Which to keep? M-Rokkor 28/2.8 or Ultron 28/1.9?

[efix]

I know, this is a question noone can really answer but myself, but still, it's circulating inside my head and I was hoping for some stimulating opinions from you folks.

I currently have both the M-Rokkor 28/2.8 and the Ultron 28/1.9 for my M8. I'm about to send the Rokkor in for removing the tiny bubbles inside which affect contrast, as I was going to sell it but noone wanted it with that separation thing going on. Now I'm thinking of keeping it once it is repaired, and instead selling the Ultron. But here's the probem:

The Rokkor is really small, which I like for a walkaround lens. Once the separation problem is fixed, it'll be like new optically. I liked how it drawed while I was using it, and it's sharper at f/2.8 than the Ultron.

The Ultron, on the other hand, I got in almost mint condition for a very good price. It goes to f/1.9, which is handy in low light. I also like how it draws, and I like the shallower d-o-f I get from it wide open. On the downside, it's really large and heavy for a 35mm-equivalent f/2 lens, which kinda spoils the whole experience. The Rokkor is so much nicer to handle.

So, once the Rokkor is back from repair, I'll have two excellent 28's, both with their strengths and weaknesses. The question will be which one to keep, as I can't justify keeping both. I guess I'll do some side-by-side shooting for a few weeks and then decide.

One argument for keeping the Ultron, despite only having owned it for a couple months and really having grown fond of it, is that if light gets low, I'll just grab my E-P1 + 20/1.7 if I want a wider field of view than my 50 Nokton gives me.

What do you think? What would you do?

 

[ferider]

If you have a good Ultron, keep it. One of the highest resolving 28s out there. The Rokkor is very good, too. But I would miss the additional stop if I were you. Plus, the Ultron has closer focus, and can be used on LTM cameras if you ever decide to play with film again.

 

[Graham Line]

Keep the lenses you use, sell the lenses you don't.

 

[Japan---Exposures]

The Rokkor is small, handles well and performs well. Very smooth focus, pretty much like Leica. It is said to be equal to the Elmarit of its day. It also has lower contrast which is good for digital. I like it a lot. I have used many lenses with separation over the years, I think the problem is mental rather than optical. My only gripe with it is that it brings up 35 not 28 lines.

I have no experience with the Ultron, but I don't like "big" lenses on RF.



And it flares if you want it to 🙂 (Leica M9)

 

[thompsonks]

As fast 28s go, the Ultron isn't big. I had an Elmarit & didn't like its hypercontrast or its slow aperture, so I bought a Summicron, which IS big. From this experience I'd guess the Ultron, if you've got a good copy, is the best way to go.

Kirk

 

[DennisPT]

The Rokkor is small, handles well and performs well. Very smooth focus, pretty much like Leica. It is said to be equal to the Elmarit of its day. It also has lower contrast which is good for digital. I like it a lot. I have used many lenses with separation over the years, I think the problem is mental rather than optical. My only gripe with it is that it brings up 35 not 28 lines.

I have no experience with the Ultron, but I don't like "big" lenses on RF.



And it flares if you want it to 🙂 (Leica M9)

Very nice photo, gives me another reason to keep the Rokkor.

 

[efix]

Thanks guys! Yes, the Ultron is a wonderful lens, and my heart would bleed were I to sell it. But then again, as Japan Exposures put it, small lenses work so much nicer on a rangefinder, and the Rokkor is an excellent little 28. Blast ... The worst thing is, we're currently moving to a new flat, and we could really need the cash I would get from selling one of the two ... otherwise I'd just keep them both!

 

[Japan---Exposures]

Thanks -- I have shot the Rokkor alongside my Elmarit 28 Asph earlier this week and the Rokkor holds up remarkably well. Which to keep? 😉

PS: @DennisPT: enjoy

 

[bastian a.]

Which other lenses do you have? I read that you have a fast 50mm lens (Nokton) - maybe this is enough for low light situations? It depends on what you want to take pictures of.
With your M8 28mm is like 35mm FF ... for me a fast 35mm lens is important, on the other side I prefer small lenses 🙂

Not easy to decide. If it's possible keep both.

 

[efix]

Which other lenses do you have? I read that you have a fast 50mm lens (Nokton) - maybe this is enough for low light situations? It depends on what you want to take pictures of.
With your M8 28mm is like 35mm FF ... for me a fast 35mm lens is important, on the other side I prefer small lenses 🙂

Not easy to decide. If it's possible keep both.

Indeed, I have a 50/1.5 Nokton. The reason why I bought the Ultron was because, as you said, I wanted a fast 35mm-equivalent. After some weeks of using it, though, I must admit that I don't care much for its size and weight. A 35 Summicron would be ideal, but that's only for film/full-frame ...

 

[efix]

Thanks -- I have shot the Rokkor alongside my Elmarit 28 Asph earlier this week and the Rokkor holds up remarkably well. Which to keep? 😉

PS: @DennisPT: enjoy

I wouldn't mind having an Elmarit, to be frank 😀 Nice compact lens. But then again, I would have to part with all of my other lenses, and that's just not possible!

 

[bastian a.]

After some weeks of using it, though, I must admit that I don't care much for its size and weight..

If size and weight are not a problem the decision is much easier.
The main argument for the M-Rokkor is its size.
Both are good performers, although different.
--- Keep the Ultron

 

[AhShun]

I sold both Ultron (1.9 & 2.0) but keep the Rokkor. Here's the reason:
1) 40/2 Rokkor is my e-50cron, and thus pair up with 28 Rokkor perfectly in terms of control and filter size;
2) the Rokkor kicks the 35mm frameline, but M8's 24mm frameline fit nicely in real life; and
3) the Rokkor will not seriously block my view, compared with Ultrons.

My experience with M8/RD1+Ultron is similar to EOS-1D+28/1.8.
It works indeed, but no joy at all.

 

[DennisPT]

Thanks -- I have shot the Rokkor alongside my Elmarit 28 Asph earlier this week and the Rokkor holds up remarkably well. Which to keep? 😉

PS: @DennisPT: enjoy

Thanks for sharing your flickr photos. Very nice.