msbarnes
Well-known
I oftentimes think about getting CV lenses but one factor that I do not understand is build quality.
I'm particularly interested in the 28mm or 25mm skopar at the present but I sometimes have thought about the 35mm skopar, 50 skopar, 40 nokton, 50 heliar, and etc.
I hear mixed reports regarding the build quality even amongst CV lenses.
My question isn't if they are as good as Leica lenses or Zeiss, or even Konica, Nikon, and Canon for that matter but if they vary among themselves. I mean the most important thing for me is the price and optical qualities but then not far behind is build quality.
I'm particularly interested in the 28mm or 25mm skopar at the present but I sometimes have thought about the 35mm skopar, 50 skopar, 40 nokton, 50 heliar, and etc.
I hear mixed reports regarding the build quality even amongst CV lenses.
My question isn't if they are as good as Leica lenses or Zeiss, or even Konica, Nikon, and Canon for that matter but if they vary among themselves. I mean the most important thing for me is the price and optical qualities but then not far behind is build quality.
Shac
Well-known
I have the 15, 21, 25 (all LTM) and IMO they are excellent build quality. I've also tried the 28/2 and thought it's build was great too. I really don't think you can go far wrong. And, the prices are very good too. Let's see what other members say as well
presspass
filmshooter
I have the 15, 21, 17 Ultron, and 40 multicoated. Only the 40 has been a problem - stiff focus and a tendency to unthread itself. Fortunately, that's an easy fix - just tighten the ring that's visible on the back of the lens. Optically, all are excellent. Remember, even Leica doesn't have a perfect build quality - I found that out when an internal element came loose on a 75 Summilux.
jody36
Well-known
My 40 is solid
burancap
Veteran
25/4 and 40/1.4 in M, and a 50/2 Nickel Heliar in LTM... All have been w/o issue.
That new 50/1.5 in chrome is calling my name!
That new 50/1.5 in chrome is calling my name!
Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
The only problem I had with a CV lens among the 6 or 7 I've owned for years is that the 35mm f/1.7 Ultron had some QC issues and my sample was loose internally, allowing the aperture blade guide pins to fall out of the slots they slide in. Other than that, they have all been very well built, especially the 75mm f/1.8 and the 21mm SC Skopar.
Phil Forrest
Phil Forrest
Robert Lai
Well-known
I have (or have had, due to trading, reverse GAS, etc):
15 (LTM, M), 21, 35, 50 Heliar, 75 2.5, 90 3.5 Apo.
They have all had excellent mechanical construction, smooth focus and aperture rings. I would rate them comparable to the Nikon AIS lenses in construction. They may not be as dense as the Leica lenses, but they do exude quality (yes, I do have Leica and Zeiss lenses also, to compare to).
The only problem that I've had is that my 90 back focuses by about 2 cm. It is currently with DAG getting that corrected. The 75 and the others have been right on the mark in terms of focus RF cam accuracy.
I would suspect that a lens with excessive play or roughness has been dropped at some point.
15 (LTM, M), 21, 35, 50 Heliar, 75 2.5, 90 3.5 Apo.
They have all had excellent mechanical construction, smooth focus and aperture rings. I would rate them comparable to the Nikon AIS lenses in construction. They may not be as dense as the Leica lenses, but they do exude quality (yes, I do have Leica and Zeiss lenses also, to compare to).
The only problem that I've had is that my 90 back focuses by about 2 cm. It is currently with DAG getting that corrected. The 75 and the others have been right on the mark in terms of focus RF cam accuracy.
I would suspect that a lens with excessive play or roughness has been dropped at some point.
teleparallel
Established
All my lenses are skopars.
No complains
No complains
Balto
Established
Both my 40 1.4 and 35 1.2 II have been fantastic and completely problem free.
back alley
IMAGES
the ones you mentioned are all pretty good...i have had most of them.
kshapero
South Florida Man
I have 7 of them, no problems at all. Quality product.
Godfrey
somewhat colored
I've purchased new the Color Skopar 21/4, Ultron 28/2, Color Skopar 35/2.5, Nokton 40/1.4, Color Skopar 50/2.5, and Nokton 50/1.5 ASPH (ltm). I also purchased used the Color Skopar 28/3.5 (yeah, I have thing for the color skopars ... ;-).
They're all excellent. Beautiful fit and finish, smooth acting focus and aperture. Generally speaking excellent and better performance. Been using them all quite a lot for getting on to couple of years now — no problems at all.
G
They're all excellent. Beautiful fit and finish, smooth acting focus and aperture. Generally speaking excellent and better performance. Been using them all quite a lot for getting on to couple of years now — no problems at all.
G
Frontman
Well-known
My first CV lens, a 1.1 Nokton, fell apart hours after I had purchased it. My current 1.5 Nokton has had no problems, and takes great photos.
mgilbuena
San Francisco Bay Area
Used the Voigtlander M Super-wide Heliar 15mm unprotected at Burning Man last year for the entire week. Exposed to excessive dust and hot desert heat. The lens continues to function superbly without dust in the elements.
msbarnes
Well-known
Excellent, I would love to own ALL the skopars...but I'll have to pick and choose.
Godfrey
somewhat colored
I'm missing the Voigtlander Color Skopar 25mm f/4 P to complete the set, but I'm kinda reserving that slot for the Zeiss Biogon 25mm f/2.8 ZM if and when I feel I need to buy a 25mm. Yeah, getting all but one of the Color Skopars was a touch excessive, but I really like them a lot. They produce a lovely imaging character.
G
mike rosenlof
Insufficient information
I have three voigtlander lenses. They all have convinced me of good build quality. We'll know for sure in 15 years.