Voigtlander Ultron 35mm F2 Aspherical Images

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Sony A7II, Voigtländer 35mm f2 Ultron "Vintage Line" VM lens
Yokosuka, Japan - June 2020

All the best,
Mike
 
You know, I compare these images to the ones posted on the 8-Element replica thread and can't for the life of me see what the frantic appeal is of the Chinese knock-off. It's more of a specialty lens, and a novelty or curiosity at this point 60 years after its introduction. Like driving a '54 Corvette. Pretty to look at but rough on the road by modern standards.

The CV 35 shows great subtle colors that are true, medium-contrast & wonderful resolution at wider apertures. All the benefits and none fo the flaws of the 35 Summicron ASPH.
 
james.liam said:
You know, I compare these images to the ones posted on the 8-Element replica thread and can't for the life of me see what the frantic appeal is of the Chinese knock-off. It's more of a specialty lens, and a novelty or curiosity at this point 60 years after its introduction. Like driving a '54 Corvette. Pretty to look at but rough on the road by modern standards.

The CV 35 shows great subtle colors subtle that are true, medium-contrast & wonderful resolution at wider apertures. All the benefits and none fo the flaws of the 35 Summicron ASPH.
Click to expand...

I know what you mean. I considered the Chinacron but ended up going with the Ultron. For me it’s a perfect balance of performance and character. I’m still intrigued by the 8 element replica (and I think the team behind it should be commended), but I agree that it sits firmly in the ‘specialty lens’ basket.
 
I've found this lens really shines at close and middle distances wide open. Bags of resolution without being sterile - a tiny bit of glow in the highlights at f2.

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Both HP5 at f2
 
How are you guys finding the ergonomics and handling of this lens vs. the Nokton or Color Skopar? The Ultron ASPH looks like a total winner optically, but in photos of the lens it looks like the DOF scale would be very difficult to see. Also, are you finding the fact that it focuses down to 0.5m an issue compared to other lenses that stop at the 0.7m close focus distance of (most) M-mount cameras? Are you missing shots due this inconsistency?
 
DOF is easy to see, black f numbers on the chrome ring of the lens mount and the distance marking are white on the black focusing ring. I owned a 21 Color-Skopar LTM so the focusing rod is familiar and convenient. If you're use to turning the lens to a hard stop for minimum focus, it takes some practice and paying attention to the rangefinder patch. Adapted on a camera like the A7, it's a bonus. The tabs on the aperture ring are a big help when the hood is attached.
 
nickthetasmaniac said:
I know what you mean. I considered the Chinacron but ended up going with the Ultron. For me it’s a perfect balance of performance and character. I’m still intrigued by the 8 element replica (and I think the team behind it should be commended), but I agree that it sits firmly in the ‘specialty lens’ basket.
Click to expand...

I see both lenses being useful these days. A classic one and a modern one. Neither is perfect. I prefer classic lenses.
 
AAlfano said:
How are you guys finding the ergonomics and handling of this lens vs. the Nokton or Color Skopar? The Ultron ASPH looks like a total winner optically, but in photos of the lens it looks like the DOF scale would be very difficult to see. Also, are you finding the fact that it focuses down to 0.5m an issue compared to other lenses that stop at the 0.7m close focus distance of (most) M-mount cameras? Are you missing shots due this inconsistency?
Click to expand...

I find the ergonomics alright. It is a compact lens so you have to be precise. But you know that. Many people hate the little focusing peg, I don't mind it.

BUT I wish they had copied the genius idea from the old Nikkor-H 5cm LTM, where the close focusing range is separated from the coupled 1m to infinity range via a small resistance you have to push past. I assume it is some kind of spring pushing a bearing ball into a little indentation on the focus ring. Similar to the click stops of the aperture. It works so well and seems to be such a straightforward solution.

As it stands, you sometimes get lost when focusing close, which can be annoying. Great lens otherwise.
 
AAlfano said:
How are you guys finding the ergonomics and handling of this lens vs. the Nokton or Color Skopar? The Ultron ASPH looks like a total winner optically, but in photos of the lens it looks like the DOF scale would be very difficult to see. Also, are you finding the fact that it focuses down to 0.5m an issue compared to other lenses that stop at the 0.7m close focus distance of (most) M-mount cameras? Are you missing shots due this inconsistency?
Click to expand...

It's good - very good. I was apprehensive about the focussing stick but actually I quite like it. You can just use the knurled ring around the focussing barrel as well which makes it quite versatile. The 35mm Nokton f1.4 is better ergonomically, but that lens is ergonomically one of the nicest I've used.

The min focussing distance isn't a problem. Just eyeball .7 on the scale and move the camera in and out to focus. Its very rare I focus below a meter personally.
 
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