Which Nokton should I get

[Huck Finn]

I think I'd say that la raison d'etre for the R3A is the 1:1 finder; 40 just happens to be the widest frame lines they could fit in it. In fact, I think the reverse is true the R3A is la raison d'etre for the 40.

Since 50 is his favorite focal length & he hates 35, I think the R3A is a good choice for Bapiemai. Using it with a fast 50 - or 40 - will maximize its strengths.

 

[sychan]

With respect to comparing the Summicron/Rokkor 40mm to the 40/1.4 Nokton, see the link in this thread: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5700&page=3&highlight=nokton

In terms of contrast, flare resistance, bokeh and sharpness, the side by side photos make the nokton MC seem clearly superior to the Cron-C and M-Rokkor. The M-Rokkor is smaller though, and (at least in my own comparisons) slightly warmer in color rendition. In general, it seems that Cosina's lenses are better than all but the latest ASPH lenses from Leica.

 

[hth]

Why did you pass on a second hand Leica M2, M3 or M4? I live in Sweden and typically pay 1/8 for such camera compared to a new MP. I got two, both works fine, but they will eventually need a CLA.

An old Leica has already had its value dropped on the second hand market, and the only thing you would give up compared to the MP is the builtin lightmeter, and running a higher risk of paying for some service? Well, you will have to settle for a chrome body too...

/Håkan

 

[Bertram2]

40mm or 50mm Nokton is no alternative in general, and for you as a "50 junkie" ( like me ) it isn't it at all, you would miss it !!
It is better to think about the whole set you will work with later and take the 50 as an anchor point. So I did with 25 - 50 - 75. I still do not think about changing this team !

Best,
Bertram

 

[RayPA]

It is better to think about the whole set you will work with later and take the 50 as an anchor point. So I did with 25 - 50 - 75. I still do not think about changing this team !

Best,
Bertram

Good advice. Consider the whole set, where you'll go next after the first lens. I think you can still put the really nice CV 35mm's, if you start with a 50. The 40 may be a little too close.

🙂

 

[Cloudy]

Beniliam, just saw some of your photos. These 2 are great:

Lovers: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/cpg/displayimage.php?album=1610&pos=135
Puppy: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/cpg/displayimage.php?album=1610&pos=136

 

[Cloudy]

BAPIEMAI, you like 50mm but hate 35mm, so I think you better choose 50mm since I think the perspective of 40mm is very close to 35mm. if you really want a smaller and lighter 50mm, think 50mm f/2.5 instead. 🙂

 

[BAPIEMAI]

The 2.5 does sound interesting but I have heard that it has not very good image quality. I even could get the Elmarit but why pay so much for a mediocre lens.

Also since it will be my main camera I wish it would have a fast lens but I am willing to sacrifice speed for portabilty but not image quality.

 

[aizan]

i wish voigtlander made a 50/2. there's always the m-hexanon from konica, which goes for around $300-400.

 

[rover]

The 2.5 does sound interesting but I have heard that it has not very good image quality. I even could get the Elmarit but why pay so much for a mediocre lens.

Funny, I have read those rumors too, but every comment I have read made by people who actually own and use this lens have been very favorable.

I don't believe everything I read anymore, particularly comments made in the RF world about non Leica products.

There is a current discussion of satisfied 50/2.5 users happening currently on the CVUG or LUG. I get them in digest form and just deleted the email or I would have copied some comments. You can access both lists from cameraquest.com.

 

[Huck Finn]

Several comments about 40 being close to a 35. It's really closer to half way. This is because the focal length numbers don't represent a linear progression. Angle of view:

50 = 46 degrees
40 = 56 degrees
35 = 63 degrees

With 40's like the Nokton & Rollei Sonnar, which are both a little longer than 40, their angle of view is going to be more like 54 or 55, or right in the middle. It's a nice perspective. There are a lot of compromises in all of this stuff & the 40 allows you to compromise a little on focal length but to get speed in a much more compact package than a 50.

 

[jmilkins]

I've been using the R3a with the Hexanon 50 for a short while and I think its a good combo if you like 50mm lenses. The 50 frame line in the R3a is on its own in the finder, and its very easy to frame with. The 40mm frameline is on the very edges of the finder, and while I don' t find it too far out, several people have noted that when wearing glasses it's not easy too see. With big pockets, the r3a & 50 is pocketable!

 

[Bertram2]

The 2.5 does sound interesting but I have heard that it has not very good image quality. .

Do not care about that !
The worst way of all to decide about a lens purchase, to deal with hearsay !
Never take candy from a stranger ! Didn't your Ma tell you ??!! 😀

If somebody used this lens for a while AND he has photos which prove the deficits of a lens in a way that YOU can recognize them as serious deficits then this can be reason enuff to forget it.
Otherwise it all only OPINION, nothing else. If other peoples opinions trigger your decision only one disappointment will follow the other. :bang:
Regards,
Bertram

 

[Doug]

The worst way of all to decide about a lens purchase, to deal with hearsay ! Never take candy from a stranger ! Didn't your Ma tell you ??!! 😀

If somebody used this lens for a while AND he has photos which prove the deficits of a lens in a way that YOU can recognize them as serious deficits then this can be reason enuff to forget it.
Otherwise it all only OPINION, nothing else. If other peoples opinions trigger your decision only one disappointment will follow the other.

Amen, Bertram! Somebody jumps to a conclusion or indulges in speculation, someone picks that up and simplifies or dramatizes this, and at the next step it becomes fact! Rumor passed along slowed my interest in the 2.5/50 Skopar, but curiosity overcame this when I was offered a used one at very low price. So I can say there is nothing mediocre about this lens, and I have the photos to back me up! 😀 I can only complain mildly about very slight pincushion distortion.

As to a 2.0/50 made by Cosina, there is the new Zeiss Planar ZM... 🙂

 

[Bertram2]

Somebody jumps to a conclusion or indulges in speculation, someone picks that up and simplifies or dramatizes this, and at the next step it becomes fact!

Doug,

one of the things which I learned in web forums is how careless people deal with opinions,statements, facts and hearsay, mixing it all up for a contribution which shall prove their expertise.
It happens with stunning reliability, each time you post a question for some advice about the X-lens or the y-film that the first guy who answers always has NO personal experience with the stuff you asked for If you are lucky the answer is:
"I don't own one and I don't know nothing about it but I own the Grrztpft 1,2/15mm and it is great ". Type = honest idiot, wants to let us know what he owns.

If you are NOT lucky the answer is:
"I don't own one but the X lens is said to be not the best performer, don't buy it !"
Type meetoo- or wannabe-expert. Information effect = doodoo in the ventilator !

Since I know that l my posts all begin with "Who owns AND uses the XY thing....."

RFF is different btw , I found very very few hearsay contribution here.
Grey people seem to be wiser at this point ! <giggle!!>

😛 😛 😛 !! to the colourful folks at Pnet !

Cheerio,
Bertram

 

[Huck Finn]

Amen, Bertram! Somebody jumps to a conclusion or indulges in speculation, someone picks that up and simplifies or dramatizes this, and at the next step it becomes fact! Rumor passed along slowed my interest in the 2.5/50 Skopar, but curiosity overcame this when I was offered a used one at very low price. So I can say there is nothing mediocre about this lens, and I have the photos to back me up! 😀 I can only complain mildly about very slight pincushion distortion.

As to a 2.0/50 made by Cosina, there is the new Zeiss Planar ZM... 🙂

Amen to both of you, Doug. Distortion of up to 2 % is found in many fine lenses & unless you're shooting architecture, it's a non-issue. But lens tests report it at #s like 0.78% or 1.15% & then people will quote it as a problem.

One added bonus is the excellent build quality of the 50 Skopar. Shares the same barrel as my CV 28/3.5 & Rollei 40 Sonnar - all second generation CV & all superb.

Huck

 

[peter_n]

Great (and accurate!) analysis Bertram!! 🙂