M240: Zeiss 50 f2 VS Voigtlander 50 f1.5 Asph

[neonart]

Hello Guys.

Been enjoying my M240 alot. Started with a CV 40 f1.4 which was previously glued to my RD1, then I got a Zeiss 50 f2, which is now glued to the M.

I really like the "one camera, one lens" concept so Im considering the Voigtlander 50 f1.5 to replace both lenses. I'm aware I'll lose the wider angle of the 40, but I mostly just use it for lower light situations when the extra stop helps.

I'd love to get input on how the Zeiss 20/2 compares to the CV 50/1.5. I like the pop and color of the Zeiss, and appreciate the light weight. I'd get a black Nokton to reduce weight, but I'd hate to lose way too much of the Zeiss feel. Looking up photos resized for web is difficult to gauge.

Does anyone have both that can give their opinion?

Thank you in advance.

 

[zleica]

I will just stay with Zeiss ZM 50/2. Other than the speed, ZM is a better lens in sharpness and color rendering.

 

[neonart]

I'm inclined to do that. Photos are so vibrant with it.

I'll give the 40 1.4 a little longer. If I notice it sees the inside of the bag too much, I'll sell it. I love it's old time rendering (especially in B&W), but I'ts a "sometimes lens" for me.

I did find this thread http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=134329 with cool CV50 1.5 shots. They're very nice, with it's unique rendering, but most do lack some of what I love in the Planar.

However, G.A.S. and the allure of f1.5 make rational choices difficult.

I will just stay with Zeiss ZM 50/2. Other than the speed, ZM is a better lens in sharpness and color rendering.

 

[CameraQuest]

50/1.5 M thread
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=134329

 

[jparriott]

The CV 50 1.5 is a beautiful lens -- but I think I'd keep what you have. The Planar is smaller and a wonderful piece of glass -- you really don't need the speed with your 240. And that Nokton 40 is a gem that's a tiny, fast, tight 35mm lens. Perfect for street shooting in cities. It also has great character when shot wide open.

You have a great 2 lens combination. Keep them and save for a Lux.😀

 

[Pioneer]

I have both but the Planar gets far more use. The Nokton is a very nice lens but the 50/2 Planar is just astounding.

 

[YYV_146]

The Planar is one of the very best 50mm lenses out there. OOF is slightly busy but sharpess is only surpassed by the ASPH Leicas at F2. I would consider it a "poor man's APO-summicron ASPH", almost as sharp but without the spectacular coma control of the Leica.

The CV is a nice all-rounder. Draw is not as "biting", a common feature of CV lenses as opposed to Zeiss. But it is a nice lens for B&W, Bokeh is visibly better than the Planar, though, and I like how the lens feels.

So do you want a lens as sharp as the one you have, or do you want a softer rendering? That's the choice involved in going for the CV. Personally I would keep the planar and get a 50mm Sonnar - the pair really completes each other.

 

[Pioneer]

The Planar is one of the very best 50mm lenses out there...Personally I would keep the planar and get a 50mm Sonnar - the pair really completes each other.

+1

Have the Sonnar optimized for f1.5 and use it at that aperture.

Use the Planar for all the rest.

🙂

 

[neonart]

Thanks!

Thanks!

Thank you all for the input!

I'll hold off for now, and keep enjoying these two wonderful lenses.

I'll keep me eyes open for a used Nokton 50/1.5s, as well as a Sonnar.

I got one of my 40's from you Stephen, and as always great product and service, so I'll keep Cameraquest on perpetual refresh.

I can always sell *alot* of stuff for a Lux...

 

[kbg32]

I love the Nokton. I find performs wonderfully on my M9 as it did on my M8. I'm sure it'll be stellar on the M240!

 

[Merelyok]

If this helps at all....M240 + 50mm 1.5 ASPH at ISO 1000

 

[neonart]

Wow! Thats fantastic.

Thank you.

I was pretty sure I was going to just chill with the Planar, but I think I'm going to have to give it some more thought...

If this helps at all....M240 + 50mm 1.5 ASPH at ISO 1000

 

[Merelyok]

Wow! Thats fantastic.

Thank you.

I was pretty sure I was going to just chill with the Planar, but I think I'm going to have to give it some more thought...

Glad i could,er, help make things more complicated 😀

 

[Sparrow]

Even Mr Puts struggled to find fault with the cv f1.5/50 ... praise indeed

 

[rivercityrocker]

The Planar was the first M-mount lens I bought. Then I found an old v.2 Lux and I sold the the Zeiss to buy it. I regret doing that. The Zeiss was an amazingly sharp lens and the colors just pop with it.

I do like the way the old Lux renders, but sometimes I want the sharpness of the Zeiss.

Another option is to skip on the CV f/1.5 and pick up an old Lux. I found my v.2 for $1200 which is the grand scheme of things isn't much more expensive than a new CV. The upside is that if you decide you don't like it you can always sell it without a loss (I ended up selling my first v.2 Lux for $1700 making a $500 profit, then I bought a nice user one for $1000).

I like the CV lenses, I have the 35 Nokt and 28 Ultron, but the resale value isn't very good. Basically they're keeper lenses unless you don't mind losing money. I'd test out any CV to make sure I really liked the way it rendered with my subject and shooting style.

 

[neonart]

I really appreciate all the input.

My concern is exactly what Rivercityrocker has brought up. While the extra stop of the 50/1.5 is desireable making it a more useful lens in more situations, I feel Ill miss the Planar rendering.

I've looked at lots of really nice 50/1.5 photos, including that great one from Merekyok. However the two things that I'm a little iffy about is the "old school" redering (more like my 40/1.4), and what appears to be a double image at times in the OOF backgrounds.

In Steve Huff's review there's a shot of someone feeding two parrots. Notice the thumb part of the hand and the second bird. Seems weird.

I've even though about pawning a kidney or something and just trying to find a good deal on a Summilux ASPH, but then were in a whole other ballpark.

😱

Glad i could,er, help make things more complicated 😀

The Planar was the first M-mount lens I bought. Then I found an old v.2 Lux and I sold the the Zeiss to buy it. I regret doing that. The Zeiss was an amazingly sharp lens and the colors just pop with it.

I do like the way the old Lux renders, but sometimes I want the sharpness of the Zeiss.

Another option is to skip on the CV f/1.5 and pick up an old Lux. I found my v.2 for $1200 which is the grand scheme of things isn't much more expensive than a new CV. The upside is that if you decide you don't like it you can always sell it without a loss (I ended up selling my first v.2 Lux for $1700 making a $500 profit, then I bought a nice user one for $1000).

I like the CV lenses, I have the 35 Nokt and 28 Ultron, but the resale value isn't very good. Basically they're keeper lenses unless you don't mind losing money. I'd test out any CV to make sure I really liked the way it rendered with my subject and shooting style.