CV Lens advice

laskadog

laskadog

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May 15, 2007
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Hey folks,

I have been playing around with a Leica M for a few months now and decided to get an R-D1 to mess with for when I don't have the time to develop film, which is increasingly more often.

However due to the crop factor of the Epson, I need to change my lens set-up a little. I'm going to stick mostly to CV lenses for cost reasons and wanted to know if the following lenses have worked well for you on the R-D1 in the past or if they pose any problems:

CV 21/4 Color Skopar
CV 35/2.5 Color Skopar
CV 35/1.4 Nokton
CV 50/1.5 ASPH Nokton

I might consider othe Zeiss or Leica lenses if they are around the $500 mark, but for now this is just for fun and I'm not going to fuss over corner sharpeness or vignetting.

Any experiences with these lenses would be appreciated.
 
I had focus problems with my 50mm f/1.5 & sent it back, and wound up buying an f/2 Summicron which is just SO great I can't explain it quickly. Picked up a 40mm Summicron-C as well, also quite cheap, and stuck to the CV 28 f/2 Ultron (a cracking lens) and the 15mm f/4.5 (quite slow, but wide) for wider angles.

Pretty happy with them, though the 15mm is quite prone to purple fringing and the like. Hope that helps,
R!
 
My 2 cents

My 2 cents

I own all the lenses that you mentioned and more.

My favorite for the R-D1s are

1) CV 28/2 or CV 28/1.9
(The latter is not current production but good if you can find it)
2) Summicron (IV) 35/2

Anything wider you'll need and external finder. If you don't wear glasses you can get the ZM 25/2.8 and use the whole finder for framing. It is an excellent lens. The CV 21/4 is a fine lens, but I would much rather get the ZM 21/2.8, which is arguably the best 21mm ever made.

The CV 35/1.4 has odd bokeh that is not suitable for all subjects and is often written about and I concur. the CV 35/1.2 is way to large and is like a cancer on the body.

The 28mm length is great length for the R-D1 crop factor, the 35mm is good too. But 50mm onwards tend to be too tele for everyday use.

Hope that helps.
 
If you consider buying used lenses, the 35/1.7 Ultron is worth looking at. I have only used mine with film cameras, and do not have an RD-1. I am impressed with it. I will be using it on my incoming M8 soon. The distance between the rear element and film plane is relatively big for a 35mm lens, and the contrast is low to medium. I believe these are desirable features for use with Digital. I will know soon.
 
Lens advice

Lens advice

If cost is a reason, consider the Summicron C 2/40. Very nice and small lens and it just fits the 35 mm frame lines.

laskadog said:
Hey folks,

I have been playing around with a Leica M for a few months now and decided to get an R-D1 to mess with for when I don't have the time to develop film, which is increasingly more often.

However due to the crop factor of the Epson, I need to change my lens set-up a little. I'm going to stick mostly to CV lenses for cost reasons and wanted to know if the following lenses have worked well for you on the R-D1 in the past or if they pose any problems:

CV 21/4 Color Skopar
CV 35/2.5 Color Skopar
CV 35/1.4 Nokton
CV 50/1.5 ASPH Nokton

I might consider othe Zeiss or Leica lenses if they are around the $500 mark, but for now this is just for fun and I'm not going to fuss over corner sharpeness or vignetting.

Any experiences with these lenses would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
 
I too would very much consider the 28/f1.9. My everyday lens. It does most things right. Very suitable for the R-D1. Nice colour rendition. The 35/F1.4 I like too, maybe contrary to other's beliefs I have no issues with the bokeh. Both these lenses are quite sharp wide open, at least for one used to SLR lenses. I have the 21/f4 too. Not a bad lens either, but I tend to use it for B&W, indoors and with flash.
 
I have read over and over on threads like these that the 40mm Summicron and Noktons (SC/MC) are a great fit for the R-D1's 35mm framelines (more so apparently than most 35s). So much so that I ordered the 'cron which is at home right now, waiting for my R-D1 (in the mail). I'm sorry I don't have anecodital advice to give (so take it for what it's worth), but I really suggest taking a look at results for both lenses. I only checked out the nokton after I ordered my 'cron, and regret it a little. Both lenses have nice bokeh, but the nokton's really stands out! Also, the 'cron is apparently sharper in the center - though that evidence is based on a test I read, not did myself (so again, take it for what it's worth). Hope that helps!
 
I'd agree that a 50 can be long on the RD1 for walk around and general use. I like the CV 21/4 (some M8 photos here.

Not sure if you'd need an external finder would be needed with the 21 on the RD1 (I don't need it on the M8).

I often use a compact Canon 28 or CV 40/1.4 on the RD1.
 
i liked the CV 28mm/1,9 very much until i happend to receive a biogon 25mm for free (thanks to my employer giving away a special bonus).
nowadays i preferred the CV 28mm/2.0 because of its smaller size. the 1.9 is just that little bit too bulky for my taste (as is the biogon ... but that one is a true keeper cuz of its optical qualities).
 
I have the 40 CV, and it does give very weird bokeh in the right conditions, such as a strong backlight.

I also have the 35 2.5 Skopar, Nice little lens, got it to see how it compared to the 40 .... Its a tough call.

I have the 15/4, and it has not captured my heart.

Dave
 
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