Just picked up a Heliar Classic 50mm/f2...

[mr_phillip]

I've liked the look and idea of the Heliar Classic since I first saw it announced, but didn't need the body, so I jumped when I saw a specialist camera store selling a minty black lens without the R2M body (seems some guy bought the kit for the body only).

It came this morning and I've got to say - wow! Is this the first new lens CV have released under their own name since the Zeiss ZMs? 'Cos if it is they've really learned something from the Germans. Now I'm a big fan of the CV lenses anyway (I should be, I own a half-dozen of them), but this is BY FAR the best built example I've handled, and the black and silver finish is REALLY similar to the ZMs.

It's seriously compact as well, although as has been mentioned it doesn't actually collapse all that much. But next to the Nokton it looks tiny. Weirdly though, it weighs nearly twice as much as the 1.5?! I've been out shooting with it this afternoon and can't wait to get the roll of Neopan 1600 in the soup.

I'm kinda excited - can you tell?

 

[Shooter]

Please show us some samples after the souping.

 

[kshapero]

I just got one too. see my gallery under Hillsboro, FL for about 50 example shots.

 

[summilux]

mr_philip: yes, the heliar is very well built, the hood is spring loaded, the same as ZM lens, i have the silver one, it is heavy, the mount is brass I believe.

 

[JonathanA]

Beautiful lens. This will most likely be my next purchase (though I hope there will still be some without the bodies still for sale.)

 

[mr_phillip]

I've shot a couple of rolls with the Heliar Classic now and it really is a bit special. It's noticably sharper than the Nokton (itself no mean performer) at the same apertures, and the handling continues to impress.

I've put a few of the images up on my Flick Stream - I'll be adding more when I get through scanning the negatives.

Now if only Mr K would do a collapsable 90mm to match...

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

both stephen at cameraquest.com and Rich Pinto have them for sale separate from the bodies

 

[Abbazz]

Just to help people suffering from acute GAS:angel:, here is a portrait of the Heliar on my black R3M:

Cheers,

Abbazz

 

[RayPA]

I was looking at this today on CQ. I feel GAS rising. I'd love to see some pics taken with it.

🙂

 

[Abbazz]

I'd love to see some pics taken with it.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34137
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29458
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30258
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27278
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25757

Cheers,

Abbazz

 

[RayPA]

I was looking at this today on CQ. I feel GAS rising. I'd love to see some pics taken with it.

🙂

I just got one too. see my gallery under Hillsboro, FL for about 50 example shots.

Thank you! That's what I'm looking for, a nice full gallery to peruse!


🙂

 

[B_Algood]

Here's a few for you Ray, great little lens, you'll love it..

 

[RayPA]

Here's a few for you Ray, great little lens, you'll love it..

Thanks, Bill. How much sharpening (if any) did you do on the outdoor pics, particularly the Indian? It looks like a sharp lens. Both your exterior images and kshapero's look good.

🙂

 

[BigSteveG]

I have one in black finish.....

I have one in black finish.....

mounted on a blk chrome MP the combo is sweetly light and can be carried all day long for sure. I think Camera quest is selling them for $450 or so. I paid a hundred bucks more than that. These are all wide open. Taken for fun at the office.

 

[B_Algood]

Just half of the default setting in PSE-4, this lens doesn't need much..

 

[BigSteveG]

also, it mounts well on the MP, but is fiddly on the M2 for some reason.

 

[scho]

I was looking at this today on CQ. I feel GAS rising. I'd love to see some pics taken with it.

🙂

The 50mm f/2 Classic Heliar has become my favorite lens on the R-D1.
http://www.pbase.com/scho/image/71780940

 

[kshapero]

Thanks, Bill. How much sharpening (if any) did you do on the outdoor pics, particularly the Indian? It looks like a sharp lens. Both your exterior images and kshapero's look good.

🙂

my shots were not retouched and I am not that good of a photographer. Must be that new 50mm f2 lens.

 

[goo0h]

I've shot a couple of rolls with the Heliar Classic now and it really is a bit special. It's noticably sharper than the Nokton (itself no mean performer) at the same apertures, and the handling continues to impress.

Really? Which Nokton?

 

[mr_phillip]

I was comparing it with the 50mm/f1.5 Nokton. The Helair Classic supplanted my 50mm Nokton to such an extent that I recently sold it - I'd stopped using it altogether. The Nokton was a lovely lens, but the Heliar's better in every regard bar the maximum aperture.