I really like this lens for the quality of images, controlled contrast, and speed, although there are faster 35mm out there.
I'm not so sure about the build of the lens though. I bought one used and after about 2 month's of use, some of the aperture blades got stuck and things just got worse from there. Despite that, I still bought another one. Here are some shot's with the Ultron (scanned with minor adjustments in Photoshop)
Wow... I really love the tones, sharpness and contrast in the photos... not sure whether it's the lens, the subjects, or the photographer... maybe all three
So far I'm loving mine. I haven't got a lot of scans with it yet as I was forcing myself to adjust to my R with a 50mm mostly, but I really like it, and used it a lot more ona recent trip to Baltimore. I can't talk about the build quality of the aperture blades, but the overall quality is really nice.
Liking mine too. There were some minor issues in the focusing helical, but that disappeared. I like the softer contrast, like older lenses. First I had the first 35 Color Skopar, but that is a contrast monster compared to the Ultron.
Ofcourse there are faster ones, but they are big and hefty!
And I like the 39mm filter size. Now I only have one set of filters left. Just changing them is a hassle, first removing the otherwise fine metal hood.
although, i prefer 50mm focal length so my nokton 50/1.5 gets a lot more use, but what the ultron has delivered so far has put a smile on my face. shot wide open it vignettes considerably which i love, as it reinforces the subject in the narrow DOF. scientists don't like vignetting though...
here are a couple from my ultron 35/1.7 (on sensia 100)
For my money the Ultron is okay, it's not that hot at f2 or wider. Here are two shots from the 40 year old Summaron and the Ultron. Same film (Porta 160) same exposure and f stop (8) in same light. As I keep harping, CV products are good, but even with a 40 year handicap, they aren't that good, but you can judge for yourselves.
I've seen a lot of excellent shots from this lens.
Unfortunately, it only close focuses to .9m instead of .7m. The Nokton 50/1.5 has the same problem and the 50/2 Heliar's limit is 1m. Then again the Canon 35mm lenses it's competing with in the market also have this limitation (I think).
The 35/1.7 isn't a bad lens wide open with low light (and maybe it's better for B&W than color). BUT I've sold mine for a couple of reasons: first, I hated the handling. Too long, too small aperture ring. Next, I missed comtrast increase at f/5.6 - 8. There are a lot better lenses at these apertures, i.e. the compact 35/2.5. Next, this lens had the most ugly ghost pictures with any backlite conditions I've ever seen with a modern 35mm lens.
For it's moderate general use quality, their reputation is quite good. Too good, IMHO.
The slightly reduced contrast is ideal for me, since I'm usually pushing TriX. So this helps control it.
Size is great. Handling is great. Performance wide open is pretty darn good.
Mine has developed a tiny bit of wobble that annoys me - but that's after a year of heavy use (almost daily carry in all seasons and weather - many thousands of images), and doesn't seem to affect image quality. And hasn't stopped it from being my favorite all purpose carry lens.
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