Where is the Love For the CV 28/3.5

[RayPA]

I've been looking around for a 28mm and was wondering about the CV 28/3.5. This appears to be a somewhat unpopular lens, and I was wondering why. I know that CV has the 28/1.9, and that it's a fine lens but I was looking for something smaller. What's up with the 28/3.5 (other than the slowish f3.5)? Does anyone have one? Is it decent? 😕

 

[phototone]

It's a great, tack sharp little lens. Get one. You will like it.

 

[akalai]

I thought this lens HAD to be a cult classic!!!

I was very lucky enough to meet up with a RFF member awhile ago who let me use it for a couple of hours on my Bessa T and I thoguht it was a sweet lens, top build quality and the optics are great as well.

<<<Actually Tim if you read this I just go tthat roll of film back....I left it in a bag that I lent to a friend who only recently returned the bag...aghhhh>>>

 

[peter_n]

I think Todd Hanz has this lens as well. Optically outstanding and tremendous build quality.

 

[phototone]

Here is a photo from my gallery taken with the CV 28/3.5 on my Leica IIIc. Camera on tripod, using cable release. I believe the aperture was f/8, several seconds time exposure. Neopan 400
I think it is a wonderful lens.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=8263&cat=4198&page=3

 

[vincentbenoit]

Here is a photo from my gallery taken with the CV 28/3.5 on my Leica IIIc. Camera on tripod, using cable release. I believe the aperture was f/8, several seconds time exposure. Neopan 400
I think it is a wonderful lens.

Very nice. How does the lens perform wide-open?

 

[RayPA]

Thanks for propping up the 28/3.5!

Thanks for propping up the 28/3.5!

So there is some love for this little beauty! Thanks for the image Phototone. I remember that one. Thanks everyone for your replies. I'm off to CameraQuest, (or B&H).

 

[Fred]

I use one of these, very pleased with it, a very small lense of confident build as well. I got it not only cos it's small and light but cos it is does not intrude into the M vewfinder. It does look odd from the front as the end element has a concave outer surface. Performance is spot on for me.

 

[Richard Black]

Here is mine with an aftermarket vented lens hood. Do I love it, YES!!!

 

[Graham Line]

I've had a 28/3.5 for a while to use on a Minolta CLE and the initial test roll, taken in dreadful weather, looks promising. Color rendition on Provia 400F compares well with my Nikkor 20/3.5. The 28 balances and handles very well on the CLE. With a 35/135 LTM adapter, I get only the 28mm frame visible in the finder.
Construction quality seems good but it isn't as silky smooth and precise as the '80s vintage 40 and 90 M-Rokkors.
For me, 28 has always been an awkward length -- not quite wide enough in a lot of cases and a little too wide to use for everything, like a 35 or 40. Cosina should add the focusing mount to the 25/4.
I'd love to know where to find one of those vented lens shades, if they aren't too expensive.

 

[back alley]

I'd love to know where to find one of those vented lens shades, if they aren't too expensive.

ebay!

do a search for vented hood 40.5, very reasonable price too.

joe

 

[RayPA]

Here is mine with an aftermarket vented lens hood. Do I love it, YES!!!

sweet! nice case too.
🙂

 

[RayPA]

do a search for vented hood 40.5, very reasonable price too.

joe

Joe, isn't the CV 28/3.5 a 39mm thread? I've been looking for a replacement lens hood for my Rokkor 40 (the one it came with blocks the rangefinder), that's a 40.5mm. CQ has them but he can't tell me if they won't interfere with the rangefinder. He calls them replacement hoods, so maybe... 🙂

 

[back alley]

sorry ray, half asleep at the wheel here.
i was thinking cle and that 40 mm lens is 40.5.

assume it will interfere. i have a 40mm hood on the 35/2 and it interferes with the p finder.
i just live with it and work with it.

joe

 

[Todd.Hanz]

I think Todd Hanz has this lens as well. Optically outstanding and tremendous build quality.

I have the 28/1.9 but have seen some excellent example of the 3.5, very sharp with outstanding contrast and soooooo small!

 

[Doug]

I have had the 28 Skopar for two years and like it. Very small and well-built. I'm surprised to find I've only used it for 3 rolls of film... Here's a recent shot, an empty storefront.

 

[RayPA]

I have had the 28 Skopar for two years and like it. Very small and well-built. I'm surprised to find I've only used it for 3 rolls of film... Here's a recent shot, an empty storefront.

Wow! It looks even sharper in color images! Very nice, Doug.

 

[RayPA]

...
i just live with it and work with it.

joe

The aftermarket (for lack of better term) hood that came with my CLE makes close range focus impossible. Even at greater distances it cuts a good portion of the rangefinder off. Aarrgh!

 

[alansoon]

This is a simply amazing lens. It's sharp and very well built. In my opinion, this is the best built CV lens out there. The focus is smooth and the aperture clicks firmly into place. This is one lens I always have on my travels.

 

[Richard Black]

I won mine on the *bay from heavy2star, I believe, quick service and nice product. I got a 40.5 just like it. Sure makes a small travel kit, Bessa R, 28mm, 50mm, 1-2 filters, two lens hoods, some cleaning gear and film, lotsa film!