CV Glass is better then Leica Glass

Wow, we're on exactly the same page.

I just have to finish selling my current stuff and I will be set. I've lusted after the Lux for a long time and finally decided I would figure out a way to get one. I hate selling gear, I always regret it, but in this case I think it's for the best.

The lens that's hardest to part with is the 28mm Elmarit, the M8 loves that lens.
 
I got the 90mm cron in hopes that I wouldn't want the 75 as bad and as good as the 90 is I just can't get over the lux. I had a lot of trouble bringing myself to sell the cron because it's a great lens.
 
I have two CV lens and have only owned a Leica-made lens in the past (Wetzler 40mm Summicron).

The two CV lens (40/1.4 mc and 25/4 P) have superb build quality. Since both are new the focus mechanizm is still tighter than I like but I am sure will loosen upon extensive use.

They both appear to be sharp with very good flare control and tonal range. However, the 25/4 does vignette stopped down to at least f11. Mine only does it in the top-right area that I can determine. I use the rectangular LH-1 hood. Will have to try it without hood and see if is still does.

However, the best lens I own is a Carl Zeiss Opton 50/1.5 for my Contax IIa. It is absolutely to die for. Sharp, wonderful tonal range, little flare, smooth oof areas. I have just gotten a CZ Biogon 35/2.8 to go with it. Will send off to have overhauled and will see how good it is.

Would also like to try the newer Zeiss ZM lenses, especially the 35/2. What are other's experiences with these?

Or the m-Hexanon 35/2??
 
First of all it is fair to say that the Leica M-system has the best range of lenses in the business. At least in the small 135-system frame. There is not the same consistent high level of quality among the many SLR-systems. Thanks to Voigtländer, Zeiss and Leica - and others.

Sure, Leica glas is better. Take one example; the WATE compared to, say, Voigtländer 15 mm 4,5 Super Wide Heliar. The WATE offers Leica coding included, is rangefinder coupled and has a fitting filter set that goes on. All those details have to be improvised on the Super Wide Heliar. So, comparing at 100% the WATE leads with a good handicap. The Voigtländer is also far softer in the corners, produces a slight dash of CA - which the WATE is almost free of.

But.....

Does these minor differences, hardly visible at modest enlargements - and some only visible at 100% in PS, justify the price difference of 27.000 NOK or 3,600 $? That's a discussion without an end. That's how prices are in this optical photo world. You pay the double for one larger aparture step and ten-fold more for slightly sharper corners.
 
x-ray said:
The 35mm summicron asph easily flares and the Nokton 35mm does not.
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That's odd - my 35 Cron ASPH is completely flare-proof to my experience. I shoot it available darkness at night on the street all the time and have never gotten flare despite all the headlights, streetlights etc. I've never seen it flare in the daytime either.

And "better" isn't a term I'd use in lens selection when discussing most quality glass.
 
I've experienced aperture patterns from lights just outside the frame and also had veiling flare shooting in the shadows of a house where the bright sky is above and outside the frame but in the optical circle of the lens. This happened a number of times with the round retro hood that came with my lens. The rectangular plastic hood took care of most of the problem. With my ZM Biogon 35 I have never seen any problems of this kind. Even with the sun sriking the front element and shooting in the shadows I've never had this happen. My 90 apo asph will flare form sources outside the frame but within the optical image circle. My experience with the Leica asph seems to point to flare problems compared to other lenses. Seems like they strive for resolution at the price of flare controll. I think Zeiss simply has better coatings.
 
That could be why I don't see it in mine - I always use the rectangular hood. Still, I shoot under some fairly challenging conditions at times, particularly on the street at night.
 
Could we let this thread die please? I've been waiting all day for it to scroll off the front page. It's the simplest kind of troll, like going to a Mac forum and saying "Windows is better than OS X - discuss." It's pointless and meant only for the original poster's amusement. I'd rather not indulge him.
 
The 75 summilux is a hand full. I really use the heck out of mine but many folks think it's too bid like they think the CV 35 1.2 is too big. It's just the price of speed.

Never used the CV 75 but looks to be excellent and extremely small for a 75.
 
x-ray said:
I've experienced aperture patterns from lights just outside the frame and also had veiling flare shooting in the shadows of a house where the bright sky is above and outside the frame but in the optical circle of the lens. This happened a number of times with the round retro hood that came with my lens. The rectangular plastic hood took care of most of the problem. With my ZM Biogon 35 I have never seen any problems of this kind. Even with the sun sriking the front element and shooting in the shadows I've never had this happen. My 90 apo asph will flare form sources outside the frame but within the optical image circle. My experience with the Leica asph seems to point to flare problems compared to other lenses. Seems like they strive for resolution at the price of flare controll. I think Zeiss simply has better coatings.
Click to expand...

Mmm, quite, quite.

10.jpg


Lovey reports the same thing. These blasted things! I'll have the Professor take a look at it. Well, it is my tea-time, you know. Must toddle off, old chap.
 
I started out with CV glass, I had the 35/2.5 and the 90/3.5, both were the best lenses I had ever owned. But then I happened to get a deal on a new 50mm summicron... and there's just no comparison at all. It was a whole different ballgame, no question.
 
I will say it again in a different way, any lens I don't have, can't afford, would be tooooo redundant to acquire, all suck.

Better is a relative term, and for the most part, all modern RF lenses are excellent. There are price differences and of course red dots, blue dots and all that stuff. The bottom line, if you can afford a J8 you will find that you can be very satisfied with it the same way as if you are pulling a 35 Skopar or Summicron out of your bag.

Too many good choices to worry about what you don't have.

(GAS Free for 127 days, one day at a time)
 
I had the CV 75 and found it too soft in the corners for me, plus it just didn't have the snap or contrast I need in a lens. Prints over 1114 were just unsatisfactory because of this. I'm going for the 75 Summicron as soon as I can, I'm still settling into my current kit to see which pieces will head to the auction block.
 
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