Looking for a 35 for my Bessa T

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traveler_101

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I generally have the Color Skopar 35/2.5 Classic on my Bessa T. I really like the Skopar for a number of reasons, but I am looking to supplement it with a 35 that gives me higher resolution for shooting landscape with fine grain films. I shoot b&w only. I bought the Nokton 1.4 last year, but don't like it and will be selling it.

Any suggestions? I have been thinking about an Ultron or perhaps a Zeiss Biogon 2.0 or 2.8.
 
I have had really excellent results from the Ultron, which delivers exceptionally high contrast. I am a bit surprised that you are dissatisfied with the Skopar, though, as it has an excellent reputation.

Cheers,
Dez
 
rlouzan said:
35mm Biogon f2.8
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This ^^^^^^^^^.

If you're shooting landscapes and want a high resolution lens. My other suggestion, and what I use on my Bessa T for landscapes, is the Minolta Rokkor-M 40/2.0 CLE version. Wonderful lens. Another possibility would be a Summaron 35/3.5. Not sure if this is higher resolution than the Skopar or other lenses discussed here, but its combination of sharpness and moderate contrast suits it well for landscape photography in b&w.
 
What's wrong with your Color Skopar ? Do you have examples ?

If you have a good Skopar sample, if it doesn't give you satisfactory resolution at middle f-stops, you might want to change something else in your setup, for example camera or scanner. My Color Skopar is "sharper" than, for example, my Summicron at all f-stops.

Many people here might object, but one of the reasons that I use Leicas instead of Bessas for landscapes, is that I found results to be sharper (shutter bounce ?).

If your Skopar is LTM you might want to try a Barnack or Canon RF body, and also don't forget the importance of a good LTM adapter on your Bessa.

A camera is _not_ just a light tight box.

Roland.
 
Nothing "wrong" with the Skopar, but both my 50/3.5 Elmar and the 25/4 "Snapshot Skopar" out resolve it. Nonetheless, I love the 35/2.5 Skopar for its ergonomics (I can focus it instantly), size and weight, and contrasty rendering; it is a great street lens and I like it for shooting the city at night and also for close up shots. I pair it with Tri-X and it produces consistently good results.

But I want a lens that I can shoot T-Max 100 and Pan F Plus with. Am I making any sense? Maybe this is just an excuse to buy another lens (LOL).

Thanks for suggestions thus far. Hadn't thought of the Minolta Rokkor-M 40 -- thanks Steve.
 
My 35/2.5 is one of my sharpest lenses, even on the 240.

Anyways nothing wrong with a new lens :) Enjoy !
 
ferider said:
My 35/2.5 is one of my sharpest lenses, even on the 240.

Anyways nothing wrong with a new lens :) Enjoy !
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I use Leica M, Leica LTM and Contax II/IIa/IIIa rangefinder cameras. I think the Color Skopar 35/2.5 is versatile enough that I have the R2C, LTM and M versions. I don't have too many other lenses to compare it with, but they are all very sharp lenses in my book.
 
I would send out your CV for checking out. It should be very sharp. Send it to Sherry Krauter or DAG or anyone with a solid reputation for lens adjusting.
 
traveler_101 said:
Nothing "wrong" with the Skopar, but both my 50/3.5 Elmar and the 25/4 "Snapshot Skopar" out resolve it. Nonetheless, I love the 35/2.5 Skopar for its ergonomics (I can focus it instantly), size and weight, and contrasty rendering; it is a great street lens and I like it for shooting the city at night and also for close up shots. I pair it with Tri-X and it produces consistently good results.

But I want a lens that I can shoot T-Max 100 and Pan F Plus with. Am I making any sense? Maybe this is just an excuse to buy another lens (LOL).

Thanks for suggestions thus far. Hadn't thought of the Minolta Rokkor-M 40 -- thanks Steve.
Click to expand...

The Canon 35/2.8 LTM (chrome) is also a high resolution, moderate contrast lens, that would work well with TMax 100. I have not shot my "new" Summaron 35/3.5 with TMax 100 yet, but it kills Tri-X.
 
Another vote for the Zeiss 35 2.8. Nice build and low distortion. The only 35 I'd take after having this would be another summicron asph.
 
Leica M 35 2.5 Summarit.
One of the sharpest lenses I have ever owned.
It went with the M8 however..........

It can be picked up quite cheaply as it is not deemeed to be of "Leica Quality" by the LC`s out there apparently.

Snapshot Skopar ?
 
Clark.EE said:
Snapshot Skopar ?
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Just an aside: what happens when you get so old and your eyesight gets so bad that you can no longer focus through the rangefinder? You get a CV 25mm F4 LTM "Snapshot Skopar." Great little lens. It does not couple to the rangefinder. You scale focus, but without having to look at the scale: the focus tab has stops at 3, 5 and 10 ft. (1, 1.5, 3 meters). The lens comes with a finder. Put it on a rangefinder-less Bessa L and you have the ultimate in minimalism.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=110917
 
Based on the reputation of the Skopar, I'd probably try another copy before looking at older and/or more expensive lenses. Anyone nearby that could lend you theirs?

The Summaron f/3.5 was mentioned above. I have one in LTM (several versions of this lens exist: LTM with A36 and E39 filters, M-mount with and without goggles as well as cosmetic variations within main types - but all share the same optics AFAIK). It doesn't draw like a modern lens. Wide open, small details can look fuzzy or smeared in the field. It really comes into its own in the center at f/5.6. Edges and overall contrast improve till f/11. If you shoot it in daylight at f/8–11, it works very well as a sharp B&W landscape lens with moderate contrast. Add a yellow filter for additional pop. That's what I like mine for. But I doubt the resolution is on par with the Skopar. Others may have different experiences because sample variation is very real with 60 years old gear.
 
ottluuk said:
Based on the reputation of the Skopar, I'd probably try another copy before looking at older and/or more expensive lenses. Anyone nearby that could lend you theirs?

The Summaron f/3.5 was mentioned above. I have one in LTM (several versions of this lens exist: LTM with A36 and E39 filters, M-mount with and without goggles as well as cosmetic variations within main types - but all share the same optics AFAIK). It doesn't draw like a modern lens. Wide open, small details can look fuzzy or smeared in the field. It really comes into its own in the center at f/5.6. Edges and overall contrast improve till f/11. If you shoot it in daylight at f/8–11, it works very well as a sharp B&W landscape lens with moderate contrast. Add a yellow filter for additional pop. That's what I like mine for. But I doubt the resolution is on par with the Skopar. Others may have different experiences because sample variation is very real with 60 years old gear.
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Maybe you can lend me yours? :D Actually I am coming to Tartu for a conference in June.

By the way, I like my Skopar and don't intend to get rid of it--unless you guys succeed in convincing me that it just isn't any good :). I just don't think it is as sharp as some lenses. I once read the results of a test of 35s which said the same thing about the Skopar, but now I can't find the bookmark.

Thanks for your observations on the Summaron; I don't think I will go for it. I like to line up the camera and the lens. Older camera > older lens (my "classic" iiic + Elmar combo, for example).
 
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