Fujitsu
Well-known
From your experience, what´s the longevity of Voigtlanders early M39 Ultrons, Noktons or Skopars compared to Leica lenses?
Longevity of Voigtlander lenses
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F
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My 35/1.7 Ultron starts with a SN "996", bought it used, works perfectly.
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Tom A
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I have had Ultrons. Skopars, Heliars since they were "day 1". I had a snapped aperture ring on a vII Color Skopar (fixed under warranty). The oldest ones I have are Snap_Shot Skopar, 50f1.5 Nokton, 75f2,5 Heliar - all going on 10 years now. All are used frequently (and not babied).
I suspect they will last as long as the current Leica offerings. Modern lenses are usually alloy barrels, plastic aperture blade 'drives" etc and you have to do the occasional tightening of screws or locking rings on all of them (Leica,VC, Zeiss)
On my later Summicrons (90's versions) I have had to replace aperture rings on some and also I had to have an Asph 35f2 redone as the aperture ring froze at 5,6.
The later Voigtlander lenses (28f3.5, Heliar 50 f2 and 3.5, Nokton 35f1.4 and Nokton 40f1.4 have held up very well in my hands - heavier build, some have brass barrels).
The early black Heliar/Nokton/Ultron used to chip the black finish quickly - no effect on function, strictly cosmetics.
Unless you are setting out to shoot 10-15 rolls/day, year in -year out - I would not worry. Either Leica, Zeiss or VC will last a long time.
On the Forum's you really only hear about the problems with lenses - not the majority of users who keep using them without any problems.
I suspect they will last as long as the current Leica offerings. Modern lenses are usually alloy barrels, plastic aperture blade 'drives" etc and you have to do the occasional tightening of screws or locking rings on all of them (Leica,VC, Zeiss)
On my later Summicrons (90's versions) I have had to replace aperture rings on some and also I had to have an Asph 35f2 redone as the aperture ring froze at 5,6.
The later Voigtlander lenses (28f3.5, Heliar 50 f2 and 3.5, Nokton 35f1.4 and Nokton 40f1.4 have held up very well in my hands - heavier build, some have brass barrels).
The early black Heliar/Nokton/Ultron used to chip the black finish quickly - no effect on function, strictly cosmetics.
Unless you are setting out to shoot 10-15 rolls/day, year in -year out - I would not worry. Either Leica, Zeiss or VC will last a long time.
On the Forum's you really only hear about the problems with lenses - not the majority of users who keep using them without any problems.
foggie
the foggiest
I have several CV lenses, the 40mm Nokton getting most of the duty. I drag the 40 lens with me almost everywhere and I spend 95% of my life with it (and an M2) in reaching distance. It functions perfectly after mosh pits, being dropped on the sidewalk, and caught in bus doors.
It's durable enough for me
It's durable enough for me
robert blu
quiet photographer
The oldest I have is my CV 35/1,7 not sure but about 10 years old. Lost some painting (now it's more concerned !) but works perfectly. Also the 12/56 and the 75/2,5 which are a little younger work very well.
robert
robert
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