Heliar classic 50 3.5 vs. Color Skopar 50 2.5

[d.dulin]

Does anyone have any thoughts on how these two lenses compare, I currently own a black paint Color Skopar 50 but am tossing around the idea of selling it to purchase the Heliar (ltm collapsible variant). I don't shoot the 50 focal length enough to justify having both. Side note: I do also own a "near red scale" (F22) Elmar 50 that I think is coated. Having two similar in speed and length lenses may seem redundant but since they're different optical designs I figure it may be justified.

 

[rgraphex]

I have the Heliar classic 50 3.5 very sharp. I shoot a lot of B&W I think the grey tones I get are similar to a tessar. I also had the color skopar 12 years ago sold it within 6mos. I just didn't like the look. I thought it rendered like any other modern lens at the time.

 

[Rob-F]

Does anyone have any thoughts on how these two lenses compare, I currently own a black paint Color Skopar 50 but am tossing around the idea of selling it to purchase the Heliar (ltm collapsible variant). I don't shoot the 50 focal length enough to justify having both. Side note: I do also own a "near red scale" (F22) Elmar 50 that I think is coated. Having two similar in speed and length lenses may seem redundant but since they're different optical designs I figure it may be justified.

You don't seem to be saying why you want to make this change. What is the appeal of the Heliar over the Skopar for you?

 

[Erik van Straten]

I never tried the Heliar, but the Color Skopar has far better ergonomics, is faster, is beautifully finished and is optically incredible good. Why would you choose for an old fashioned, clumsy, and slow collapsible lens? Yes, optically the Heliar is superb, but so is the Color Skopar.


Erik.

 

[d.dulin]

@rgraphex - do you have any examples to share? Sometimes I love the Color Skopar and sometimes it leaves me wondering if there could be something more(?)

@Rob - no specific reason, more just looking for other individuals thoughts on how the two lenses compare to each other and possible strong/weak points of both.

@Erik - I know you are partial to the Skopar, in fact, your words about it and photos are what lead me to purchase the copy I have now. The Skopar in use is amazing as well the build quality of it, perfect on the IId and M4-2 but feels unbalanced on the CL. I guess there may not be any justifiable reason.

 

[Doug]

I have both of those lenses, and prefer the Skopar due to better ergonomics. Both are excellent performers. Suggest you do a Search in the RFF gallery for each of those lenses to discover gallery samples.