Is there a difference between a CV 35 and CV 40?

kshapero

South Florida Man
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Besides focal length I do not see any difference in IQ, etc between these two lenses. Obviously I am comparing the MC to MC or SC to SC. But what's up? The price sure is different.
 
I've owned the 40 SC and 35 MC, though not simultaneously. The 40 gave a more modern rendering, had less barrel distortion, and was (dare I say) a bit sharper. The 35 was designed specifically to emulate a classic lens, and it added more "character" to my shots. Focus shift on the 40 is noticeably less than the 35, too. Bokeh was a perhaps a touch less harsh on the 35. I couldn't tell the difference between SC/MC in actual use.

The 5mm FL difference WAS a big deal to me when using 35mm framelines. I tried the 40 as a cheap and compact one-lens solution, but the framing inaccuracy really got to me. The 35 was a lot of fun, but its idiosyncrasies and I began favoring a 28/50 combo anyways. Lately I came back to 35mm but with the f1.2 beast... truly a legendary lens.
 
I use the 40f1.4 (SC or MC) on a M2, claw filed down to give me 35mm frame. By using the inside of the 35 frames it is pretty close. Becomes a great "walk about" lens - one camera/one lens.
The 35f1.4 (mine are SC's) are my most used 35's - more or less permanently on a MP 0.58 and/or another M2 - particularly as a travel lens (backed up by a 21 and a 50 on sep. bodies)
I dont see much difference between them. Both lenses are very good, does exactly what I want them to do.
In bl/w the SC version gives a bit more shadow detail, but also can blow the highlights a bit.
Probably could survive with just the M2 and a 40f1.4 - but dont have to.
 
2286548976_70c9101578_z.jpg


Nokton 35f1.4 SC on M2. At f1.4. Kodak XX rated at 320.
 
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From my first trials with the Nokton 40f1.4 SC. This was in Sienna, Italy and the backlight was so strong that I could barely see the "postie". Diden't realize that he had the cigarette in his mouth until I printed the neg. for the first time.
M2, 40f1.4 SC and TriX in D76
 
With the M3 finder you can use the outside frame of the permanent 50 frame as a reference. Works fine - it is better to get a bit more than you anticipate anyway. You can always crop - adding is more difficult!
 
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