Looking for a fast 35/40 for my Bessa-T

[traveler_101]

I'd love to get a Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 Nokton, but the internet is littered with negative comments about focus shift. Some of the same has been said about the 40mm Nokton apparently (?) . . .

Either one of those would be ideal: small, light and very attractive lenses. And it would be nice to buy a new lens for a change. Other alternatives I am aware of include the Summicron-C 40/2 or the Minolta M for the CLE (which are very close?). Doesn't appear to be much else out there unless one is willing to pay a lot more or accept a heavier lens. The new 50mm f/1.5 Nokton is pretty compelling, but quite a bit larger and it is a 50; I'd really like a bit on the wide side of normal.

I shoot black and white 95% of the time. Any advice or comments welcomed.

 

[back alley]

the cv 35/40 are great lenses...i have used both!
get the 40, i think it's still cheaper than the 35.

 

[haempe]

Seriously, nothing wrong with the Nokton 40.
Focus shift appears only if you shoot rulers.
I never noticed this in photos shot with the 40.

Before the 40 I had the Nokton 35, a bit too much barrel distortion for my taste, but the 40 is really good.
Very happy with it.

 

[traveler_101]

haempe and back alley, do you guys have the S.C or M.C. version of the 40?

 

[back alley]

i had both...couldn't really see a difference...

 

[tigerphil]

Not Haempe or back alley, but I use the VC 35 f/1.4 SC version. Really like it. I think there is some focus shift, but pretty easy to compensate for. Barrel distoration is present, but that rarely bothers me.

 

[noimmunity]

When I had the Bessa T, I really appreciated using the Big Beast Nokton (35/1.2) on it because there is zero viewfinder obstruction, and it's a really special lens.

 

[kshapero]

i had both...couldn't really see a difference...

Same here, I could not tell the difference. The CV 40 lives on my M3 about 80% of the time.

 

[haempe]

haempe and back alley, do you guys have the S.C or M.C. version of the 40?

I have the SC. Main reason was the word limited... 😱
Some say the MC is more flare resistant.

 

[traveler_101]

When I had the Bessa T, I really appreciated using the Big Beast Nokton (35/1.2) on it because there is zero viewfinder obstruction, and it's a really special lens.

Yeah, the T is a pretty good platform, even for "big beasts." The head bartender points out that the 35/1.2 is "the FASTEST 35mm Leica M mount lens in current production." But it weighs in at 471 grams. That's just slightly over one pound. Maybe it is not a beast, but that's one hell of a big baby.

 

[kshapero]

Yeah, the T is a pretty good platform, even for "big beasts." The head bartender points out that the 35/1.2 is "the FASTEST 35mm Leica M mount lens in current production." But it weighs in at 471 grams. That's just slightly over one pound. Maybe it is not a beast, but that's one hell of a big baby.

If you do not mind the size, it is one the finest lens anywhere.

 

[traveler_101]

If you do not mind the size, it is one the finest lens anywhere.

Maybe at some later point i will want it, but for now i am thinking of light and portable travel lenses.

How many of you guys that use the 40/1.4 shoot without the hood? That's rather bulky.

 

[haempe]

Hood is recommendable, at least with the SC version (I don't know the MC).
I use a third party hood, made by a member here, bit smaller and works very well.
Also cheaper than the original hood... here is the thread with pics.