15mm Super Wide Heliar: Which version do you like?

[Tom A]

This is with the version II of the Heliar 15mm f4.5. Optically version I and II are the same, but I prefer the handling of the II. It is a bit bigger, but the 52 mm filter thread makes it more attractive for me. The coupled rangefinder is a "good thing" for close-up work. Even with a 15mm - you better be right on at 0.5 meter!
I also like the almost "cinematicc" effect that the lens gives in scenes like this one.
TriX, Rodinal 1:60 for 10 min.

[Tom A]

Optically, I like the 12 mm more. You are splitting hair here - the difference is miniscule.
This is a shot of the Dome in Cologne, Photokina 2010. The "posers" were out in full force, figuring out that every 'Kina visitor would test stuff on them - and they could collect Euros from them.
For an extreme wide-angle - the 12 mm is remarkably "clean" - reasonable edge darkening, straight lines are rendered straight (provided that you hold the camera straight!). Bessa R4M, 12f5.6 version II, Neopan 400, HC 110.

[literiter]

I wonder how a graduated filter would make these lenses respond?
Has anyone tried this??
I had this problem, you can see some pretty impressive vignetting here:

[Rob-F]

Originally Posted by Gabriel M.A.

A butter knife shouldn't but can be used to cut steak. I think some people want the same sharpness out of a butter knife when they're used to the steak knife.

That being said, I think my 15mm CV Heliar LTM works very well on my M8 if I don't have the adapter coded when not using an UV/IR blocking filter on it.

So, the CV 15mm used on an M8 is equivalent to using a butter knife on steak? But it works very well as long as it's not coded? So are you saying it's as good as a steak knife as long as it's not coded? Apparently there is a problem with it when coded.

Is there a code for it? I recall there is a separate coder for CV lenses. I have only the coder for Leica lenses.

So what's the bottom line? Is it a go, or a no-go?

[rovnguy]

I have the older one and I'm quite happy with it.

[ChrisLivsey]

[quote=Rob-F;1783575 Apparently there is a problem with it when coded.
[/QUOTE]

If you code it and don't like the results the coding can be turned off in the camera menu. Mine is uncoded. Some users have reported elsewhere that 'corner Fix" has been helpful. http://sites.google.com/site/cornerfix/

[uhoh7]

funny enough, the nex-5n now loves the 15, shooting sharp into the corners. Well reasonably sharp.

But I use the zm18, which is wonderful.



this is a raw, auto WB, with no PP in LR, just converted to jpeg.

full size

[lemalk]

I only have the LTM version and I use it on my M8 - coded. I also have a filter affixed and don't have any problems - all cutlery analogies aside.
Lens is incredibly sharp, does show vignetting and can be temperamental in certain situations with the colors in the corners, but nothing drastic. Fantastic lens. Can't speak for the M-mount v.2, though.

[KEH]

I have the original LTM and use it for square mode point and shoot on my GXR A12M module. Lovely little lens:

20111105-_0011155 by Kirk.Hamilton, on Flickr

Kirk

[umcelinho]

I really like the LTM version: more compact and focuses down to .3m

[dct]

I got the LTM version a few weeks ago and still waiting for the first roll to be processed. Like the LTM version, because I can use it on the inexpensive Bessa-L body. But I tried it also with the Hexar RF.
Yeah, two rolls waiting with CV15 images...
What I dislike is the frameless 15mm viewfinder. I hope the new "brightline" VF type has a wider view than 15mm and frame lines.

Does it?

[bigeye]

It does, but it scrunches more FOV into the same space (which accentuates the distortion) It gets pretty small in there. So, I prefer the plastic vf's view to the metal.

But, most folks seem to prefer the metal; the build is better and it clears the speed dial of the IIIf, which is why I keep it.

- Charlie

[dct]

@bigeye: Thank you for the clarification.

[kanzlr]

Originally Posted by Rob-F

There is an earlier thread in which people say the 15 is just great on the M8. Now it apparently sucks. I have thought about getting one for my M8.2. I'd like to avoid making a mistake, so could I see in more detail what the objections are?

I use the LTM version on the M8 and it works nicely. Sharp, nice colors and contrast and a useful lens.

[riceman]

I have the old version on the M8 and M2.
On both it is a great lens.

I'm still looking for the 21mm plastic finder, which is (nearly?) the same like the 15mm finder, but shows for the M8 the 21mm lines, for the M2 the whole finder shows more or less the 15mm....
But real hard to get one...



regards
chris

[ampguy]

I've had both, (actually 1 M, 2 LTMs), and they do appear to be the same optically.

Advantage used to be was that you'd get the LTM one with a VF included for about 1/2 the price of the M one. I think that deal is gone.

LTM is smaller, focuses closer, but the M one can have a star effect when shooting into the sun. You may or may not like this behavior, I have some nice photos from both.

Can't remember if this is the M or LTM one, it was on an M8:

[Archiver]

Another vote for the LTM version on the Ricoh GXR. It turns the GXR into a 22.5mm P&S with almost no shutter lag when in zone focus. Super for street photography.

[jamesbf]

Wooowhoo! I was just looking into the 15mmII and found this recent thread about it! I can't wait. I have an M8 with a voigtlander 35 1.4. Its a great lens, but not wide enough for me. I'm use to shooting 20mm on a 5D.

So I'll be using it on an M8. Would you guys say that the shoe mount viewfinder is necessary?

[aleksanderpolo]

The LTM on GXR-M has just became my favorite day time walk around lens.

[Lss]

Originally Posted by jamesbf

So I'll be using it on an M8. Would you guys say that the shoe mount viewfinder is necessary?

That is impossible to say. It depends on your eye and the exactness of framing you require. Generally I think it is an unnecessary, yet a nice-to-have accessory. I don't have a finder, but will buy one if I find a great price somewhere.

[d__b]

Don't know about digital, but on film I really love the ltm version:


Leeds Corn Exchange by TheManWhoWasn'tThere, on Flickr