Different 40's for Leica M-Mount

[Palaeoboy]

In another thread there seemed to be a bit of confusion about the Minolta Rokkor 40mm lenses available so I thought I would post some images of the different 40mm lenses to help differentiate.

Please feel free to generally discuss your views on any of the 40mm lenses whether you like them of dislike them and post a pic too if you like.


1/ 40mm f2.0 Summicron-C (for Leica CL)

2/ 40mm f2.0 Rokkor (for Leitz Minolta CL)

3/ 40mm f2.0 Rokkor CLE (Multicoated for CLE)

4/ 40mm f2.8 Elmarit (for Leica CL 400 made)

5/ 40mm f1.4 Nokton (Single and Multicoated versions)

6/ 40mm f2.8 Sonnar (for Rollei RF with M adapter)

7/ 40mm f1.8 Helios (Russian copy of CLE lens ie. squared off tab)

8/ Zuiko 40 ( I dont know much about this lens only that its an old screw thread, sorry no photo)

 

[Graham Line]

It's difficult to picture much improvemement over the CLE's 40/2. Completely cured my interest in acquiring more lenses in that range. The "Rollei" lenses seem to have dropped on the planet. Can't remember the last time someone mentioned them or posted a picture made with one.

 

[Palaeoboy]

Next 3 lenses on the list.

 

[Palaeoboy]

Last lens on the list that I have a photo of. Two Photos of the Helios 40mm f1.8 which is an M mount lens.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

The rollei needs an M-adapter?

 

[Palaeoboy]

Photo taken with 40mm Summicron

Why do tourists always complain about the toilet facilities here in Australia?

 

[Palaeoboy]

Geez you guys post fast, I couldnt get everything posted quickly enough LOL

Yes the RF Sonnar is a screw mount lens that comes with an M mount adapter from the factory to mount on the Rollei RF35

 

[taffer]

Last lens on the list that I have a photo of. Two Photos of the Helios 40mm f1.8 which is an M mount lens.

Oh my god.

And I thought GAS was over.

Do you know where I could gather some more info as for that lens ?

TIA.

Oscar

EDIT: Answering my own questions. http://www.dvdtechcameras.com/collect/fed/1/02.htm Shows some very interesting info about some FED M mount lenses.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

Geez you guys post fast, I couldnt get everything posted quickly enough LOL

Yes the RF Sonnar is a screw mount lens that comes with an M mount adapter from the factory to mount on the Rollei RF35

thanks, I didn't know that ...

For some reason I just assumed it was an m-mount lens since the camera itself was a m-mount.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

Oh my god.

And I thought GAS was over.

Do you know where I could gather some more info as for that lens ?

TIA.

Oscar

Me too, inquiring minds want to know 🙂

 

[Palaeoboy]

The 40mm f1.8 Helios lens is a bit of a rare bird. I estimate that only about 4 of them were made judging by the serial numbers I have seen. They fetch big dollars making them out of reach to users. Mass production just didnt go ahead as I suspect that they couldnt be built to a price to compare with the Summicron/Rokkors that filled the market.

The most curious thing about this lens if you look closely, the aperture ring travels in the opposite direction to stop down or open up in comparison to the CLE lens its meant to copy.

 

[RayPA]

I've got the first 3 odd numbers covered: 1, 3, and 5. I acqured 1 & 3 on CLE body purchases. I like them all. IIRC, The f-stop control is difficult to get at when a hood is attached to the summi-c (or is it the Rokkor [#3]?). 🙂


.

 

[taffer]

The 40mm f1.8 Helios lens is a bit of a rare bird. I estimate that only about 4 of them were made judging by the serial numbers I have seen. They fetch big dollars making them out of reach to users. Mass production just didnt go ahead as I suspect that they couldnt be built to a price to compare with the Summicron/Rokkors that filled the market.

Ouch, kinda sad. I was thinking that if Fed or KMZ would finally manage to put down the slight focus lenght differences in RF lenses, a new batch of M mount optics could be well received.

Thanks for the info anyway !

Oscar

 

[back alley]

when are you doing the 90's?

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Wow, a 40 f/2.8 Elmarit and an Helios. Do you have Dorothy's shoes too?

You know, the 40mm f/2.8 Sonnar can still be found *new*... it's been very overlooked. Too "slow" for me, though.

 

[Palaeoboy]

I collect mainly 40mm lenses including the 70's rangefinders that have fast 40mm lenses in them as well.

90's? I cant afford to collect them too! LOL

 

[sleepyhead]

I'm wondering if anyone has first-hand experience with the single-coated vs. multiple-coated versions of the CV 40mm nokton. Is there a noticible difference in any image parameter (contrast, colour saturation, flare-resistance)?

I just bought a used one off of the Bay, I thought it was a multi-coated one, but turned out to be a single-coated one. Hasn't arrived yet, so can't add any observations of my own yet. As I shoot B&W mostly, I guess I'm happy with the single-coated one, but honestly I'm sceptical about the differences.

 

[thafred]

Warning! OT question: does anyone use those lenses with a M3 ?
I want a modern Summicron to complement my 50 collapsible and I´m attracted to Summi-C or Rokkor because of the compact size and speed (the 50 Nokton is too big for me on the M3)

Anyone with M3 and 40Lens? Framing possible?

 

[Didier]

The Helios-113 is the only one I never heard of. Kind of white elefant.
With 3mm tolerance one might add the 1.9/43 Asahi to that 40 list.

Didier

 

[Justin Viiret]

thafred -- I use a CV 40/1.4 MC with a Leica M3, and love it. It's a compact lens, and gives me an extra stop (and better flare control) over my 50 summicron. For framing, I tend to frame tight with the 50 frame lines, knowing that I'll get a bit more in the frame. You get used to the field of view pretty quickly...