Differences between Skopar 35 2.5s?

[nongfuspring]

I'm thinking of picking up a 35mm 2.5 for my X-E1 and Fed 2. I'm on a tight budget, and I'm looking for a compact normal (manual) lens on the fuji and a 35 for film, so it seems to kill two birds with one stone.

I'm a bit struck by the number of versions there are and was wondering if there may be some better than others in terms of coatings or build quality? I'm leaning a bit towards the LTM MC version, just because I like the lever and it seems really good looking, but completely open to just what might be most suitable.

 

[jane7l]

there should be no difference in optics or quality. ltm version is smaller and it has a lever, two reasons why i prefer it as well.

 

[Godfrey]

I have the M-bayonet version. It is a terrific performer on the Ricoh GXR, the M4-2, and the M9. I believe the optics are the same as the LTM version.

G

 

[Pioneer]

I have the LTM, the M and the Contax/Nikon version and I can't tell much difference between them. Obviously there probably is some just resulting from normal variation, but I doubt it would be noticeable in normal field conditions. Of the three I love how the LTM version handles but it is the Contax version that seems to get the most use since it is the walkaround lens for my Bessa R2C. I guess that all this really shows is that the ergonomic differences really are not that big of a deal.

 

[nongfuspring]

Great! Thanks so much guys, that's a huge help.

 

[philipaloft]

I like the ltm versions when adapting to digital because I've found that the focus peaking is so accurate that I'm able to get infinity focus dialed in by slightly modifying the ltm/M adapter if necessary.
Every time I've needed to do this ( 3 times ) the lens has needed to be moved just a hair closer to the sensor, and it's required rubbing that adapter ring down on fine auto-body sandpaper. Never much more than maybe removing the plating on one face, but if it means that you know for sure that infinity focus is where it needs to be, it's worth a couple of hours of getting it right.
I think I have it right that the VC ltm lenses ( eg 28mm f3.5 ) are often smaller than the M mount versions.
Philip