Japanese Review of Voigtlander 40/2.8 Heliar

vytasn said:
If it only works on a Sony A7 why did they not make it an E mount?
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My simplistic understanding is that the lens basically includes just the glass and aperture adjustment; focusing is done with the adapter. So, if this is true, then a 'VM to another CSC mount' makes this lens usable on another mount, such as Fuji.

It is an interesting concept, and its versatility makes it desirable. Further, this lens inherently creates cross-selling opportunities for the company's helical focusing adapters.

The images seem sharp with pleasing bokeh but I don't think I'll be buying this since the 40mm FL isn't exactly one of my favorites. I'm curious why they used the 40mm FL for the launch of this new product; a 35mm or 50mm would have seemed more marketable, although those FL's do already have a lot of available lenses.

Just my $0.02.
 
kxl said:
a 35mm or 50mm would have seemed more marketable, although those FL's do already have a lot of available lenses.
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Sony has 35mm and 50mm (or 55mm) native lenses from Zeiss in manual and autofocus already. CV has a history of 40mm in its product catelog through the years.
 
This can make a lot of CSC cameras pocketable, since it is collapsible. There are very few normal length lens options that make CSC cameras pocketable otherwise. That's the appeal for me.
 
hipsterdufus said:
It is M-mount, I thought? Could it not be attached to something like this? Perhaps I'm being a bit thick...
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If you are I am to.

Basically it is a fixed infinity Leica M lens.

It should be usable at infinity on an M body.

It should be usable at infinity and down to an unknown minimum focus on any close focus adapter with the following characteristics: infinity focus and a close-focusing helicoid.

Adapters that only function for close up, and simple extension rings, need not apply.

The perfect lens of this type IMHO would be a roughly 30mm sitting so it's entirely within the adapter, like the collapsed 40mm.
 
I've enjoyed the CameraQuest supplied adapter. This is certainly a low volume item, but one that I just might buy. Whatever the price, having the adapter makes this decision an easier one. Please post further reviews. Hopefully, one of you have your $100 down and will report back early next month.
 
I've been reading around. This lens looks absolutely awesome. Nicer draw than the 35 Sonnar FE, and sharp as a tack.
 
voigtlander 40 heliar

voigtlander 40 heliar

I have had this lens mounted on my A7r and it is a nice little package however focusing is very difficult in any type of event where quick focus is needed. it does not perform well in low light and tends to produce muddy images on the high resolution sensor of the A7r. i like this lens very much but honestly it is not much smaller than an m-rokkor 40 and the rokkor is much easier to focus. the build quality is excellent and the color rendition is deep and contrasty. bokeh is smooth and it is a good 40 to walk around with when magnification and patient focusing is tolerable. i think voigtlander could make a plastic ring for the vme adapter with a tab that would assist faster focusing as it would be easy to get used to the tab position. if this is a design that they would continue with, future vme adapters might be improved by the placement of demarcations and an optional tab. i will probably keep this lens as it allows the a7r to fit nicely in a small bag or coat pocket. i cant recommend it as your only 40 if that is your preferred focal length.
 
I use this lens before. Its awesome lens. Everyone should buy it whenever find it in stock. Its very hard to find one in my country indonesia. But i sold it due to changing camera to leica sl. But i found the adapter for the SL now and i bought it again it will be arrive 1-2 weeks later.
 
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