CV 28/3.5 vs CV 28/1.9

[dfoo]

I've been using the CV 28/1.9 for a while, and was generally happy with the results. However, after using it for the past week for street shooting, I realize that I really hate the lens. The view finder obstruction is terrible! I cannot see almost the entire lower right of the scene, so I have no idea what is there in a fast moving environment.

I went out yesterday to the camera market, and traded the lens for a very good condition CV 28/3.5. That lens is tiny, and isn't visible at all in the viewfinder. The tradeoff is that its much slower. I'd would have liked to keep both, but funds say otherwise! I'm going out later today for some more shooting. I'll let ya'll know what I think of it.

 

[oscroft]

Hi,

Congrats on the purchase. The CV 28/3.5 is one of my favourite ever lenses - I do hope you like yours.

 

[ferider]

Both great lenses.

I just put a 28/3.5 into the classifieds 🙂

Roland.

 

[principe azul]

dfoo,

don't know what camera you're using, and viewfinder obstruction is a different issue for different people, but I get round it by shooting with both eyes open. The obstruction fades away after a while shooting this way.

 

[chrishayton]

Ive just traded the 35mm ultron for the 35mm skopar classic due to size reasons. the I bought a leica due to the compact proportions and unobtrusiveness (and because they are beautiful to use) and the ultron whilst being fast didn't fit that criteria. The 35mm f2.5 however is tiny and even smaller without the hood and also black to match my camera. I also prefer the contrast of the Color skopar too. Cant wait to get using it.

 

[dfoo]

dfoo,

don't know what camera you're using, and viewfinder obstruction is a different issue for different people, but I get round it by shooting with both eyes open. The obstruction fades away after a while shooting this way.

I use a Leica M4-P. Shooting with both eyes open is not an option for me since I use my left eye on the viewfinder.

 

[dfoo]

Some thoughts after a couple of days of use.
- The lens is very inconspicuous, and light. The camera is very well balanced with this lens, unlike the 1.9 ultron. I cannot see it at all in the finder.
- Its pretty easy and fast to focus.
- I find myself accidently shifting the aperture ring when focusing.

I haven't developed the film yet, so I've no idea how the lens draws. I'll be doing that today. I'll need to work on the focusing technique, shifting the aperture ring is very annoying, and ruins shots.

 

[dfoo]

I just got back the first roll from this lens. The film was XP2 super. I hate the prints on glossy paper, but from what I can see the lens is very sharp, and when stopped down the out of focus areas are quite pleasing. So far, apart from it being easy to accidently move the aperture ring, I really like the lens!

 

[noimmunity]

When I had both I always preferred the Skopar, except for the speed of the Ultron. I think you made the right choice. Enjoy!
I'd like to pick up another skopar some day.

 

[RayPA]

Both great lenses.

I just put a 28/3.5 into the classifieds 🙂

Roland.

😱 THIS I can't believe! It was your favorite! (or has the Winogrand taken that spot now?)


.

 

[Doug]

dfoo, don't know what camera you're using, and viewfinder obstruction is a different issue for different people, but I get round it by shooting with both eyes open. The obstruction fades away after a while shooting this way.

I agree, but it must be an individual matter, as a number of RF users (or FORMER RF users!) have complained fiercely about VF obstruction with various combinations.

It's never been an issue with me, either doing as Azul suggests -and a top-mounted accessory viewfinder is also a solution- or simply moving the camera around a bit to see what's otherwise hidden before making the shot.

You can minimize VF obstruction by choosing a smaller lens (obviously) but less obviously some camera bodies such as the Zeiss Ikon place the VF farther from the lens centerline, reducing the intrusion, while others like the Bessa series are obstructed more due to the opposite condition. OTOH, having the VF window close to the lens centerline reduces parallax, so there's a tradeoff, your choice!