Sharpest 35mm Lens (affordable)?

[dave lackey]

Okay, so I have spent a little time with the X1 w/ and w/o a 35mm finder. I am intrigued with the 35mm pov as I never used one other than zooming in/out with Nikkor lenses over the years.

Certainly not enough usage to establish a connection with what I see and what I shoot. I have been trained to see with a 50mm lens since the early 1970s.😱

So, the III F might need a 35mm lens to go with the finder. I need sharp! I need cheap! And as fast as I can get...

Recommendations?😕

 

[jsrockit]

I guess it needs to be LTM, so the best price to performance ratio in LTM is the CV color skopar IMO. It's sharp.

 

[BobYIL]

I guess it needs to be LTM, so the best price to performance ratio in LTM is the CV color skopar IMO. It's sharp.

Excellent advice.. No lens at this price range can deliver better contrast and sharpness, ignore Summaron 35/3.5..

 

[rover]

I guess it needs to be LTM, so the best price to performance ratio in LTM is the CV color skopar IMO. It's sharp.

That is about it. I am not sure if a Jupiter 12 will fit on a Barnack, but that may be an option. The chrome Canon 35/2.8 is also excellent, may be a little less than the cv.

 

[Benjamin Marks]

I like the C/V 35/.17. I bought a used C/V 35/2.5 for $270 shipped, though. That's a hard price to beat. Example of a pic from this lens posted here:

http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1814449#post1814449

It is plenty contrasty and not too big.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Another vote for the cv Ultron 35mm f/1.7. One of the best 35's available.

Erik.

 

[jsrockit]

The Ultron is $450-500 used these days though... the color skopar is cheaper on the used market. Both are good lenses though. How's the LTM Nikkor 35mm 2.5?

 

[FrankS]

Here's what a J12 looks like on a llla.

 

[MaxElmar]

So far, I've tried the color-skopar, the Canon 35/2.8, and the J12. The little Color-Skopar wins that race (at least with my examples). But I was quite shocked at how close the Canon was. Almost as sharp, with slightly lower contrast and flare resistance. Mine wobbled so I sold it with my Bessa R. (Regrets!)

And perhaps my J12 was bad, or needed adjustment - it was a nice looking lens in fine condition, but mine just didn't deliver - on my Leicas or my Zorki 6.

 

[Brian Legge]

The VC 35mm 2.5 has been going for $350 or so recently. I've heard good things about the Nikkor 35m 2.5 but they are rare and command a large premium most of the time.

I'd go with a Canon 35mm 2.8 over the Jupiter 12 personally. It isn't especially sharp wide open though. Not at all like the VC 35mm 2.5s I've seen.

I really want a modern 35mm lens and would totally buy a VC 35mm 2.5 if I found one offered at a price like others are quoting here. 🙂

 

[helen.HH]

I too cast a Vote for the...
Tres Sharp & Lovely Rendering
Of the Ultron 35 1.7

If you canFind One
GET IT !!!

 

[MaxElmar]

I too cast a Vote for the...
Tres Sharp & Lovely Rendering
Of the Ultron 35 1.7

If you canFind One
GET IT !!!

I'm looking, Helen, really, I'm looking! 😱

 

[back alley]

for a more modern look the cv 2.5 is pretty unbeatable, especially when considering size and price.

the canon 2.8 is a great lens, very good resolution and low contrast...more of a vintage yet not old and glowie look.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Leica M2, Ultron 35mm f/1.7 (full aperture), Tmax400.

Erik.

 

[robert blu]

yes you are correct: 35 is great! And I vote for the cv 35 f1,7 : excellent!
robert

 

[FrankS]

The Canon 35f2.8 would be more than twice the cost of a J12, but still a great value considering price/performance.

 

[ray*j*gun]

That is about it. I am not sure if a Jupiter 12 will fit on a Barnack, but that may be an option. The chrome Canon 35/2.8 is also excellent, may be a little less than the cv.

Yes a J-12 will fit Barnack's and mine which was breathed on by Brian Sweeney is REALLY SHARP!!!

 

[dbarnes]

+1 -- CV 35/2.5, sharp and cheap

 

[Johann Espiritu]

Another voter here for the Color Skopar! If you like sharp, then this is it. I'm also a fan of the focusing tab and the physical design of this lens.

 

[MCTuomey]

cv 35 f/1.7 -----> bokeh queen
cv 35 f/2.5 -----> sturm und drang king
canon 35 f/2.8 -----> lord of all manners