Cv 40mm f1.4 vs Cv 50mm f2

kshapero

kshapero

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Cv 40mm has:

1. That extra width provides great hyperfocal for a "standard lens".
2. f1.4 gives a full extra stop.
3. See Thru lens hood is classic but fruity looking IMHO.
3. I don't like focusing or aperture knobs.
4. Really, really a great lens.
5. Sharp thruout.

CV 50mm f2 has:

1. Smaller, I love small.
2. Gets a little soft at wide open. This can be a good thing.
3. Construction is just awesome.
4. No knobs, yeah.
5. 39mm filter size, my favorite.
6. Easier to see framelines on an R3A/M

You can't lose either way. I am lucky, I have both. probably I would choose the 50mm f2, but I am fickle.
 
The difference in min. distance should be mentioned. With its .7m min distance, the 40/1.4 can be used for similar (but more close-up) portraits than the 50/2 at 1m, but is obviously faster with less (!) min. DOF.

Roland.
 
No Andy, I didn't. But I like the combo of 40/1.4 and 50/1.2 🙂 One for sharp, one for effect, both on M3 ...

Roland.
 
I generally like focusing knobs or bumps, but in case the knob on the 40 didn't "like me", does anyone think it could be removed by a tech? Would a different focusing ring be necessary or possible as a replacement? Just musing ...
 
Akiva, I would probably go the other way. The extra stop makes a difference for me, and I've grown to love (I _hated_ it at first) the tabbed focussing.

That said, I'm absolutely chuffed I have both.
 
I'm really thinking of buying the VC 40mm 1.4 for my bessa R3a. I'd love to go a bit wider than the 50mm old Leica 1.4 ive borrowd of a friend, I also tried the 35mm Nokton which I loved but is a bit heavy for everyday use.

Do you guys like it? (the 40 I mean..)
 
The 40 Nokton has been very satisfactory for me; I like its results, I like the small size and high speed, I like the focusing knob, I even like the hood. Goes well on the CLE. The CV 50/2 would be a non-starter for me, as it's collapsible (odd this hasn't been mentioned in the thread).
 
Ewoud said:
I'm really thinking of buying the VC 40mm 1.4 for my bessa R3a. I'd love to go a bit wider than the 50mm old Leica 1.4 ive borrowd of a friend, I also tried the 35mm Nokton which I loved but is a bit heavy for everyday use.

Do you guys like it? (the 40 I mean..)
Click to expand...

The CV 40mm is a truly great versatile lens IMHO.
 
kully said:
It has been mentioned - but why is it a non-starter?
Click to expand...
One might easily shoot without the lens extended, or without it locked properly in place. The extension allows for some wobble (in older ones I've handled), likely more after some wear. One more operation to slow getting the camera into action. The purpose, making the lens more compact, is IMHO such a small benefit not to be worth the rest. Of course this is just my personal opinion, and I do have three cameras whose lenses extend automatically upon turning on the camera, and I have no objection to that. 🙂
 
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