cv 35/2.5 cs vs 1.7 ultron?

[morgan]

So I have the 35 color skopar with my bessa-r. I like it, but I don't know, it doesn't seem exactly magic to me. It takes nice shots, but they seem a little harsh at times, if that makes any sense. So I've been contemplating getting an ultron. How do they compare? I've seen some great shots from each (obviously), but is it worth spending the money for more than just the extra stops (which I would definitely use)?

 

[terrafirmanada]

I also have the Skopar, and have heard that the Ultron is less harsh -smoother, but have never tried one. I'm sure there are some string opinions here though. Did you check the old postings?

 

[Marc Jutras]

The Ultron is definitely smoother. There was a member gallery from a member called Peter that had pictures taken in Asia with both lenses. The difference was so strong you could ID the lens right away.

I have the Ultron and it's the lens I use about 99% of the time. It's pretty much a perfect match to the CV 75/2.5 btw. Check my gallery for samples.

 

[Kyle]

It's been so long since I've owned the Ultron that I can't comment on it. However, one thing to keep in mind is size. The Ultron is significantly larger than the Skopar. I don't know if that matters to you or not, but it's something to consider.

 

[vrgard]

It's been so long since I've owned the Ultron that I can't comment on it. However, one thing to keep in mind is size. The Ultron is significantly larger than the Skopar. I don't know if that matters to you or not, but it's something to consider.

Kyle makes a good point here. The Ultron is not overly large. However, it is larger than either the Skopar or a Cron. Still, from everything I've read and seen regarding imaging qualities, I would go with the Ultron before the Skopar.

 

[sherm]

Not only is it larger but the lens barrell is tapered and setting the F stops is a pain in my opinion. I always found myself hunting for the F stop ring which was a bit "fiddly" for me.

If you really want magic then look at the 35/1.2 Nokton. DOF capabilities are astounding!!

Scott

 

[markinlondon]

Here's 2 frames at about the same aperture (2.?) and from about the same distance, Ultron is on the left. Forgive the heavy grain in the Ultron shot, this was an early Tri-x in rodinal experiment. I like the Ultron better overall, but the Skopar (PII in this case) is very nice to use.

 

[iml]

I have the Ultron and it's the lens I use about 99% of the time.

Me too. I think it's a great lens.

Ian

 

[JohnL]

...
If you really want magic then look at the 35/1.2 Nokton. DOF capabilities are astounding!!
...

Strongly agree. And even wide open it's remarkably sharp. However, it is a very big lens, and it appears in the viewfinder to quite an extent. I don't find that much of an issue most of the time, but there are those who would. I'm considering getting the CV 35/2.5 Color Skopar for when I don't need f/1.2.

 

[KoNickon]

Which Color Skopar were you asking about? The screw mount version or the newer M mount Pancake II?

 

[morgan]

I have a bessa-r, so I'm stuck with the screw mount. I'd be so into the Nokton it's not funny. I've even debated getting an r2 or r3 just for the nokton, but that's a pretty big layout for me, especially when I'm contemplating a dSLR as well. Thanks for the great points. Looking at some of people's shots, I'm definitely into the beautiful smoothness of the ultron. The size isn't much of an issue for me really, it seems worth it.

But now that I think about it, those gray R2A's are so sweet looking. And I'd use the AE for sure...

 

[BrianPhotog]

I have both. I started with the Skopar and ended up a few months later picking up the Ultron for exactly the same reason you're considering one. It's just way to harsh. The Skopar designs are all small but are too contrasty for my taste.

Anyone want to buy a 35/2.5 Skopar classic?

 

[bronekkozka]

This was the same topic I posted when I first got my Bessa R2a, I decided an Ultron was the way to go, the idea of 1.7 was alot more apealing to me...but the my local camera store didn't have one in stock so he lent me a 2.5 skopar...it was good to shoot BUT I do really prefer the smooth silky feeling of a 1.7....I would really like a 1.2....but $$$....my ither non rf fave lenses are Canon 85mm 1.2 and the Canon 35mm 1.4....so one day I gess i need to have a 35mm 1.2 for Bessa...slightly OT how does the 28 1.9 compare to the Ultron...in look and feel....I missed out on a Avenon 21 2.8 the other day - still...pis...upset....

 

[lubitel]

I just saw an Ultron at a local store for about 250euros, and was considering selling my Skopar. I mean skopar is a perfect little lens, but f 1.7 is sooo tempting.

 

[lubitel]

correction 270euros (thats 345 dollars is that a good price?)

 

[rogue_designer]

correction 270euros (thats 345 dollars is that a good price?)

It costs about $380 US dollars brand new. So you decide.

 

[Huck Finn]

If you shoot close, be aware that the minimum focus distance for the Skopar is about 8 inches closer than the Ultron (28 inches vs 3 feet minimum focus distance).

 

[Tom Harrell]

I just got a B & H catalog yesterday and saw the Bessa cameras in there. They look good. Seem to be priced about right. How well are they constructed and is the meter accurate? I wonder what kind of problems turn up with them?

Tom

 

[BillBingham2]

Tom, for the money, IMHO, they are great. I am in the process of paring down my cameras so I will end up with a T and 2 Ls. I got a R a few months ago for my son to learn and he loves it. Are they in the same class as Leica MPs, no, but then they cost a lot less. I’m a member on the CVUG and have not seen any real problems pop up in quite a while.

If you think about the fact that every meter has a pattern you have to learn, no big shakes, they work fine. Lots of people use the AE bodies and get great results. Me, I’m a manual freak, so I tend to over think everything. The new bodies have a different pattern, which I think is more center weighted than the old bodies (R, R2, T, L).

I’m moving from a T as my main camera back to my Leica M6. Have not had any problems with my T, just my kids are just old enough not to mess around when I am carrying a camera.

Take a look at www.cameraquest.com Stephen Gandy’s site. He is a straight shooter and has a wealth of knowledge on the products there, hours of good reading. On lots of different cameras and lenses, not just Bessas. I would highly recommend buying from him, he stands behind his stuff very well.

B2 (;->

 

[Tom Harrell]

Bill, that's valuable advice, thanks! I'll take a look at Cameraquest today! I might even look in on CVUG if I get the chance. Tom