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

traveler_101

American abroad
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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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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