From what I understand the Lanthar lenses are quite sub-par compared to the Color-Skopar (a Tessar-clone, I think). Ones I've used that I recommend highly are the Vito IIa, the BL and the B. Great little compact jobs with very nice lens performance. I believe the earlier ones before they started getting "-matic" are of higher quality workmanship, at least I get that sense from seeing and holding them. Plus I think I remember reading that the later ones were more discounted in their relative prices too.