R3A: 40 mm lens

[Thomas78]

Hello,

recently I got a R3A and now I am looking for a 40 mm lens for it.

I would like to have a compact, light lens since I will use the camera mostly for travelling.

Would you suggest the Nokton 40/1.4 or a Summicron 40/2.0 or are there other good lenses in 40 mm for M-mount or LTM?

Regards,
Thomas

 

[FalseDigital]

If I had 40mm framelines I'd get myself an M-Rokkor

 

[Sonnar2]

 

[bobby_novatron]

+1 Minolta M-Rokkor 40/2 ... great lens, compact, wonderful image quality.

I own the MC version. It's a beautiful little lens. Sometimes it can flare, but most of the time it's a great performer.

Here's a sample with my Bessa R3A ... Fuji Acros 100.

 

[Austerby]

They're all good, I expect. I have the Voigtlander one on my R3A and have no complaints.

 

[kshapero]

I had the Voigtlander one on my R3A and had no complaints.

 

[gavinlg]

I think the voigtlander 40mm is the best of the breed. Dcwatchimpress did a big test between the mc and sc noktons vs the rokkor and summicron, and the voigtlanders bested them both sharpness from f2 and smaller. I suspect the rokkor and cron have 'jumpier' bokeh at f2 as well.

 

[Gary E]

I use my 40 Summicron-C on the R3a and it has been stuck on ever since. It used to be stuck on my M4-2 but the R3a has AE and 40mm frame lines which makes it a little snappy shooter. Also, being a single coated lens, I like to use it with B&W more than color, but to tell you the truth I've never noticed a difference in the results between them. 😕

 

[noimmunity]

I think the voigtlander 40mm is the best of the breed. Dcwatchimpress did a big test between the mc and sc noktons vs the rokkor and summicron, and the voigtlanders bested them both sharpness from f2 and smaller. I suspect the rokkor and cron have 'jumpier' bokeh at f2 as well.

A while back, Roland "Ferider" did a neat test of these lenses. The nokton "wins". It is the equal of the other two at f/2 and stopped down, while having the extra stop f1.4 when you need it. Filters are easy to fit, too.

The Rollei Sonnar has a bit of the unique sonnar rendering (bitingly sharp on center, nice dissolve into OOF, excellent colors), but is slower. It may be the most compact of all, but that would be splitting hairs.

For compact and light weight, any of the lenses above would work. I'd suggest the Nokton, as the extra stop(s) can be useful.

 

[Krosya]

I used to have Minolta CL and CLE versions and both are great lenses, no question about it. But later I got CV 40/1.4 and I like it even more. Rokkors are gone and CV is still here. And for the price they sell - it's a sin not to have one in your camera bag. Its better than CV 35/1.4 which costs a lot more. I'd recommend - get a CV 40 and dont look back.

 

[presspass]

Never used the Nokton on an R3, but do use mine on Ms. A wonderful lens, small, sharp, and very useful wide open. Now if I could just stop it from unscrewing itself every day or so …

 

[ljsegil]

Another vote for the Rollei 40/2.8 Sonnar. Lovely lens, plenty sharp but with a nice Sonnar look, compact, easily sits inside of the silly cramped case that Stephen sends out with the Bessa bodies. It's the one of the compelling reasons that I haven't sold my R3A, which all logic dictates that I should (overpriced offers considered!).
Larry

 

[MaxElmar]

I would love to have the Rollei Sonnar, but they're pretty rare and expensive around here. The CV 40/1.4 is great - it lives on my BessaT. Now I suspect I would miss the extra stop (or two stops) with any other 40. (Getting bored with vintage lenses. Actually, I'm bored trying to find them in good condition at reasonable prices.) I mean it's nice to have and use the proper lens for a vintage camera, but I usually wind up shooting with modern lenses. For me that means CV.... Thanks, Mr. K!

 

[sepiareverb]

I still have the Rollei Sonnar. Stunning in every way.

The 40/2 Summicron is a darn nice lens, but I find I prefer the modern coatings now that Kodachrome is gone.

 

[Peter S]

Another vote for the M Rokkor. Very small lens, excellent optics. I never cared for the pictures that I saw made by the Nokton. The out of focus areas it produces are not as nice as those on a 40 summicron or rokkor. Very personal observation of course.

 

[Thomas78]

Thank you for all your suggestions!

I finally decided to give the CV 40 mm 1.4 a try.