raid
Dad Photographer
Hi,
Has anyone posted a critical comparison of the CV 50 1,5 ltm vs. M?
It seems that some blogs (like the one by Steve Huff) suggest that the bokeh is somehow improved in the M mount version. Stephen (RFF) mentions in his description of the M mount version that the filter size is smaller and that CV may have tweaked the design to do this.
So, do we have anyone here who owns both types of the lens and have you done a side by side careful comparison?
Maybe you could refer me to any reliable online write-up if there exists such a thing.
Has anyone posted a critical comparison of the CV 50 1,5 ltm vs. M?
It seems that some blogs (like the one by Steve Huff) suggest that the bokeh is somehow improved in the M mount version. Stephen (RFF) mentions in his description of the M mount version that the filter size is smaller and that CV may have tweaked the design to do this.
So, do we have anyone here who owns both types of the lens and have you done a side by side careful comparison?
Maybe you could refer me to any reliable online write-up if there exists such a thing.
rfaspen
[insert pithy phrase here]
I want to know too. I'm currently leaning heavily toward an LTM, but I can go either way if there's good reason to.
ferider
Veteran
Not side by side. But, I've owned 2 LTM copies, and one I had to fix for wobble.
The new lens is much better built (for me, similar to the DR Summicron), it is a bit smaller, and more flare resistant. I like the OOF behavior of the new lens, but won't call it better than what I remember from the LTM copies.
Roland.
The new lens is much better built (for me, similar to the DR Summicron), it is a bit smaller, and more flare resistant. I like the OOF behavior of the new lens, but won't call it better than what I remember from the LTM copies.
Roland.
raid
Dad Photographer
I am going ahead with buying an ltm version Nokton.
It is interesting that there don't seem to exist side by side comparisons or that they exist but are difficult to find. The M lens may be "too new".
It is interesting that there don't seem to exist side by side comparisons or that they exist but are difficult to find. The M lens may be "too new".
raid
Dad Photographer
Roland, I know that you have complained about the built quality of the ltm, but it could have been a lemon that you happened to get.
Is the lens coating different in the new version so that the lens is more flare resistant?
Is the lens coating different in the new version so that the lens is more flare resistant?
Of course he would...he benefits if someone buys it through his site. The M is for sale, the other isn't.
ferider
Veteran
It wasn't a lemon when I got it, Raid. I bought it new, used it for a year or so, then sold it to another RFF member, who used it for another year, and then bought it back (and fixed it) after it had started wobbling for him. And my case was not isolated. Lot's of other similar reports, for example:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32396
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89903
Let me say it like this: the new lens is not cheap. But I gladly traded my 50mm Summilux v2 after getting back the first few rolls shot with the M-Nokton. I would not have done that trade for the LTM version.
But I'm a sucker for nice mechanical devices ... Like film Leicas
Roland.
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32396
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89903
Let me say it like this: the new lens is not cheap. But I gladly traded my 50mm Summilux v2 after getting back the first few rolls shot with the M-Nokton. I would not have done that trade for the LTM version.
But I'm a sucker for nice mechanical devices ... Like film Leicas
Roland.
f16sunshine
Moderator
Improved bokeh is like new Coke. You like it better or prefer the old recipe.
The build is improved for sure. But the old one is not poorly built.
It seems rather the new is built as a new touchstone of quality.
I hope any new cv lenses are built to this level.
Ok, My blah blah blah aside.... I'm staying with the ltm for now. It's been great for me. I'm not sure the new one could displace it from the front of my m5.
bring on the image comparison
The build is improved for sure. But the old one is not poorly built.
It seems rather the new is built as a new touchstone of quality.
I hope any new cv lenses are built to this level.
Ok, My blah blah blah aside.... I'm staying with the ltm for now. It's been great for me. I'm not sure the new one could displace it from the front of my m5.
bring on the image comparison
raid
Dad Photographer
Was your ltm lens in chrome or in black?
I heard somewhere that the black one was sturdier built.
I heard somewhere that the black one was sturdier built.
It wasn't a lemon when I got it, Raid. I bought it new, used it for a year or so, then sold it to another RFF member, who used it for another year, and then bought it back (and fixed it) after it had started wobbling for him. And my case was not isolated. Lot's of other similar reports, for example:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32396
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89903
Let me say it like this: the new lens is not cheap. But I gladly traded my 50mm Summilux v2 after getting back the first few rolls shot with the M-Nokton. I would not have done that trade for the LTM version.
But I'm a sucker for nice mechanical devices ... Like film Leicas
Roland.
raid
Dad Photographer
Improved bokeh is like new Coke. You like it better or prefer the old recipe.
The build is improved for sure. But the old one is not poorly built.
It seems rather the new is built as a new touchstone of quality.
I hope any new cv lenses are built to this level.
Ok, My blah blah blah aside.... I'm staying with the ltm for now. It's been great for me. I'm not sure the new one could displace it from the front of my m5.
bring on the image comparison
I have no doubt about the new Nokton looking great and being built better.
The price is also double.
I baby my lenses, so maybe I will be lucky with the ltm version.
Godfrey
somewhat colored
I have the LTM version already and it is a super performer with beautiful bokeh. What I've seen of the M mount version seems to be ever so slightly different, not necessarily better or worse.
The M mount sure looks terrific, however, and I love the deep-knurled focusing ring.
G
The M mount sure looks terrific, however, and I love the deep-knurled focusing ring.
G
LateStart
Member
I am interested also. I think the new lens looks great. I don't own either of the f/1.5s but I have the f/1.1 and find I don't like/use it as much as expected because of size/IQ. This might be a buy/sell option that is interesting.
It would be great to have a V2 and V3 Summilux in the comparo. I am in the Bay Area and could contribute a V2 Summilux if someone local wants to take on the challenge...
It would be great to have a V2 and V3 Summilux in the comparo. I am in the Bay Area and could contribute a V2 Summilux if someone local wants to take on the challenge...
Erik van Straten
Veteran
I have the S version (Nikon rangefinder), bought it recently in near mint condition for EUR 150. It's built quality is superb.
I've owned the LTM-version in anodized silver. I didn't like the focusing grip ring: the grip of my fingers on the lens was a bit slippery, so I sold it. The black version is better.
I have the M-version in chrome. Mechanically it is superb, but I can imagine that there are people that will not like the grip on the focusing ring. The coating is definitively different from the earlier version, much improved IMO. So the M-version is a better lens. Coating on lenses like this is very important.
Erik.
I've owned the LTM-version in anodized silver. I didn't like the focusing grip ring: the grip of my fingers on the lens was a bit slippery, so I sold it. The black version is better.
I have the M-version in chrome. Mechanically it is superb, but I can imagine that there are people that will not like the grip on the focusing ring. The coating is definitively different from the earlier version, much improved IMO. So the M-version is a better lens. Coating on lenses like this is very important.
Erik.
Erik van Straten
Veteran
Leica M2, Nokton 50mm f/1.5 LTM full aperture, Tmax400.
@ f/1.5 (!!!).
Erik.
@ f/1.5 (!!!).
Erik.
raid
Dad Photographer
I like the image with the ltm.
raid
Dad Photographer
I just bought a Nokton ltm (black) with close focus modification.
Thank you Steve.
Thank you Steve.
raid
Dad Photographer
My first shot with the lens.
raid
Dad Photographer
I set the ISO at around 2000, and the lens was wide open at 1.5. It was quite dark in her room, and focusing was a challenge. I sed LR5 and CS2 to make some adjustments.
JSU
-
Enjoy! (It looks like you already are. . . . )
I had no issues or faults with this lens, only that I have found a real connection with a Canon LTM 50/1.5 that had me choosing the Canon every time I reached for a 50mm for my Leicas.
It's all about the image, and I prefer what I see with my Japanese Sonnar.
seakayaker1
Well-known
The LTM version is still available on CamerQuest for $799.00 vs. 899.00 (black) or 1049.00 (Chrome) for the M mount 50/1.5 Nokton.
I would love to own the Chrome, but it is about the Gas when I look at it. I am sure it would meet and perhaps it would exceed the LTM version.
I own the LTM version and it is an outstanding lens and can not justify replacing with a newer more expensive version.
. . . . .(at least not at this moment in time) . . . . .
MP with VC Nokton 50/1.5 ASPH LTM
M9 with Nokton 50/1.5 ASPH LTM