Mini-Review: The New CV 35/2.5 Pancake II

[Alan Soon]

I've just posted a mini-review of the new 35mm pancake. Have a look at it here:

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=008ESj

 

[Huck Finn]

Alan, in your comment on construction, you compare the build quality to that of the CV 50/2.5. What is the reputation of the construction of the 50/2.5?

Thanks for your review. Nice job & superb pictures!

 

[Alan Soon]

Thanks. The 50/2.5 has one of the builds of all Voigtlander lenses, IMHO. It's solid, heavy (which in my opinion is a good thing) and durable.

 

[Huck Finn]

Thanks, Alan. I wondered why a 50 mm lens would be priced higher than the 35 mm lens in the same lens line. A 50 mm lens is ususally the lowest priced lens from any company by far. For it to be even close to the price of other lenses is strange; but if Cosina has provided a lens with superior build quality, then this makes sense.

 

[Alan Soon]

You should try holding the 50/2.5 in your hand. The difference in weight will convince you right away it's a better build.

 

[Huck Finn]

Alan, I'll check it out. Fortunately I get into New York from time to time - one of the few places you can actually see samples of CV equipment & handle them.

BTW, are any other CV lenses known for superior build quality in comparison to the rest of the line.

 

[Alan Soon]

I think the most people will agree on the following: 35/1.2, 28/1.9 and the 28/3.5. I consider these "second generation" lenses from Cosina... and are much better done.

 

[Huck Finn]

Thanks again, Alan. I recently picked up an R2, so I'm looking for lenses to go with it. I assume you would include the 50/2.5 on this list?

The 28/1.9 could fill a niche for me. Does the total viewfinder window outside the 35mm framelines approximate 28mm, do you think? Or is the accessory viewfinder a must?

 

[Alan Soon]

Absolutely. The 50/2.5 is a nice piece of glass. Very sturdy. Unfortunately, I'm not getting much use out of mine... I've limited myself to the CV 21/4 and the new CV 35/2.5. I'm trying to simplify my workflow.

 

[Huck Finn]

I think I added an edit while you were typing. Any thoughts on using the total viewfinder window to frame the 28 without an accessory viewfinder?

 

[Alan Soon]

I would highly recommend an accessory viewfinder. There is a big difference between the 28 and 35 framelines on my M6.

 

[Taipei-metro]

If shooting flash w/28mm or wider while the 28 finder is on the m6 or r2 hotshoe, then you need another hot shoe,does it mean that you don't have TTL ?
Another accessory needed?

 

[Alan Soon]

Unfortunately, there is no way around that. If you're shooting with flash, you can't use the accessory viewfinder.

 

[aizan]

So, how'd the vignetting turn out at f2.8? And how do OOF hilights look?