Who Loves Their 35mm f2.5 Classic?

[dazedgonebye]

I've seen some recent thread comparing the Skopar to the Ultron and honestly, they've got me wanting the Ultron. On the other hand, with both lenses being used, I think there's about a $150 difference in price.
That's money I could put toward a 75mm f2.5 or the 21mm.

So, I'm asking who loves thier classic color-skopar...and has the photos to show why?
C'mon, save me some money.

 

[Adam-T]

I`ve not got the classic, but the previous Pancake version with the proper focus ring (same lens optically though) and apart from a bit of vigging on the RD1 (typical for all the wider slower CVs on the RD1) it`s just about perfect, even wide open and it doesn`t vig on Film, it`s an eye-bleedingly sharp lens regardless of aperture, it`s more contrasty than the 28 Ultron and sharper too..

Those focus levers drive me nuts as the things never seem to be in the right place for the distance I want to shoot so was lucky to find a MK1 Pancake, otherwise I`d have to have stumped up the extra cash for the M Mount Mk2 version (which is overpriced in the UK) .. I`d see if the focussing lever is to your taste, I personally hate the things, you can fine tune the focus with a proper ring easier and do it anywhere on the lens ..

Basically these 35 F2.5s are tack sharp, light, cheap and don`t take up much room and unlike the other Skopars, the 35mm isn`t exactly SLOW with its F2.5 aperture.....

Shot wide open on the RD1

http://www.cs80.freeserve.co.uk/1D/R-D1-Hut-Window.jpg

 

[iñaki]

I can´t compare but my 35mm f2.5 Classic is my favourite lens and 90% of my gallery was taken with it. The ultron must be better, but I would choose the f2.5 Classic+ the money for the fantastic 75mm 2.5 Heliar (I want it too).

 

[RayPA]

I'm liking mine more and more for color work. With some b&w film/dev combinations for me it gets very contrasty. It's benefits are its size and sharpness. I like the Ultron better, though.

Here's a b&w one

 

[Sparrow]

Bearing in mind it takes me ages to decide these things, it’s provisionally my favourite m/ltm mount 35

 

[jja]

I have owned the Color Skopar Classic, and it's a fabulous lens. Very sharp and contrasty, super compact, and well-built. I loved the focusing nub, very fast handling. I'd say get the Ultron (I have never owned this one) ONLY if you want more speed.

 

[dazedgonebye]

Thanks for the confidence boosters guys.
I want to save the money, but I don't want to regret not getting the Ultron.
I can't say I really need the speed, not that it isn't nice to have faster lenses when you do need them....

One of the common knocks I read against the skopar is that they can be too contrasty. That's sort of a hard concept for me. Perhaps it comes from being digital on the output side. It's far easier to lower contrast in post processing than it is to increase contrast (attractively).

I'll take a look through that flickr pool.

Anyone know someone that has a black version they are looking to sell?

 

[back alley]

the 2.5 is scary sharp, no doubt, well built and a great size.

but it is too contrasty for me.

joe

 

[Sparrow]

I'm liking mine more and more for color work. With some b&w film/dev combinations for me it gets very contrasty. It's benefits are its size and sharpness. I like the Ultron better, though.

Here's a b&w one

A blue filter, is it b81 the “morning/evening” one, works well in high contrast situations I’ve found

PS I’m looking seriously at the f1.2

 

[jja]

RayPa, that is a gorgeous shot.

 

[RayPA]

A blue filter, is it b81 the “morning/evening” one, works well in high contrast situations I’ve found

PS I’m looking seriously at the f1.2

good idea, Stewart. The 1.2 iza biggie!

 

[RayPA]

RayPa, that is a gorgeous shot.

Thanks a lot, jja!

 

[dazedgonebye]

Small, cheap, sharp and contrasty...that only leaves out fast on my short list of things I like in a lens.
If it were fast, it would be less small and less cheap...though to be fair, the Ultron isn't all that big or expensive. A local dealer here has one used for $295.

 

[fishtek]

Here's a new shot from my 2-week-old R/35 kit. Shot at a local park on drugstore Fuji color, scanned, converted to b/w, and USM'd a wee bit.

 

[Wayne R. Scott]

I would (did) discard the so-called lens hood included with the Classic 35mm f2.5. It is not adequate to be considered a real lens hood for flare prevention when shooting in harsh lighting conditions. I think the $15-$20 vented hood from Heavystar or Americaneagle is worth many times the price in performance.

Wayne

 

[Sparrow]

good idea, Stewart. The 1.2 iza biggie!

Ya but it looks like this generation’s speed king from what I’ve seen and read, I won’t part with the 2.5 however

 

[Uncle Bill]

Like my CV 35 f2.5 Skopar and I use it mostly for black and white work.

 

[RayPA]

Ya but it looks like this generation’s speed king from what I’ve seen and read, I won’t part with the 2.5 however

Yup, the closest all us non-dentists (sorry Jaapv, no offense 😉 ) will get to a Noctilux.

😀

 

[dazedgonebye]

I just had the offer of a trial with an Ultron from the person I'm buying the Bessa R from...just when I'd made up my mind to buy the Skopar.
I should have turned him down, but I just couldn't. So, tomorrow I hope to have a Bessa R and an ultron to play with.

 

[Sparrow]

Yup, the closest all us non-dentists (sorry Jaapv, no offense 😉 ) will get to a Noctilux.

😀

Yes that’s the other one I’m considering, it’s just unfortunate you have to wear latex gloves to own one, I can’t separate reputation from evidence at present
😀 😀