Do I sell a Rokkor 40mm or Voighlander 40 1.4?

kknox · 06-11-2012

I can not keep both lens as much as I would like to. The Rokkor 40 2.0 is so compact, the Voighlander is faster. I have had both before, never could tell much advantage over either.

What lens would you keep to use on a M2?

redisburning · 06-11-2012

if you have to ask, sell the one that will net you more.

if you want to keep both, but can't, keep the one you cannot replace as easily.

merciless49 · 06-11-2012

I've only had the Voigtlander Nokton but I like having the extra versatility for low-light/available light shots if they arise. Also, if you don't notice any differences then it's not too hard to decide. The VC Nokton is also not that big, IMO.

back alley · 06-11-2012

keep the cv 40...

FrankS · 06-11-2012

They are both about $400. It's a toss.
Depends if you value speed or size more.

gavinlg · 06-11-2012

Keep the Voigtlander. Optically the same or better from f2 upwards, and it can go down to f1.4

porktaco · 06-11-2012

keep the rokkor. the summicron 40 is a magic little lens.

sparrow6224 · 06-11-2012

While the Summicron and Rokkor 90mm f/4 lenses were identical and made by Leitz, this is not true of the 40mm. So as far as I know it's not quite right to call it a Summicron. At this stage the CV 40 Nokton is a better lens: it's faster, it has equal or (in many opinions including mine) better IQ to the Rokkor, and as it's much younger, it's far less likely to develop haze or fungus in the next 15 years.

sparrow6224 · 06-11-2012

There have been complaints, I should point out, about the CV lenses build quality. The Rokkor or Summicron 40's will never fall apart but one hears that the CV lenses do from time to time. I don't think it's a big concern but you might do a little research.

retrochick · 06-12-2012

When I was deciding which 40mm lens I wanted to buy, it came down to overall image "character" of the lens. I decided I liked the bokeh of the 40mm Rokkor better, so I went with that lens.

raid · 06-12-2012

I never had the CV 40/1.4, but I use a Summicron-C 40/2. It is an amazing lens.
Good move to get the Rokkor.

Both lenses are excellent. I have used the CV in lens comparisons for 35mm-40mm lenses with Roland's help. He has on his smugmug website the results. Pick the lens that you like most. They have similar market values, as it has been pointed out above.

rover · 06-12-2012

The CLE 40 Rokkor I had was one of the best lenses I ever used. If I had to do it again, I would never have sold it.

raid · 06-12-2012

I have once compared the Summicron-C to the Pentax 43mm/1.9 Limited. Both lenses had similar renditions, and to have a "budget lens" like the Summicron-C match an exotic lens like the Pentax, it was a surprise to me.
The Rokkor or Summicron 40mm lenses are best bargains.
The CV is a CV. Excellent optically and not collectible.

regularchickens · 06-12-2012

I'd keep the Rokkor. Personally, I prefer its look to the 35/40 Noktons. And its price is only going up.

filmfan · 06-12-2012

Easy-- 40mm Nokton
It has better bokeh from f/2 upwards and can open up to f/1.4 if need be. The bokeh of the Rokkor at f/2 is very very similar to the bokeh of the Nokton at f/1.4 (i.e. not amazing).

kanzlr · 06-12-2012

had both, kept the Rokkor...not sure why. Size maybe? no idea really

Monochrom · 06-12-2012

Hi, the nokton is a fine lens...but i´m fed up with spherical aberrations, not only with that lens also with any 1.4-1.2 lens...
The summicron c is way beyond the vc lens...
I can´t say anything about the rokkor is it shrp from f2 on???

f16sunshine · 06-12-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by filmfan

Easy-- 40mm Nokton
It has better bokeh from f/2 upwards and can open up to f/1.4 if need be. The bokeh of the Rokkor at f/2 is very very similar to the bokeh of the Nokton at f/1.4 (i.e. not amazing).

I don't agree with this statement. The 40 Summicron/Rokkor/CLE Rokkor have an oof character very much like the 35mm Summicron pre-asph (v3 or v4). The Nokton oof area can be bubbly in highlights and much more nervous. I like both the Nokton and Summicron C /Rokkor(s) but, sold on the nokton for now . I keep the 40mm CLE version for it's small size and smooth ergonomics as well as smoother character overall to images. If Someone shot a roll with both 35mm and 40mm summicrons, You would not be able to tell which lens was taking each shot if you did not know. Considering the price of the 40 Rokkor ....

That said. You could probably add the Nokton in on that mixed roll and not be able to pick it out from the others either.... most of the time.

filmfan · 06-12-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by f16sunshine

I don't agree with this statement. The 40 Summicron/Rokkor/CLE Rokkor have an oof character very much like the 35mm Summicron pre-asph (v3 or v4). The Nokton oof area can be bubbly in highlights and much more nervous. I like both the Nokton and Summicron C /Rokkor(s) but, sold on the nokton for now . I keep the 40mm CLE version for it's small size and smooth ergonomics as well as smoother character overall to images. If Someone shot a roll with both 35mm and 40mm summicrons, You would not be able to tell which lens was taking each shot if you did not know. Considering the price of the 40 Rokkor ....

That said. You could probably add the Nokton in on that mixed roll and not be able to pick it out from the others either.... most of the time.

Remember that the bad bokeh of the Nokton 40mm comes when shot wide open. There is no more bubbly bokeh lens in the rangefinder world than the Rokkor 40mm shot at f/2. I have owned it and I tested it against the Nokton and found this to be the same as other tests done online. You never know for sure though.

All this being said, bokeh quality will never increase photo quality so who really cares in the end... I did my extensive testing back when I did not understand this.

They are both excellent lenses and it really does not matter that much which one you keep.

helenhill · 06-12-2012

I will be trying the rokkor this weekend...

I have loved what I have seen from Maddoc & BackAlley with the rokkor
And a few other people here @RFf

dbarnes · 06-12-2012

If you have a CL or a CLE, the Rokkor "goes with it". I haven't researched these particular resale values, but "goes with it" can affect value.

raid · 06-12-2012

Since it became widely known how good the 40/2 lens is, sellers have been mostly selling CL/CLE separately from the 40/2 for extra profit.

New owners of CL/CLE cameras will maybe pay extra money to matcg their cameras with the right 40mm lens. In such a case, a "goes with it" adds value.

hausen · 06-12-2012

Keep the Rokkor. Wish I never sold mine, never had a second thought after selling my CV40/1.4.

raid · 06-12-2012

I sold my CL but kept the Sonnar-C.
The lens is special.

andersju · 06-12-2012

I couldn't resist trying the M-Rokkor after reading Mike Johnston's comments on it ("water lens" and all that). Got my first one several years ago, foolishly sold it, bought another one recently (much more expensive this time). Also had the 40/1.4 for a while. I'd keep the Rokkor.