my normal on my M8 as long as I have the M8. It's small and an amazing lens.
If you don't or can't go to the Leica, I think the Hex is the better option, if you don't need the extra stop.
BUT the Canon 28/3.5 LTM is a competitor for both of these as well...

 

[scorpius73]

If build quality is being considered. I would go for the Hexanon over the Zeiss. I have the Zeiss 35mm f2 Biogon for M mount. It developed the lens wobble. It doesn't feel as solid and well built as my Hexanon lenses. I have the 28mm f2.8 Hexanon. I don't miss the extra stop and images it produces are great.

 

[peter_n]

I can't compare either as I've never used the CV lens. But I've owned the Hexanon 28/2.8 for several years and like it a lot. I don't use it that much these days but the build quality is outstanding and it renders beautifully. Great lens.

 

[dyao]

I've got a VC 28mm/2 in the classified's right now... let me know!

 

[Bob Michaels]

To see how little difference there really is, look at these 40 photos http://bobmichaels.org/cuba%20photos/

Over half of these were shot with a Hexanon 28mm.

Most of the others were shot with a CV 28mm f3.5

But there are a few in there shot with a ZI 35mm f2.0 and at least one shot with a CV 21mm.

I know most of the ones shot with the Hexanon since that was the only lens I used on several trips. But otherwise, I could not tell. Can you see a difference?

 

[Krosya]

Hexanon is better, CV is faster. You decide what you need more. If you shoot 28mm a lot, I'd go with a better lens. And I did - I have the Hex.

 

[back alley]

To see how little difference there really is, look at these 40 photos http://bobmichaels.org/cuba%20photos/

Over half of these were shot with a Hexanon 28mm.

Most of the others were shot with a CV 28mm f3.5

But there are a few in there shot with a ZI 35mm f2.0 and at least one shot with a CV 21mm.

I know most of the ones shot with the Hexanon since that was the only lens I used on several trips. But otherwise, I could not tell. Can you see a difference?

some nice stuff there bob.
you seemed to have remarkable access to some of their lives.

 

[oldoc]

some nice stuff there bob.
you seemed to have remarkable access to some of their lives.

Seems to me he always does...
Work is amazing, I agree, Joe.

 

[sper]

They're both pretty awesome by reputation. I have the CV and it's on my R4A nearly all the time. I like having f2, but I'll admit it's soft and vignettes a lot at that aperture. I buy CV because I just really like Cosina. I'd buy Zeiss for that reason too.

The best and most expensive pictures don't make the best pictures. If I were you I'd buy on price or aperture stop. I'd have bought the Zeiss save for I want the speed, and I got a deal.

 

[Bob Michaels]

some nice stuff there bob.
you seemed to have remarkable access to some of their lives.

Joe: I find that "access" is 98% in the photographer's attitude and concern about the subjects. It certainly is not a verbal communication thing as I know less than 100 words in Spanish, work by myself, and have almost no problems photographing people I did not know previously.

 

[LeicaFoReVer]

Great job Bob...