Non-Leitz Wide Angle Lenses

Graybeard · 02-22-2006

I thought it might be enjoyable to chat about favorite other-than-Leitz wide angle lenses with my fellow Barnack Leica users.

One lens that should be included, because of its wide availability and bargain price, is the Russian f2.8/35mm Jupiter-12's. I find this to be a fine performer, similar to the same vintage Summaron. Despite the popularity of f1.XX 35 mm aspherics these days, an f2.8 lens is fast, perfectly adequate for most indoor shooting using available light.

Another that I like quite a bit is the CV f4/25mm "Snapshot-Skopar". A nice sharp lens in a useful focal length. It is relatively inexpensive as it is scale focused (not a big problem with this short a focal length). Quite handy for travel shots on narrow streets. This lens, its finder, a 90mm Elmar, its finder, and two rolls of film fit nicely into a LowePro Z20 belt pouch for quite a compact field kit - about the size of a cell phone. (The IIIf, the Weston V, and three more rolls of film go into a LowePro Z30 pouch).

Your thoughts?

laptoprob · 02-22-2006

It has to be the great and small Canon lenses. I have the 25/3,5 and 35/2,8 and love them!

Rob

furcafe · 02-22-2006

The Canon 35/2 & Nikon 35/2.5 are good & both are pretty small (my 35/2.5 w-Nikkor is in Nikon RF mount & I use adapters to mount it on my LTM & M Leicas, but I think the LTM version is even more compact).

FrankS · 02-22-2006

I have a J-12 in LTM, a Canon 35 f2.8, and soon a Summaron f3.5. The 40mm Rokkor/Summicron is not far off focal length-wise. When things settle down at work, I'm guessing there'l be a 35mm lens test too!

trittium · 02-22-2006

I am a fan of my Canon 35mm f1.5

back alley · 02-22-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by trittium

I am a fan of my Canon 35mm f1.5

show some pics of your lens and by your lens please.

and remember my name if you ever think of selling it.
but not this month cause i'm broke this month - maybe march though..of april...

je2a3 · 02-22-2006

I use a Nikkor W 35/2.5 or J-12 for a classic look but when I want more contrast CV 35/2.5, or wider 28/1.9 and 21/4.

Joseph

harry01562 · 02-22-2006

Another vote for the entire family of Canon lenses. I own the 35/2, 35/3.5 and the 28/3.5. They are all small, and each has an individual character. Like some others around here, I'd like to add the other 35's just to satisfy my own curiousity.

I'd stack the 35/2 against just about anything else out there, and the others have an appealing look that I enjoy. They are also much more affordable than the Leica or Nikon entries, which appeal more to wealthy collectors for some reason. The newest from CV have too clinical a look, to my eyes, but seem to render color well.

In the eyes of the beholder....

Harry

AGN · 02-22-2006

I'm enjoying the CV35/2.5. Although there are rumors of it being too contrasty, I don't find that with the Delta films. As a matter of fact, it looked great with Kodak UC as well, and this is considered a contrasty film.

Art

JimG · 02-22-2006

The CV 15mm Heliar is my favorite lens.
Graybeard you say "One lens that should be included, because of its wide availability and bargain price, is the Russian f2.8/35mm Jupiter-12's". I must be looking in all the wrong places. I can't seem to find any, at least not at a bargain price.

FPjohn · 02-22-2006

Hello:

I envy those who have Canon wides with the older form factor. My favourite LTM wide angle lenses are a rigid Canon 35 f2.8 and 25mm CV Skopar. A Summaron f3.5 goes on a M.

yours
Frank

Graybeard · 02-23-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimG

The CV 15mm Heliar is my favorite lens.
Graybeard you say "One lens that should be included, because of its wide availability and bargain price, is the Russian f2.8/35mm Jupiter-12's". I must be looking in all the wrong places. I can't seem to find any, at least not at a bargain price.

There are usually a few on eBay for under $50. The most I ever paid was $35 and it had a camera attached to it.

kbg32 · 02-22-2006

No one mentioned the Orion 15, 28mm f6 lens. Slow, but a very nice compact lens.

Kim Coxon · 02-23-2006

There is a mini review of the orion here http://www.rangefinderforum.com/foru...481#post236481

Kim

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbg32

No one mentioned the Orion 15, 28mm f6 lens. Slow, but a very nice compact lens.

reagan · 02-22-2006

Ditto on the Orion. I can't say I've really missed any shots due to the f6 and it's compact size makes it one of my favorites when shooting wider than normal.

Doug · 02-22-2006

Have to put in a good word for the Voigtlander 28mm f/3.5 Skopar, what a little gem!

dcsang · 02-23-2006

any of the CV uber wides are good by me

15mm, 21mm, and maybe even the 12mm (if I ever decide to buy one)

Cheers
Dave

Ronald M · 02-23-2006

I startd with CV 12 and 15, then got the 25. All appear to take quality pics. The finders without brightlines leave something to be desired.

Small is more important to me than fast, and that accounts for the above selection for screw mount.

Fred · 02-23-2006

Gotta agree with the CV remarks, the 28 3.5 Skopar is very small and sharp. Contrast is a tad on the high side but I like what it delivers.

The 35 1.7 Ulrtron is less contrasty but is a cracking new lens and is not too big even with the small hood.

The CV 15 is a little slow but once again is very small and like the others seems well built, certainly for the price. The VF distorts yes, the lens itself is far better and super sharp.

Thats my lot. Piccies of the above are on the Cameraquest site.

JimG · 02-23-2006

"There are usually a few on eBay for under $50. The most I ever paid was $35 and it had a camera attached to it." Graybeard

That is a bargain. I found one for $60 but they wanted $20 for shipping from the US! Maybe someone here will have one for sale one of these days.