VC 28mm f3.5 color skopar update?

[OZ13]

I wonder if and when Cosina will update the 28mm 3.5 color skopar to the newer "P" design, or is the 28mm focal length too boring in light of the newer super wide VC's currently on the market? I'd love the super compact dimensions when mated with my M6 and I don't need the speed for low light work etc. Does anyone else share these desires?

 

[Bob Michaels]

I see no need to "update" this lens. It works superb just as it is.

I think we have gotten too accustomed to the "2009 model must be better than the 2008" thinking from semiconductor technology. That simply does not relate to optics.

 

[OZ13]

I know the optical formulations haven't changed when doing updates, which says a lot about how good their designs are, but Cosina has updated all its other lenses, why not this one?

 

[kermaier]

Maybe because the build quality of the 28/3.5 is so much higher than most of the LTM lenses and all of the M-mount lenses they've produced, that they're afraid it would flop among people attempting to "upgrade"?

 

[Ben B.]

update?

update?

Isn't the skopar 28/3.5 out of production for some time now? So technically that couldn't be an update 😉

Anyway, I too would like to see this lens "updated" so I could buy a used black LTM one... 😀

 

[Nikon Bob]

If by update you mean producing an M mount version, I don't think that will happen. Most RF users are speed junkies, look at the interest in the new Nokton 1.1, so 3.5 is too mundane a F stop. Some might even consider 28mm as too mundane a wide to bother with. The M users already have a 28/2 to play with. Personally. I like the 28/3.5 as it is and use it on my M with an adapter.

Bob

 

[noimmunity]

Just buy the LTM version. It's a gem.
I loved it, but was occasionally baffled by the combo of my thick fingers and its small size.

 

[ferider]

Maybe because the build quality of the 28/3.5 is so much higher than most of the LTM lenses ...

I agree. The 28/3.5 is really better built than the other LTM Color Skopars.

Would be nice to get an M-mount 28/2.8 Color Skopar though 🙂

Roland.

 

[kermaier]

Would be nice to get an M-mount 28/2.8 Color Skopar though 🙂

Yes, good idea -- then I could end my frustrating search for an M-Rokkor 28/2.8 without the typical coating disintegration! (Though I'm sure my chronic, incurable GAS would resurface for some other, as yet unimagined, 28mm must-have.... :bang: )

::Ari

 

[BillP]

I have never understood an "upgrade" that puts the same lens formulation in to a more restrictive mount. I can use my LTM 28mm 3.5 on a Barnack or an M. I can only use an M-mount lens on an M body.

That's "progress"?

Regards,

Bill

 

[brachal]

I don't think it needs an update, but it is a lens that definitely should be in production. A real beauty, and incredibly compact.

 

[OZ13]

I wasn't aware that the LTM 28 f3.5 was out of production. It certainly is a more versatile lens because of its adaptability, but I don't need or want that as I only have an M camera. Also, is there any difference in the durability of the black finish between the LTM lenses and the newer versions?

 

[Nikon Bob]

OZ13

I don't think there is a difference in black finish LTM and M mount lenses, but I could be wrong. Even if you only have an M camera a LTM to M adapter does not cost much if you have your heart set on the 28/3.5. In addition it may open up more buyers on the future if you go the LTM and adapter route and decide to sell it later.

Bob

 

[Palaeoboy]

I don't think there is a difference in black finish LTM and M mount lenses, but I could be wrong.

Yes there is a big difference, the newer M mount versions have a much harder wearing black finish. Given this is a thread about the 28mm f3.5, in black form was probably the worse wearing finish on any Voigtlander lens. The example I bought new you could see the shimmer of brass through the black paint out of the box! Within a few rolls of film the knurling on the aperture was already exposed brass. A new Mount version should be better in this respect, a conventional tab too most likely.

 

[OZ13]

Joel,

I'd be inclined to agree that the new black finish looks more durable although I don't have any first hand experience apart from pics of LTM lenses for sale on ebay which can look a bit tatty (but usable). With all the buzz being generated about the new 50mm f1.1 Nokton, it looks unlikely VC will introduce a newer 28mm f3.5 any time soon, so I'll look at the larger 28mm f2 Ultron, but thats the topic for another thread!

Does anyone have any links to previous threads on that lens?

 

[Tim Gray]

I thought I read at some point that the 28/3.5 was pulled out of production because of low sales. If that's true, it'd doubtful they'd reintroduce it. That being said, I got one a couple months ago and its great. Pick one up while you still can.

 

[Krosya]

I agree. The 28/3.5 is really better built than the other LTM Color Skopars.

Would be nice to get an M-mount 28/2.8 Color Skopar though 🙂

Roland.

Well, that depends - if it's anything like the other "updates" - it would be the same lens with M mount and would cost $200-300 more. I'd rather use a $50 LTM-M adapter with the one that already exists. It would be one thing if it was not RF coupled and they made it coupled, like with CV 25 or 15 Heliar, but just to make it in a new mount? Not worth it, really.

 

[Krosya]

Yes, good idea -- then I could end my frustrating search for an M-Rokkor 28/2.8 without the typical coating disintegration! (Though I'm sure my chronic, incurable GAS would resurface for some other, as yet unimagined, 28mm must-have.... :bang: )

::Ari

if you want a superb M-Mount 28mm lens - get a M-Hexanon 28. One awsome lens. - I say this and I'm not even a big fan of 28mm FL.

 

[kermaier]

if you want a superb M-Mount 28mm lens - get a M-Hexanon 28. One awsome lens. - I say this and I'm not even a big fan of 28mm FL.

I've condidered it, but the M-Hex looks to be quite a bit larger than the M-Rokkor, and seems to go for more than I'm looking to spend.

 

[Palaeoboy]

it looks unlikely VC will introduce a newer 28mm f3.5 any time soon, so I'll look at the larger 28mm f2 Ultron, but thats the topic for another thread!

If I was a betting man I would put odds on there being a M mount 28mm f3.5. It has a bit of a cult following. But I also agree with you in that in may not be released any time soon. You may not be able to wait.