Leica M8 and voigtlander 12mm lens

[felix5616]

I would like to hear from anyone that is using a leica M8 with a voigtlander 12mm lens. I am interested in how well the lens/camera pair performs.

[LeicaMSeattle]

Here are a few images that I shot handheld with the 12mm CV on my M8. There's slight vignetting in them all. The first image, I had the John Milich filter holder with a 52mm Leica UV/IR filter. You can see the color shift in the corners that I haven't yet removed. Either the 12 or 15mm CV are good affordable options for the M8. You could buy 5 CV12s for what you would pay for the Zeiss 15mm f2.8, 1-1/2 CV12s for the Zeiss 18mm, or 4 CV12s for the new Leica 18mm. I have yet to code my CV12 and have now removed the UV/IR filter and will just deal with the black issue on a case by case basis.

[felix5616]

Thanks for the reply. the images are very helpful. I own the 12mm voigtlander and happen to have the zeiss 15mm 2.8(got a super deal).
i am on the fence about getting the M8. I shoot film and scan, which for ultra wide angle seems to avoid things like chromatic abberation, plus i get a true 12mm view. I have seen some M8s selling used for about $2500, thats my target for getting an M8.

[BillBlackwell]

If you're happy using film, IMHO, you should hold off as long as possible before going to digital. The longer you wait, the better the resolution will be when you jump in - and as an added benefit you'll avoid the constant "need" to upgrade.

Generally speaking, based on my experience, you still get better resolution from film compared to most digital sensors, particularly if you're using a Leica system (or medium, or larger, format for that matter).

[Ben Z]

That's going to depend heavily on what kind of scanner one has, and how good one's skills are using it.

But back on topic, I have the 12mm lens and use it on my M8. It performs very well. I don't have it coded, but I do use an IR filter (a Heliopan 77mm on the Voitlander filter adaptor made for the lens) In retrospect I was an idiot, should've just bought a 77-55 stepdown and used a cheaper IR filter.

If you use it with the M8, the 15mm finder is a good approximation. I have one from my 15mm lens, which I now use with a 21mm finder on the M8. I must say the 15mm lens is hands-down a more frequent guest on my M8.

[LeicaMSeattle]

The converter hood by John Milich takes the smaller diameter E55 filter, which I highly recommend for the CV12.

[jpmac55]

With a M8, do you need a viewfinder with the Voigtlander 12mm or 15mm lenses?

[Ecar]

Yes, you need a finder for both. Due to the 1.3 crop factor on the M8, however, the CV15 finder may be used for the CV12. And you may get a CV21 finder for use with the CV15.

[johnastovall]

One of my must used lenses on the M8.
for things like this.

[LeicaMSeattle]

The Voigtlander finders are a bargin compared to the ones made by Leica. That's a nice restaurant view. The Milich adapter uses the E55 filter size not the E52 as I mistyped above.

[mikenic]

Hi
I have the 12mm Heliar and find it a useful addition to the kit. The finder is a bit wide but I made a mask for the front of the finder marked on an LCD screen protector to crop it back down. (I also use the CV 12 finder on my LX3 with the mask for more of a rangefinder feel). It is good enough for my type of shooting anyway, but may be a bit too inaccurate for some.

When I used the 12mm on my M3 SS it was a dog to get a suitably wide infrared filter without it being unwieldy or cropping, so I made up a "retro" IR filter that fitted over the rear of the lens barrel (ie on the shutter side). Used Kodak Wrattan material with a custom clip. Not for the feint hearted though, it had better stay put.

Here is one of the first shots I took with the M8 using the 12mm.

[SteveRD1]

The 12 looks to be a great ULTRA wide for the M8. You will get Cyan corners without being coded, if you use an IR filter though, just as the 15.

But for me, the 12 is too wide, but appears to be a great lens.

Here is one from the 15: