Anyone using this combo? How is it working out?
I'm only interested in getting the M mount version due to rangefinder coupling (yes, I know DOF is immense, but still...), the filter threads (M8 i.e. IR/UV Cut), and the fact that it just looks better to me.
Which finders are people using with it? I'm thinking of going all out and getting a nice Zeiss 21mm finder to use with it...
I'm only interested in getting the M mount version due to rangefinder coupling (yes, I know DOF is immense, but still...), the filter threads (M8 i.e. IR/UV Cut), and the fact that it just looks better to me.
Which finders are people using with it? I'm thinking of going all out and getting a nice Zeiss 21mm finder to use with it...
jarski
Veteran
am using LTM version coded as WATE + 15mm finder, then approximate 21, has been working pretty well. its nice small lens, handy for travel. I use it mainly for architecture photos, sometimes on street, and its handy to give a stranger for tourist snap of yourself (no focusing issues with external finder 
).
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MCTuomey
Veteran
got my VC 15 M-mount a couple of months ago. using the VC 21/25 finder (the little one with no "nose" relief ) and a B+W 486 filter. learning curve aside, i really like it. i tried to use it without an external finder, but didn't like the uncertainty when trying to frame close subjects and strong diagonals. i guess i do like having a fair approximation of where my edges fall.
i've thought about the zm 18/4 as an alternative, but the VC 15 is a better bargain for what i need. its IQ is surely better than i am anyway. sharp right from F4.5, especially on center, vignetting is very manageable. great color saturation too.
i need to put up a few more pics with it in my gallery when i get some time. looking forward to shooting it over the US holiday weekend.
) and a B+W 486 filter. learning curve aside, i really like it. i tried to use it without an external finder, but didn't like the uncertainty when trying to frame close subjects and strong diagonals. i guess i do like having a fair approximation of where my edges fall.i've thought about the zm 18/4 as an alternative, but the VC 15 is a better bargain for what i need. its IQ is surely better than i am anyway. sharp right from F4.5, especially on center, vignetting is very manageable. great color saturation too.
i need to put up a few more pics with it in my gallery when i get some time. looking forward to shooting it over the US holiday weekend.
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Which camera are you using it on MC Tuomey?
MCTuomey
Veteran
sorry, forgot to say: M8
baycrest
Established
Yes I've got this and using the 21 mm CV finder, setting at 16 mm on the M8.
Sometimes have trouble getting rid of the cyan fringing in the corners with lighter coloured backgrounds.
Perhaps I should combine "Cornerfix" and my irCut filters, but I'm a bit lazy to make up the profiles.
Sometimes have trouble getting rid of the cyan fringing in the corners with lighter coloured backgrounds.
Perhaps I should combine "Cornerfix" and my irCut filters, but I'm a bit lazy to make up the profiles.
So, basically it works fine it just has a few little issues with corner fringing and vingetting? I can live with that... now, I just need to find one used and buy a nice VF for it.
Spleenrippa
Yes, Right There
I recall seeing a classifieds ad from back alley, who was selling his 15 and the D (crop view) model of the finder... I think it was within the last month or two. Don't know if they sold or not. Maybe send him a PM?
Bobfrance
Over Exposed
I use it a lot with a 21mm VF. It's great.
Alternatively if you want wider you could get the 12mm and team it up with a 15 mm finder.
The rangefinder coupling really isn't necessary though apart from the fact it is easier to fit a UV/IR to.
Alternatively if you want wider you could get the 12mm and team it up with a 15 mm finder.
The rangefinder coupling really isn't necessary though apart from the fact it is easier to fit a UV/IR to.
robklurfield
eclipse
I love this combo. I have the m-mount. my original CV 21mm finder was run over a by a car (long story), so I replaced it with the kobalux you see here. the lens is hand-coded as a WATE. I've also got a 15mm CV finder for my M2.
mike_j
Established
I use it with M8 and a masked down standard Voigtlander 15mm finder. Works fine, nice sharp pictures but need a bit of help from cornerfix in extreme cases.
EdLam
Member
I also use the M8 with the CV15mm. B&W UV/IR filter and I splurged for the Leica 21/24/28 viewfinder (for when I pick up a 21mm lens). My latest pics on flickr are with this combo.
k.a
Well-known
with the m8 and WATE handcoding, but i'm thinking of recoding it. it has somewhat issues with cyan drifts in the coners and some darkening in the corners, but it's not all that disturbing. (the pictrure has extra vignetting along the left side)
Nice photo... cool, I'm gonna grab one of these when I can find one used.
Never did pick one of these up... now thinking about it again. Any sample pics from the M8 with this lens?
kbg32
neo-romanticist
Unless I have a bad example, though film images taken with this lens are sharp and excellent, I find this lens to be one of the worst performing CV lenses on the M8.
Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
I sold my 15mm CV when I got my M9 'cause I have a ZM 21 f/2.8. Still, the CV lens focused closer, had more depth of field and was less than 1/2 the size of the ZM lens. On the M8 as a 21, with a good 21mm finder, it was perfect. Sharp, tiny. the only reason I got rd of it was the extra 2 stops I gained with the M9 and the 21mm ZM. I coded it as a WATE at 16mm and using a filter, the vignetting was not an issue for me.
Phil Forrest
Phil Forrest
Do you have a theory as to why?
Lss
Well-known
I think this is the only one I have online for now:
I would need to check it to make sure, but I think I added some vignetting to this photo. (Ok, I checked this, there is indeed a very slight but still noticeable vignetting that I added in post.)
I have the LTM version and have not tried filters on this lens. I find the performance on the M8 just fine, meaning that I have never considered not using this lens or selling it. Of course, I use it also with film and the Epson R-D1, so I wouldn't be selling it only based on my experience with the M8 anyway.
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Thanks Lss.