LTM Voigtlander lens & a IIIc

[the lobster]

In some reading on the web, I have seen the claim made that a Leica CL cannot focus a lens faster than f2, for example a 50mm, 1.5. I haven't been able to find an explanation beyond this though. What exactly limits it? Does any M body have this limitation?

What I am concerned about is this: I was considering getting a Voigtlander 50/1.5 Aspherical Nokton (endorsements or warnings welcome) for my Leica IIIc. Does anything prevent the IIIc from being able to use this 1.5 lens?

Thanks for looking.

[Brian Sweeney]

Your Leica IIIc is quite capable of focussing the 50mm F1.5 lens. Leica has had a 50mm F1.5 lens available from the '30s, the Xenon and the Summarit. The IIIc uses a magnification of 1.5x on its RF to allow quite accurate focus even for its short base.

[furcafe]

You should have no problems focusing w/the CV 50/1.5 Nokton. The only caveat I would give you is that the Nokton is pretty bulky (not heavy, just fat) & it blocks a good part of the IIIc's VF window (& perhaps a bit of the RF window, not sure since I don't have the camera & lens w/me), so it may affect your framing.

[Huck Finn]

Lobster, focal length is part of the equation regarding focus accuracy. Wide angle lenses, for example, are not a problem for the CL. 50/2 is fine on the CL, but f/1.4 is touch & go. Lenses longer than 50 do have restrictions on a camera with a base line as short & magnification as low as the CL.

[the lobster]

Originally Posted by furcafe

You should have no problems focusing w/the CV 50/1.5 Nokton. The only caveat I would give you is that the Nokton is pretty bulky (not heavy, just fat) & it blocks a good part of the IIIc's VF window (& perhaps a bit of the RF window, not sure since I don't have the camera & lens w/me), so it may affect your framing.

Thanks for the tip. I did see a photo of the lens mounted on an old screw mount Leica on cameraquest. It looked like it was getting quite close to the VF window and probably is noticeable when looking through. I shall have to do a bit more research on this, maybe even send an email to cameraquest.

[thafred]

Furcafe is right, I have both, IIIa and Nokton....unusable since the nokton blocks nearly half of the VF!! (even without hood)

[thafred]

Oops didn´t see how old the thread is....well

[Marc-A.]

I confirm the blockage of the rangefinder window by the Nokton; I bought one Nokton and sold the next week because of this problem on my Leica III. You should consider it carefully before buying the lens.
Marc

[doubs43]

If the RF still functions with the lens mounted, use an Imarect finder or 50mm finder mounted in the shoe. Problem solved.

Walker

[Marc-A.]

Using a VIOOH could be a solution, but only for the viewfinder problem. So, unless you don't need the rangefinder and use only hyperfocal focusing methods, mounting a Nokton on a LTM Leica is not the best choice.
But you should try it out at a photo shop and make up your mind.

[John Shriver]

For nearly useless, try a Canon 50/1.2 on any bottom-loader LTM camera (Leica, Canon, etc.). Lose about half the rangefinder view, to mention the viewfinder. 55mm filter ring...

I mean, I got some shots off as a quick check of the lens. But not something I'd do again voluntarily. (That's that the Canon 7s is for...)

[aad]

I bought a 50/1.5 Nokton and a CV viewfinder. The lens does NOT block the rangefinder, but does intrude on the built in viewfinder.

However, that CV viewfinder is a dream, and I'm using it now even with the 50 Elmar. In fact, I'd say get the VF even if you don't get a lens. Looks cool, too. someday I'll get back to posting all the pictures.