Voigtländer 40mm f/1.4 Nokton MC vs. SC for b&w

[james]

I'm about to dip my toe into the rangefinder ocean. The plan involves the Bessa R3a and the far more common MC version of the above mentioned lens. However, I just now stumbled across a comment on the Cameraquest site noting that the SC version is thought by some to be superior when shooting black and white... which is what I shoot 80% of the time.

How would you describe the difference between the two? Will what little colour photography I do suffer much if I go with the SC? Is it generally accepted that the SC is the better lens for b&w, or is this a fringe opinion?

Which should I buy?

Thanks.

 

[Stephanie Brim]

You've picked a hell of a way to start. 🙂

Okay, I've started a sentence and erased it three times now, so I'm going to say this: I'd try both.

 

[telenous]

James, I have tried neither of the lenses and what I will say comes from general experience with single-coated and multicoated lenses. Single-coated lenses are not as high contrast as multi-coated ones. That means that they do tend to preserve shadow detail when it comes to black white photography whereas their multicoated coutnerparts tend to push the shades in more extreme areas of the black-grey-white spectrum. It is really a matter of taste which one you will like. The single coated version emulates the lenses of old, the multi-coated one goes the way of all modern lenses. I like both, so I 'd probably end up having one of each:bang: When it comes to colour photography the multi-coated lenses have supposedly the upper hand because they tend to saturate colours more. Again, the unsaturated feel of the single-coated lenses may be something you like and actually prefer.

Now, all that is generic wisdom. Unfortunately the only way to know if there is any difference in practice is to try both lenses. With that not being feasible, users tend to buy the lens that fits their shooting needs most of the time.

 

[james]

Stephanie

Stephanie

That would be ideal, but how? There are two retailers here in Toronto that carry CV products; neither have the SC. In fact, the only shops I've found on the continent that carry the SC are Cameraquest and Photo Village. As I reside in neither SoCal nor NY... Don't get me wrong, I always love an excuse to visit Manhattan, but that's just not in the cards for the foreseeable future.

 

[james]

telenous

telenous

Ah, that provides some guidance, "generic wisdom" or not. Thanks.

Still, I do hope to hear from people with hands on experiences.

 

[sleepyhead]

I've JUST bought a SC version, but no first-and experience yet. I also shoot almost exclusively B&W. When shopping for one of these lenses second-hand I didn't care which one I got, the price had to be right. I care alot about contrast and shadow detail, but I honestly doubt that there is a significant practical difference between the two versions that could not be overcome by choosing film type, exposure, and developing conditions that acheive the tonality/effect that you're after.

 

[james]

I've JUST bought a SC version, but no first-and experience yet. I also shoot almost exclusively B&W. When shopping for one of these lenses second-hand I didn't care which one I got, the price had to be right. I care alot about contrast and shadow detail, but I honestly doubt that there is a significant practical difference between the two versions that could not be overcome by choosing film type, exposure, and developing conditions that acheive the tonality/effect that you're after.

Funny thing, I've been gravitating more and more towards use of Neopan 1600, with its absurd, over-the-top contrast. I'm sure I could find a more moderate alternative and possibly be happy with the MC.

(By the way, I just stumbled across your shot "despair." PM me if you'd be willing to sell a print.)

 

[back alley]

from pics that i have seen on the net...

there was little difference, none that i would be able to tell.

 

[sockeyed]

I'll drag out my usual "the Nokton 40 SC rocks in colour" shots:

 

[vrgard]

Damn, sockeyed, I'm knocked out everytime I see those shots. Makes me want to order that lens right now! Any chance you could send me the high res versions for my viewing pleasure? Let me know and I'll shoot you my email via pm.

-Randy

 

[RayPA]

IMO, get the SC. I think the resale will be a little better (should you decide to sell—not that you will [unless you need the $]). It is very nice in b&w. Ben's color shots prove what a good lens it is. I have the SC and love the tones. It hasn't come off my CLE since I bought it. 🙂



.

 

[james]

RayPA and sockeyed (and others with this lens), do you shoot with a skylight when outdoors. I've been operating under the assumption that, with modern lenses, UV isn't much of concern. Would this still hold true with the SC?

 

[goo0h]

Funny thing, I've been gravitating more and more towards use of Neopan 1600, with its absurd, over-the-top contrast. I'm sure I could find a more moderate alternative and possibly be happy with the MC.

I wonder if the difference between SC and MC would even be noticeable with Neopan 1600? Any evidence out there either way?

 

[Palaeoboy]

I find the MC too contrasty especially for colour. Sockeyed proves (especially with that Pier shot) that the SC is just as good if not better (if you dont like the higher contrast either) than the MC version.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

That would be ideal, but how? There are two retailers here in Toronto that carry CV products; neither have the SC. In fact, the only shops I've found on the continent that carry the SC are Cameraquest and Photo Village. As I reside in neither SoCal nor NY... Don't get me wrong, I always love an excuse to visit Manhattan, but that's just not in the cards for the foreseeable future.

James,

Perhaps you can try Stephen at cameraquest and just order both, explain to him you will be returning the one you don't want in the allotted return policy timeframe? That way you can see for yourself which you prefer.

 

[RayPA]

RayPA and sockeyed (and others with this lens), do you shoot with a skylight when outdoors. I've been operating under the assumption that, with modern lenses, UV isn't much of concern. Would this still hold true with the SC?

James, I do not shoot with a UV on my 40/1.4 SC.


.

 

[sockeyed]

I shoot my Nokton-40 without any filters.

Randy - thanks! PM or email me and I'll send you larger files to look at.

Cheers
Ben

 

[Dougg]

I suspect the differences between the SC and MC versions are subtle. When I happend upon a used SC from an RFF member I bought it without much regard for the coating. Here are a couple of relatively low-contrast scenes shot with that lens on a CLE, and Fuji NPH 400 @ EI 250.

 

[kevino]

Multi Coating & Flare Resistance

Multi Coating & Flare Resistance

I was always under the impression that multi coating developed over the years for better flare resistance.

With that said - are there any opinions on flare control between the two?

 

[james]

James,

Perhaps you can try Stephen at cameraquest and just order both, explain to him you will be returning the one you don't want in the allotted return policy timeframe? That way you can see for yourself which you prefer.

Due to an upcoming Big Event, I've only got about ten days to pull the trigger on this purchase.

I was always under the impression that multi coating developed over the years for better flare resistance.

With that said - are there any opinions on flare control between the two?

Anyone?