Well, I tried...

[travis.taylor]

Based on the suggestions here, I purchased a Canon 100mm f3.5. I was super excited to shoot with it given that the
only lens I currently have for the "P" is the matching 35mm f2.8. It came in the mail. It was a dud. Pretty badly misrepresented
by the seller. Huge bummer... My question is... What would you guys think of the CV 75mm f2.5 as a sort of compromise
lens filling the roles of 50mm & 100mm? I know I'd have to guesstimate because of the lack of 75mm framelines but at
least I wouldn't have to worry about optical issues when buying. Plus, from my short time shooting and viewing others'
photos here, I think I prefer the more "modern", sharper, contrasty look. Should I keep searching for good condition older optics?
Or do you think the CV 75mm f2.5 would fill the "void"?
Any personal experience with it?

http://www.photographyreview.com/ca...5mm-color-heliar-f-2-5/prd_85047_3111crx.aspx


I would want the chrome version...😎

 

[furcafe]

Sorry to hear about your 100/3.5, but I think it's worth continuing to search. They're not particularly difficult to find on eBay, etc.

That said, the CV 75/2.5 Color-Heliar is an excellent lens w/a more modern look, though I wouldn't consider it to be a substitute for a 90 or 100, even if you manage to work around the lack of framelines in your P.

 

[back alley]

great lens the cv 75...but not really an all purpose lens.
it makes a great kit with the 35 though. lots have survived nicely with a 35/75 kit.
you could ude the 50 frame lines and just mentally crop to 75...not convenient though.

 

[John E Earley]

I know how you feel about that lens. I've received two dud 100/3.5 lenses so far. 🙁

 

[travis.taylor]

Two duds? That sucks.. I just saw the CV APO Lanthar 90mm..
Any thoughts on that lens? Only thing is, it would be less versatile
in the way I would be using it. Easier to frame with though.. Hmm...

 

[Brian Legge]

I found the CV 100 3.5 and a good Canon 100 3.5 relative close in performance. The CV may be a bit sharper on the edges but the Canon is a bit smaller (relevant for me as a long lens is only worth carrying for me if its tiny). The focus throw on the Canon is much longer than the VC.

 

[Pioneer]

For my purposes the CV 90 Apo Lanthar is a terrific lens. I use it every time I need to take shots at my grandkids soccer games and it delivers every time. It focuses very quickly, is well damped, and returns terrific images. I do have a Canon 135/3.5 but haven't really haven't taken the chance to use it yet. I liked it so much for my Leica II that I bought another for my Pentax.

 

[travis.taylor]

A voigtlander 100mm f3.5 you say?
A quick searched turned up nothing for me.
Where can I see this lens?

 

[rfaspen]

I don't recall a CV 100 either. Possible it was made at one time.
I know the CV 75 or 90 would please you immensely. There's no reason to stop looking for a good Canon 100 after getting a CV lens, is there? I hear great things about both the 75 and the 90, but I've seen the results from the 75 firsthand and I can only say, "wow". As for framelines (or lack of): 1. you will quickly learn about where they are after shooting with the lens for a while. 2. an external viewfinder does exist, although it might be an expensive add-on. I really don't know.

What camera body is this going on? A Canon P/7/?

 

[Livesteamer]

Sorry to hear of your trouble. I got a Canon 100mm f3.5 in January and it's a wonderful lens. Sharp and compact. I have a VC 75mm f2.5 but don't use it much altho it is optically very good. On my IIIc's I use a Canon 28mm, f3.5 50mm Elmar, 50mm f2.0 Nikkor and the Canon 100mm. A wonderful kit. Joe

 

[travis.taylor]

This would be going on a Canon P. I do see a voigtlander
75mm viewfinder offered here and there, but at a price of around
$150 which makes it a not so appealing option. On the other
hand, however, the viewfinder is said to have parallax compensation lines which is quite attractive... Umm.. Right??

 

[travis.taylor]

And exactly how compact is this lens (the CV 75mm)?
Would I have any significant viewfinder blockage if I chose
to use the camera's viewfinder?

Also, I just looked up the CV 50mm F1.5 close focus range..
at about 27 inches, how much advantage would the CV 75mm
actually give me for portrait shots? Sorry for all the questions,
I'm just trying to get a good idea of what to throw money at..