CV 90mm f3.5 Anyone have samples or thoughts?

[RdEoSg]

I did a search and couldn't find much here on the boards so I apologize if this has been done to death already.

So we just bought a TON of stuff at the store I work at today, and in the batch was a Bessa R2 Green colored, with a 15, 90, and 50 1.5. Well the 50 I don't care about nor the camera since I have an M6 now. The 15 has already come home with me! 😉 The question though is the 90. I have always planned on someday owning one of the Leica ones, but that is going to be waaaaay in the future money wise.

So the question is how is the 90mm? I read one review that said it was quite sharp and the photos they showed looked pretty good to me, but this was also a Nikon monunt version and such so I don't know what to think. Has anyone used it compared to the Leica lenses? What do you think? I can pretty much pick it up at a steal of a price so I am having a hard time saying no 😛 but I want to knwo what I am getting into!!

 

[troym]

The CV 90/3.5 in Leica screw mount is very sharp. I don't have a scanner so I can't post any pictures taken with it, but it's a great lens. My only regret is that I don't use it more.

 

[back alley]

it has a very good reputation.

 

[pab]

Hi

Some samples here- they may be a bit small, but I can assure you it's super sharp. Possibly the best CV lens.

Per

http://per-pics.smugmug.com/gallery/266247/1/10515718/Large

http://per-pics.smugmug.com/gallery/266247/1/40698903/Large

http://per-pics.smugmug.com/gallery/266247/1/40698882/Large

http://per-pics.smugmug.com/gallery/266247/1/40698882/Large

http://per-pics.smugmug.com/gallery/266247/1/40698894/Large

http://per-pics.smugmug.com/gallery/266247/1/40698905/Large

http://per-pics.smugmug.com/gallery/1264096/1/59296219/Large

http://per-pics.smugmug.com/gallery/1264096/1/59296225/Large

http://per-pics.smugmug.com/gallery/951457/1/43718761/Large

http://per-pics.smugmug.com/gallery/951457/1/43718857/Large

http://per-pics.smugmug.com/gallery/951457/1/43718907/Large

http://per-pics.smugmug.com/gallery/951457/1/43718970/Large

 

[iDude]

Get it. If you have use for a 90mm lens, it's probably the best out there in terms of price/performance ratio.
I use mine only frequently, since I prefer shorter focal lengths, but the CV 90/3.5 is a fantastic piece of glass.

One example I was able to dig up quickly: http://static.flickr.com/46/145535087_299db6b090_o.jpg

 

[pab]

here's a review:

http://www.imx.nl/photosite/japan/voigt2890.html

 

[srtiwari]

Have just bought one from an RFF member. should arrive today. will post samples on weekend (hopefully).
Subhash

 

[RdEoSg]

Thanx everyone for the replies. Those examples look great. I think I am going to snatch this lens up! I will probably use it mostly for portraits. It won't be used all that often, but all the more reason to get this one instead of plunking down a grand or more for a used Elmarit or Summicron! If I really use this and want something more then someday I can upgrade, but if I am happy with the results, then I just saved myself some serious dough.

 

[psvensson]

I just returned one to Adorama. It was out of focus at close range, and repairwoman Sherry Krauter said she would be unable to get it to focus correctly at both infinity and close focus. I could tell it was very sharp, but if it doesn't focus correctly, that's useless. If you buy, make sure you can return.

 

[RayPA]

I'll second iDude's review of the CV 90/3.5. It is a great value. It's sharp too, if you're looking for that. Anyway, HERE is a link to a 90mm comparison I posted here several months ago. It'll give you an idea of the look/feel of the lens.
HERE is one of my favorite CV 90/3.5 shots that I always offer up because for me it shows its sharpness and quality. Good luck!

🙂

 

[RdEoSg]

Thanx Ray. Makes me feel even better about the lens to see it in a real world use against the others!!

 

[Fred]

I just returned one to Adorama. It was out of focus at close range, and repairwoman Sherry Krauter said she would be unable to get it to focus correctly at both infinity and close focus. I could tell it was very sharp, but if it doesn't focus correctly, that's useless. If you buy, make sure you can return.

That terrible newsmaybe you just had a rogue item I've not heared of any CV 90 behaving like that, just bad luck I guess.

I've used the CV90 f3.5 many times on my M7 and was very impressed with its performance. Oddly I've not used it on my Bessa R yet, the 75/35 combo is the main user on that.

Eamples of this lens are :
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=8602&cat=500&ppuser=1521
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=8613&cat=500&ppuser=1521
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=8615&cat=500&ppuser=1521
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=13505&cat=500&ppuser=1521

They are not as good as other examplles here but might give you an idea.

Personally I think this is a cracking lens at any price. There are better but not for this size, weight and cost.

 

[RdEoSg]

Thanx Tony! It's good to see its use in several types of images. I really think I am going to enjoy this lens as I have now paid for it! At $100 I'd be an idiot not to I thinK.!!!

 

[Fred]

Thanx Tony! It's good to see its use in several types of images. I really think I am going to enjoy this lens as I have now paid for it! At $100 I'd be an idiot not to I thinK.!!!

At that price I'd bite the had off at the foot 🙂

Seriousely though you will not be dissapointed, 'might' be worth getting a UV filter (M39) to protect the end element but the built in hood does a good job there. Some don't bother with these filters, for me it depends on the environment.

Have fun using it.

 

[vrgard]

I'll second iDude's review of the CV 90/3.5. It is a great value. It's sharp too, if you're looking for that. Anyway, HERE is a link to a 90mm comparison I posted here several months ago. It'll give you an idea of the look/feel of the lens.
HERE is one of my favorite CV 90/3.5 shots that I always offer up because for me it shows its sharpness and quality. Good luck!

🙂

Love that martini glass shot, Ray. Good work!

-Randy

 

[jmilkins]

Hi

Some samples here- they may be a bit small, but I can assure you it's super sharp. Possibly the best CV lens.

Per

http://per-pics.smugmug.com/gallery/266247/1/10515718/Large

http://per-pics.smugmug.com/gallery/266247/1/40698903/Large

http://per-pics.smugmug.com/gallery/266247/1/40698882/Large

http://per-pics.smugmug.com/gallery/266247/1/40698882/Large

http://per-pics.smugmug.com/gallery/266247/1/40698894/Large

http://per-pics.smugmug.com/gallery/266247/1/40698905/Large

http://per-pics.smugmug.com/gallery/1264096/1/59296219/Large

http://per-pics.smugmug.com/gallery/1264096/1/59296225/Large

http://per-pics.smugmug.com/gallery/951457/1/43718761/Large

http://per-pics.smugmug.com/gallery/951457/1/43718857/Large

http://per-pics.smugmug.com/gallery/951457/1/43718907/Large

http://per-pics.smugmug.com/gallery/951457/1/43718970/Large

Awesome photos Per - I really like seeing RF cameras used for this kind of work - well done.

 

[jmilkins]

I'll second iDude's review of the CV 90/3.5. It is a great value. It's sharp too, if you're looking for that. Anyway, HERE is a link to a 90mm comparison I posted here several months ago. It'll give you an idea of the look/feel of the lens.
HERE is one of my favorite CV 90/3.5 shots that I always offer up because for me it shows its sharpness and quality. Good luck!

🙂

I missed this one Ray first time - very interesting thank you.

 

[Nick R.]

It has a nice quality for B&W photos:
Example

 

[pvdhaar]

I had one for a while, and although the focal length wasn't for me, it was a sweet lens. Sharp in the center wide open, and sharp throughout when stopped down a bit..

 

[petebown]

Had one for 2 years. It is a very sharp and contrasty lens with a really nice bokeh. A bit tricky to focus at close range with wide apertures, but then a 90mm lens on an SLR can be a bit tricky at wide apertures.

I replaced it a few months ago with a vintage 1936 9cm f4 Leica Elmar. Believe it or not, I wanted a lens with less sharpness and contrast for portraiture!