Will I miss my VC 50 f1.5?

S

superultramega

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Hey all. I'm trying/having seconds thoughts about selling my Nokton. I recently bought a Canon P and Canon/Serenar 50/1.8. I love the handling of the new combo but do other more experienced wheelers and dealers think I'll regret selling the Nokton? Am I giving up performance for handling if I sell the Nokton? Also I should say I'm more of a 35 focal length guy, so I don't really want to start collecting 50mm's.

Thanks in advance.
 
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It's funny, but I think the Nokton's handling is much better than the Canon's, but then again, I like shorter focus throws.
 
The infinity tab is what I like, it gives a hint about the focus position without looking at the lens barrel. I also like the smaller size and heavier weight.
 
The Nokton is a higher performance lens in terms of resolution and correction.
Plus it's faster, has modern coatings, and 40+ years less age and.... as John brings up has a more desirable short focus "throw".
Only the updated M version or Summilux Asph may be more desirable at this speed. Keep it and let the Canon go. It's a nice lens but not a choice over the Nokton 1.5/50.
Put a tab on it like others have done if you wish. Google "heavy star focus tab" for more info

Cheers!
 
f16sunshine said:
The Nokton is a higher performance lens in terms of resolution and correction.
Plus it's faster, has modern coatings, and 40+ years less age and.... as John brings up has a more desirable short focus "throw".
Only the updated M version or Summilux Asph may be more desirable at this speed. Keep it and let the Canon go. It's a nice lens but not a choice over the Nokton 1.5/50.
Put a tab on it like others have done if you wish. Google "heavy star focus tab" for more info

Cheers!
Click to expand...

... and even Puts had to admit it out performed all but one leica 50mm
 
You would miss it! The Nokton 50mm f1.5 is one of the best 50'saround - bar none! It out performs a vII Summilux 50 and is nipping at the heels of a Asph Summilux 50! If your Nokton is a Ltm version I would keep it - use it on the Canon.
 
Damn. These are not the responses I was hoping for, I was expecting (hoping) some people to say that in day to day use I wouldn't notice a significant difference. I'll have to keep both for a few months and compare prints. Best not to rush into selling I guess.
 
I also agree with everything posted above and can only add that among the many, many lenses I have thhe CV 50/1.5 will be one of the last to go! It just gives you so much e.g. rendering, subtle color and great sharpness. Keep it! Must say in parting that the Canon lens is no slouch either but not quite up to the Nokton.
 
VC lenses are vapor. Cosina Voigtlander, CV, were made.

They are probably better optically than old lenses, but with inferior construction.
 
On the other hand, if you like the images from both and prefer the handling of the Canon... why not stick with it?

Put the CV aside for a month or two and just shoot with the Canon. If you are content with it, you can get back a few hundred by selling the CV. On the positive side, both lenses can be found without too much problem in good condition. Changing your mind down the road probably wouldn't be a huge difficulty unlike finding a very clean Summar, etc.
 
Never used the Canon, but probably the 50/1.5 Nokton would be my last L/M lens standing if I would sell the whole thing... I have the L version and it is very good on the M8. It's one of the few L/M lenses I have that stand up to the resolution of my E-M1 sensor, for instance (the CV 75/2.5 is another). It's better than my 50/2 Cron collapsible.

But YMMV and it's like Brian says, if you like the photos from both and prefer Canon's handling, then...
 
This is @ full aperture, LTM-version.

Leica M2, Nokton 50mm f/1.5, Tmax400.

Erik.

9051516979_367f42386d_b.jpg
 
Denton said:
Just curious, does this lens have any front or back focus issues?
D
Click to expand...

If you are talking about RF mismatch (i.e., a more or less consistent focus error), not my copy. This can be quite copy-dependent (and even the RF of your particular camera).

If you are talking about focus shift (some lenses shift the focus plane depending on the aperture), that also does not happen in my copy. The same is true of several other people, including some really technical reviews, like Sean Reid's: this lens formula doesn't seem to have focus shift.

Some lens may have both: I once bought a new CV 35/1.4 that was back focusing really bad (my sample problem). On top of that, the lens shifts focus (design issue - I would not call it a problem, it's a compromise). It went back. But several other people are happy with their 35/1.4.

My copy of the CV 50/1.5 focus really well in all RF cameras I own(ed): M6 TTL, M3, CLE, M8. And as far as I know (and experienced) the deign does not have focus shift.

Can't say anything about the new, M-mount.

On a side note, I also had a CV 28/2 Ultron and it's a design that was tested as having focus shift. I tend to use a 28/2 either wide-open (and the Ultron focus is ok at f2) or really stopped-down (f8-f11), where DOF covers the shift. So I was happy with the lens... :) I eventually sold it and kept the 28/2 Cron ASPH, although they are a really close call (for me!). I got a good offer on the CV and I tended to grab the Cron anyway.
 
I sold my LTM version, and I'd love to have it back. I also have the Nokton f/1.1 and the Heliar 50 mm f/2 collapsible which are both great performers in their own right... but I miss my LTM Nokton f/1.5.
 
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