Lens Recommendation for Voigtlander R3A

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carpediem291

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Greetings

I just picked up my first 35mm Rangefinder, Voigtlander R3A yesterday. I have been shooting with my Mamiya 7 for several years but having a small compact camera is a must for me now.

Anyway, I am looking to get a couple of lenses, 35mm and 50mm. I want something light, small and compact (doesn't block the view), fast (F/2 and under), and fairly sharp wide open, creamy bokeh, and around $700-800 or less used.

So many choices such as Nokton 35/1.4, Heliar 50/2, Hexanon 50mm f/2, Canon 50mm 1.5, Zeiss Sonnar, Leica Summicron etc. Do you guys have any recommendations?

Thanks in advance.

Cheers

Andri
 
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If you can see the 40mm framelines (i.e., no glasses), the CV 40/1.4 is an outstanding lens and the perfect match. Add a 75/2.5 or 1.8 after a while and you are set.
 
I've heard of the great performance of Nokton 401/1.4 but I am so accustomed to shooting at 35mm. I tend to shoot wide with 50mm being the longest.

-Andri
 
The R3A may not be the optimal body for the 35mm focal length. The R2 or R4 body variations have the right framelines and more suitable VF magnification, and the R4 is purpose-built for wide angle lenses. The CV 35/1.4 and 1.7 would be good 35mm lens choices but on a R3A you'll want an accessory-shoe mounted view finder to help you with framing.
 
I am planning to use the whole viewfinder for approximate 35mm on my R3A. Having an external viewfinder would surely help but i'll give it a try to see how well I could frame without it.
 
carpediem291 said:
I am planning to use the whole viewfinder for approximate 35mm on my R3A. Having an external viewfinder would surely help but i'll give it a try to see how well I could frame without it.
Click to expand...

Then you're kidding yourself. The 40mm frame takes up the entire viewfinder and people with glasses even have trouble with that. You could use the 40 frame with a 35 lens knowing that you're going to get more on the negative than you can see in the viewfinder but you won't see it in the viewfinder!
You really need the R2A which does have frames for 35/50/75/90. Or the R4A with 21/25/28/35/50.
Or accept the inevitable, having bought the body, and get a 35mm accessory viewfinder. Actually, if 35 and 50 are the only lenses you use, the R3A would be pretty good with the camera viewfinder for the 50 and the external VF for the 35.
 
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Beside the issues mentioned before regarding the rangefinder, the Canon 35mm lenses for LTM are worth a try.
 
I finally bought a 35/1.4 for my R3A. I am in the process of shooting a roll so I will post some photos after. What I like about R3A is the 1:1 viewfinder because I am more in tune with my surroundings when taking a photo with both eyes open

I agree even using the full viewfinder, the 35mm is still a bit wider and it's difficult to tell. Nevertheless, I am hoping to get a hang of it. But my intention of using this set up is specifically for long term documentary projects where it's more personal approach between me and my subject rather than street shooting. When shooting with the R3A, I feel that I am in the same place rather than behind the viewfinder of a camera.
 
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