CV Color-Heliar 75mm f2.5... what a lens!

[P. Lynn Miller]

OK... I am a latecomer to the 75mm focal length and many of you have already spent a few years with the CV 75/2.5. I am sorry that I did not discover this gorgeous lens sooner.

As a result of adding the recently released CV 75/1.8 to my lens collection, I decided that I needed another 75mm to compare it with, so why not the CV 75/2.5. While the 75/1.8 has proven to be a great performer, the 75/2.5 has simply swept me off my feet. This little lens has no business delivering superlative negatives that I have gotten from it over the past week. It is compact, light-weight, sharp, good contrast and extremely flare-resistant. For studio and location portraits, it is my preferred 75mm lens. When paired with the Bessa R2, the 75/2.5 is just perfect for portraits and studio work.

Only two minor complaints... the filter size is 43mm which is unique for a CV LTM lens, most of which are 39mm... so I have to buy another set of B&W filters... and the close focus of 1.0m... which has not really been an issue yet. From Kroysa's findings the 75/2.5 can be modified to focus closer without too much hassle.

Enough ranting... I will let the lens do the talking...

Bessa R | Voigtländer Color-Heliar 75mm f2.5 | Efke KB25 | Rodinal 1:50

Bessa R | Voigtländer Color-Heliar 75mm f2.5 | Efke KB25 | Rodinal 1:50

Bessa R | Voigtländer Color-Heliar 75mm f2.5 | Efke KB25 | Rodinal 1:50

Bessa R | Voigtländer Color-Heliar 75mm f2.5 | Efke KB25 | Rodinal 1:50

The little CV 75/2.5 has found a permanent spot among my working lenses.

 

[ferider]

Nice, Lynn.

Next step is the Summilux. You want one 🙂

BTW, the Color Skopar 35/2.5 PI, the 35/1.4 and 40/1.4 Noktons all have 43mm filters and go well together with the 75/2.5. If you start liking 75, I recommend a frameline upgrade in your M5, or an R3* that is just the perfect 75mm machine.

 

[JRG]

Lynn --- I like that second shot!

 

[venchka]

Thanks. I think. Grinning.
I had the lens and an M5 with 75mm framelines. Both sold. Obviously an error in judgement on my part.
Enjoy!

 

[P. Lynn Miller]

Nice, Lynn.

Next step is the Summilux. You want one 🙂

BTW, the Color Skopar 35/2.5 PI, the 35/1.4 and 40/1.4 Noktons all have 43mm filters and go well together with the 75/2.5. If you start liking 75, I recommend a frameline upgrade in your M5, or an R3* that is just the perfect 75mm machine.

Roland,

The real beauty of the 5/2.5 is the size... compact with no finder intrusion. The 75 Lux is even bigger and heavier than the 75/1.8, but a 75 Lux would be a more useful lens to me since with a maximum aperture of f1.4 I would include it in my low-light kit. A pair of M5's with a Nokton 35/1.2 and Lux 75 would make a great night shooting kit.

As for the Color-Skopar 35/2.5 PI, that is not a common lens at all. And I had forgotten that it also used 43mm filters.

I am using a R3M at the moment, but finding that I prefer the R2 with the 0.7x finder over the 1.0x. Not sure, it may be the difference in the frame-line accuracy, but I am consistently getting better compositions with the R2. The R2 and 75/2.5 is just a perfectly balanced set-up and with the flash sync of 1/125, it takes to the studio like a fish to water.

Lynn --- I like that second shot!

Thanks!

Thanks. I think. Grinning.
I had the lens and an M5 with 75mm framelines. Both sold. Obviously an error in judgement on my part.
Enjoy!

We live and learn!

 

[Krosya]

I too just recently discovered CV 75/2.5. Its a great lens, as Lynn says - sharp, compact, beautiful signature. I really enjoy mine and really dont see a need for any other 75m lens - Heliar 75/2.5 is so good:

 

[jmcd]

Beautiful work, P Lynn Miller. (That is one stout cage!)