Konica 35mm f2 M-Hexanon or combination of CV 35mm f1.4 and Zeiss 35mm f2.8 C-Biogon

[scorpius73]

I have my Konica 35mm but I am tempted by the CV 35mm f1.4 and the Zeiss C-Biogon. I know my Konica is more than capable for anything that I can think of. The size of the CV and Zeiss intrigue me. The CV for available light and the Zeiss for lack of distortion. Should I keep the Konica or sell to buy the CV 35mm f1.4 and the Zeiss 35mm f2.8? I think I may be suffering form GAS as well though.

 

[exe163]

Do you really need that many 35's?

 

[amateriat]

"Absitively" keep the M-Hex 35 f/2. The other lenses have their virtues, but really, I doubt you're missing much at all. I'm also big on keeping one's kit rational - two to three lenses should do it, IMO. Having two pieces of glass of the same focal length makes little sense other than for novelty (not that I'm knocking novelty, especially here!). The simple take-away here is that you've got one hell of a lens already.


- Barrett

 

[redisburning]

keep what you have.

fwiw I voted for the other option if we are basing this on having nothing and wanting to buy something. I think the Hex is going for a bit too much right now, that's all. nothing bad about the design; that's for sure.

 

[dweekie]

Why not add a CV35 instead of replacing your Konica? Buy now, decide later 🙂

It's a pretty worry free lens for me. I don't baby mine (cheap, relatively), I don't worry about speed (1.4 is fast), and I don't complain about it's size (small). I feel the same way about my Jupiter 3. It's probably why I use both those lenses so often. I admit the image quality isn't up to the lofty Zeiss/Leica standards, but it just feels nice to use without restrictions.

 

[sanmich]

speed, I understand, but does the konica have any distortion that you want the Biogon instead?

If you want a smaller lens, I would suggest adding the CV 2.5 to your KM.

 

[brbo]

The CV for available light and the Zeiss for lack of distortion.

If minimum distortion is your main (or one of) concern, wouldn't you then want Biogon 2/35 and not 2,8/35?

 

[flip]

If minimum distortion is your main (or one of) concern, wouldn't you then want Biogon 2/35 and not 2,8/35?

I almost said this earlier. Or the uc hex for size and character.

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

In my honet opinion,keep the Konica KM 35mm f2. I guess you will regret to sale this lens. If you do need to add a 35mm lens,I would recommend you Zeiss Biogon 35mm f2. For the speed, CV 35 1.4 version I is a good choice with the reasonable cost.

 

[scorpius73]

I had the Zeiss 35mm f2 Biogon. It was a great lens. No question there. I sold it for the Konica 35mm Hexanon. I think this is a situation where I have some extra cash in my pocket and I say what can I buy? I would love the CV 35mm f1.4 because of it's size and lowlight capabilities. The distortion I think I could over look because it delivers that extra stop. The Zeiss C-Biogon would be a daytime lens, plus it's smaller than my Konica. I guess the third option should have been keep the Konica and buy the CV 35mm.
What I need to stop doing is reading reviews on the internet and drooling after what's new. I don't think I am the only one guilty of that on RFF.

 

[Speedfreak]

Do you inted to shoot at open aperture anyway? Judging from your signature, you´re not the "fastest lens possible" type of user.

For speed: Nokton 35/1.2
For size: Color-Skopar 35/2.5

Curiously, I own the 35/1.4, but havent used it so far (bought used, good deal).

 

[Brian Legge]

A few rolls in, I've seen the distortion in a few shots with the VC 35/1.4.

My perspective wasn't perfect anyway - the lack of straight lines in no way ruined the shots. I'm loving the lens. Its like carrying the 35/2.5 around with the security that you have the extra speed if you need it.

At the moment its becoming my default, walk around lens. Previously I carried a 35/2.5 and a faster 50 for the speed if for no other reason.

 

[robbeiflex]

I voted for keep what you've got. I have the CV 35mm and I'm keeping it on my M6 most of the time now. The point is more to learn the 35mm FL than than any partiality I'm feeling for the lens itself. I actually had an SC and sold it because I found it too soft, and then bought an MC when a good deal came up. I must say I am starting to like the MC, but with the reputation the M-Hex has I can't see why not just use faster film / push your film one stop / increase your ISO in case of digital. You would probably get the same or better result.

Now if you have some cash burning a hole in your pocket, a desire for a fast lens, and no Zeiss 50mm C-Sonnar in your camera bag, then there is no need for a poll. 😉

Cheers,
Rob

 

[helen.HH]

I would keep what You have , I believe the Hexanon is Beautifully Sharp with a more Lean Plane
So just ADD the Nokton classic
For having a Touch more speed and a rounded fuller signature
PURRfect combo really

I adore my 35 Nokton 1.4 sc
though after hearing Rob I wouldn't mind trying the MC version

Best of Luck and Have fun with your 35 quest
35 is Supreme !

 

[scorpius73]

Looks as though I went with option 3 which isn't listed. I am keeping the Konica combined with the CV 35mm f1.4 MC. The CV has a lot of distortion is you shoot anything that has a straight line straight on. Learning to pick my angles. I think I will like the lens though.

 

[mfunnell]

I am keeping the Konica

Good choice 😀

...Mike

 

[roundg]

Vote for the Konica. They are 1 level above CV lens in design and build.

 

[kubilai]

I have the 35/2 M-Hexanon for more than one year.
The only thing I would change is add VC Nokton 35/1.2 (much more interesting than 1.4)

 

[raid]

I am satisfied with the first version 35/2 Summicron as my main 35mm lens. I also use sometimes the Canon 35/1.5, 35/1.8, 35/2, and 35/2.8 lenses.
Keep what you have.

 

[Dguebey]

Keep M-Hexanon.
Since I got mine, I discovered 35mm (before, I was annoyed to have to use it).
To the point that from time to time I have the idea to find a "better" 35.
But each time I make pictures with it, there is always at least one that enjoy me so much that a little voice tell me : "do you really need something else ?"
More : Cosina industrial capacity is good, but Hexanon lenses are gorgeous products (never heard of wobble or exploding diaphragm with Konica lenses).