Kobalux 28/3.5: What Up?

[RayPA]

I went to a camera show today and was checking out a Kobalux 28/3.5. I had heard the name, but hadn't seen one before. The lens was nice looking, and even though I'm sure the price was probably a little high (I know nothing of prices for these), I was [this] close to buying it, but held off. The front element looked a little odd, and the seller's explanation seemed even odder.

Anyway, are the Kobalux good lenses? What's the character? Any images? Opinions? TIA.


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[Ken F.]

Hi Ray,

Actually you may have heard of Kobalux, it is also known in Japan under the name of Avenon. The lenses were only manufactured for eight years, the 28 f3:5 along with the 21 f2:8, which I used to own, are excellent lenses!
Dante Stella used to have some information, along with some photos, on his site on his site, www.dantestella.com/
The Kobalux 21mm was one of my favourite lenses, I never should have sold it!

Cheers,
kf

 

[KoNickon]

It's a great lens. I have one. Extremely compact, as you probably noticed. The maker of this lens is YK Optical; I don't think they are making these anymore.

Sorry, I have no way to upload images I've taken with the lens, but I have found mine to be very sharp indeed.

I am curious about your comment about the front element, and the seller's explanation. Can you give more details?

 

[Ken F.]

Hi Ray,

I'm not sure how I got on his site in their twice? Oh well...
Anyway I just checked, and he does indeed have a review and some photos posted taken with the 21 f2:8.
I also meant to say that you may of heard of Kobalux under the name Avenon, as they were sold in Japan at the time.

Cheers,
kf

 

[RayPA]

...
I am curious about your comment about the front element, and the seller's explanation. Can you give more details?

The front element had gold crescent shape on one side. It looked like the front element had slid a bit, exposing the uncoated portion of the element (the portion that was meant to be hidden). The seller said that it was indeed the uncoated part of the lens, and mumbled something about collets, and how lenses were coated in manufacturing. It was a gorgeous lens, great condition, came with a external vf and a M adapter mounted. The seller said the manufaturer included an adapter with the lens. However, I couldn't get beyond that "flaw" (?). IOW, it suddenly smelled like cod.


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[RayPA]

Hi Ray,

I'm not sure how I got on his site in their twice? Oh well...
Anyway I just checked, and he does indeed have a review and some photos posted taken with the 21 f2:8.
I also meant to say that you may of heard of Kobalux under the name Avenon, as they were sold in Japan at the time.

Cheers,
kf

Thanks Ken,

I'll go check out the Stella site. A very nice looking lens. Glad to hear the little jewel has some fans. 🙂



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[RichC]

The front element had gold crescent shape on one side. It looked like the front element had slid a bit [...]. I couldn't get beyond that "flaw".

Doesn't sound right - I haven't heard of this problem with either of the two Kobalux/Avenon/Pasoptik lenses (same lens, different names) made, which are well regarded and well made. Just had a look at mine, and there's no flaw like you mention - so I think it must be a faulty lens, and perhaps the element has slipped as you think (sorry don't have any images to hand).

As mentioned, the company stopped making them some years ago, but here's their original web page (dragged back to life from the WayBackMachine archive!):

http://web.archive.org/web/20020810032024/www.kobalux.com/k28-2.html

 

[peter_n]

Doesn't sound right at all Ray. I would steer clear. I also had the Kobalux 21mm and can attest to its quality - an excellent lens.

 

[traveller]

It's a real good lens, in fact the first one I bought when I got my Bessa R. A sharp beast, sometimes maybe a little bit to much contrast (my personal opinion) and very compact.

But I wouldn't buy it with this flaw, there's something wrong with the lens.

John

 

[ghost]

nifty little lens! it's still for sale.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

The seller said that it was indeed the uncoated part of the lens, and mumbled something about collets, and how lenses were coated in manufacturing.

You did the right thing Ray ... always run fast when the seller starts 'mumbling' in response to a question 🙂

 

[John Shriver]

Yeah, sounds like things aren't centered in that lens.

Bower is yet another brand name they were sold under.

Apparently both are incompatible with Canon P, 7, and 7s. Hit the light shield. So I won't be buying one.

 

[raid]

Who now has such a lens (Kobalux 28mm)?
Is it better than the CV28mm/1.9 or Canon 28mm(2.8 or 3.5) optically?

 

[pfoto]

There is one currently for sale in the classifieds.