Voigtlander 1950s lens question

[someonenameddavid]

So I had a Prominent that didnt work but had a 50 1.5 lens. So I bought a Prominent that worked but has a 35 3.5 Skoparon with the most contrived focus coupling to the rangefinder you could imagine
But is it a retrofocus design... Does anyone know... Is it a sleeper classic or meh.
The Prominent itself is a masochist's camera

Regards, David

 

[Beemermark]

You either have to be left handed or maybe ambidextrous to use a prominent.

 

[peterm1]

The Skoparon is essentially a retrofocus based on a Tessar design - http://www.klassik-cameras.de/Bessa_RF_histo_dt.html

The link is in German so unless you speak the language you will need to rely on Google translate or just look at the block diagrams and photos. Unfortunately while I had a Prominent for several years and liked it (sort of) it was quirky as you say and I never got the Skoparon (though I considered it). Hence I cannot answer directly about if it is good or not but the other lenses I tried were unfailingly good. Like you I would be interested in knowing what others think.

 

[someonenameddavid]

The skoparon is stiil awaiting a roll of film, but what I find fascinating about this camera is the length to which the manufacturer went to synchronize the rangefinder coupling with the lens. Also, it is contemporary with the first Angenieux retrofocus lenses and is very similar in lens formula: it would have to be really, since the available glass would have been the same, and the metals and machinery were similar, and the problem itself, having an extended distance from the rear of the lens to the focal plane, was otherwise insurmountable

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

The skoparon is stiil awaiting a roll of film, but what I find fascinating about this camera is the length to which the manufacturer went to synchronize the rangefinder coupling with the lens. Also, it is contemporary with the first Angenieux retrofocus lenses and is very similar in lens formula: it would have to be really, since the available glass would have been the same, and the metals and machinery were similar, and the problem itself, having an extended distance from the rear of the lens to the focal plane, was otherwise insurmountable

I've been using the 28mm Retrofocus in ALPA SLR bayonet a bit recently. I think it's the most beautiful lens I've ever held, the quality of its satin chrome finish is sensational. But whilst I've obtained a few decent images from it when stopped down, at larger apertures it is completely underwhelming. If only it performed half as well as it looks.

On the other hand I would *love* a Prominent and a few lenses, it is one of very few cameras I don't presently own I truly desire. As far as the Skoparon lens goes, well, I've never owned or used one. But when it comes to producing high quality images from older equipment I hold Rick Drawbridge in high regard. Have a look at what he's done with a Prominent and Skoparon. If only the Angenieux was half as good. Persevere with the Prominent ergonomics, the results can definitely be worth it.
Cheers,
Brett