"New" Voigtlander 12mm f5.6 (now in M-Mount)

[ampguy]

shrinking an LTM lens in M mount is no easy task

shrinking an LTM lens in M mount is no easy task

My CV 15 M with the same optics is about 30% larger than my LTM lens.

For me, that means the LTM 15 and 21s are pocketable, vs keeping them in a Domke lens partition. CV even has different cases (CV-1, CV-2) for the ltms vs the Ms of the same optics.

Anyways, I'm glad this new M 12 lens is out, and will be on the lookout for someone upgrading and putting their minty ltm 12 with finder in the classifieds.

If CV continues reintroducing their LTMs in M-mount...I can't think of a better lens to update than their 50/1.5 Nokton. Shrink it down a bit, 0.7m minimum focus, and it would be perfect 😀

 

[Kevin]

Depreciated? Everything does, just as soon as it gets paid, so no news here.

Not Grandpa's Bessa II APO-Lanthar. That thing has probably tripled in price. My Summilux 35mm 1.4 Aspherical is also worth more than what I paid for it new.

 

[ruby.monkey]

Is the new 12mm finder metal-bodied? It resembles the current 28mm and 35mm metal brightline finders. This could be a significant improvement. Now what we (I) need are 15mm and 21mm versions of this finder design.

The original 12mm finder has a black crinkle-finish metal body with the silver front surround. The new one might have framelines, which would be an improvement.

The filter mount thread could be a pretty useful improvement over the LTM version, although I prefer the small size of the old one when filters aren't needed. Rangefinder coupling on a lens this wide and slow... I don't need it but I can see that many will. Losing the 0.3m minimum focussing distance as a result is unfortunate ('a handspan from the front of the hood' works well for me) but not the end of the world. I wouldn't trade in my LTM version for the new one, but I doubt anyone who buys the M-mount version will feel short-changed.

 

[MaxElmar]

"...will be on the lookout for someone upgrading and putting their minty ltm 12 with finder in the classifieds."

Yeah, but they always keep the finder when they buy the M version (which does not come with a finder). Lot's of "finderless" 15s out there since the M version came out....

 

[peter_n]

I sold the old 15mm too and got the new one and I agree with the posters that say the build quality is better with M bayonet mount version. The lens feels great to use and I'm pleased with it optically. I'm happy with the purchase and I don't have a 12mm to sell but I'll get this one for sure. I wonder when it's going to be released?

 

[peter_n]

Yeah, but they always keep the finder when they buy the M version (which does not come with a finder). Lot's of "finderless" 15s out there since the M version came out....

And mine was one of them as that's what I did. I'm not so sure about this new 12mm finder though...

 

[jsrockit]

I don't know if it's just a product of what they have announced recently but is it just me or are they going from a company that makes nice lenses for low prices to a company that makes even nicer lenses for higher prices.

Well, the LSM lenses were introduced many years ago, so you have to take that into account. Additionally, super-wide angles from most manufacturers are relatively expensive unless they are garbage. The thing that alarms me is that they no longer include the viewfinder and that is where the added cost adds up. However, imagine what a 12mm Leica lens would cost.

 

[ampguy]

yeah

yeah

finderless 12 ltm's might be good deals for M8 users, who can use their 15 finders, which need the 21 finder ...

"...will be on the lookout for someone upgrading and putting their minty ltm 12 with finder in the classifieds."

Yeah, but they always keep the finder when they buy the M version (which does not come with a finder). Lot's of "finderless" 15s out there since the M version came out....

 

[Frontman]

When considering the prices of the new lenses, you have to take into account that the dollar has lost more than 1/4 of it's value against the yen over the last 3 years. That means anything made in Japan is going to cost 25% more than it did before.

When I came to Japan in 2006, the exchange rate was about 126 yen per dollar. Recently it has gotten as low as 84 yen per dollar. That is a large difference, I wouldn't be surprised if the profit margin on the new Cosina lenses is actually smaller than the margin on the older "cheaper" lenses.

Currencies in other countries have fared work, it takes many more Australian Dollars or Mexican Pesos now to buy anything which is made in Japan.

 

[24mgdriver]

Hope that Cosina comes with new Digital Finders for R-D1 and M8.
I Think there is a market, and so old once are very hard to find.
Otherwise, the new lenses are only for analog shooters and Leica M 9 Owners ? :-(

Think about the " Crop- Gang " Cosina