CV 35mm or 50mm Skopar?

[plexi]

I got an R a couple of days ago, and I`ve been using it with the old Jupiter 8 50mm I have. The first few roll are dissapointing, it seems that the J-8 isn`t too good, lacks contrast and seems soft... So I guess I should find a new lens for it. I`m leaning towards the 35mm color-Skopar because I have a Pentax 50mm(on a ME Super) 1.4 thats very good, and I really can`t imagine the CV 50mm can compete with it... So what are your experience with the 35mm?

Update:I`ve been offered a 35mm Pancake at a good price, and will probably go for that one or the "Classic" ,I like the focusing lever on the 25/4.... Is the pancake a hassle to use?

[Peter]

Originally posted by plexi
I got an R a couple of days ago, and I`ve been using it with the old Jupiter 8 50mm I have. The first few roll are dissapointing, it seems that the J-8 isn`t too good, lacks contrast and seems soft... So I guess I should find a new lens for it. I`m leaning towards the 35mm color-Skopar because I have a Pentax 50mm(on a ME Super) 1.4 thats very good, and I really can`t imagine the CV 50mm can compete with it... So what are your experience with the 35mm?

Update:I`ve been offered a 35mm Pancake at a good price, and will probably go for that one or the "Classic" ,I like the focusing lever on the 25/4.... Is the pancake a hassle to use?

That really depends on your photography style. If you are into street and environmental portrait the 35mm would be ideal. If you are more into general work the 50mm is good enough. The CV 35mm Color Skopar is a cheap and sharp lens and I have both the C and P versions. If you require a fast 35mm the Ultron is really sharp and contrasty. I am getting a new PII next week after reading good reviews of it. If you want to get the P version of Color Skopar, it is very compact but if you have large hands you might find the focusing ring too close to the aperture ring.

[taffer]

I am also after a 35 skopar pancake I and I'm considering getting it new from my local store, but if somebody has an interesting offer on a used one I'd be really glad to know

I'm looking for something affordable and compact, so probably the Skopars are the key.

[plexi]

Hmm, it boils down to wich 35mm I`d like most...
I like the quick focusing lever on my 25/4, so the C versin would feel most familiar I guess, and it also can take the square hood. But the small size of the P is also tempting.... Arghh, hard to make a desicion!

[taffer]

In my case it's a bit easier, as while the local price for the pancake is reasonable, the one for the classic is way out of control...

But yes, I know, it's not an easy choice

[plexi]

There`s a $100 difference I have to consider, as the P is used, but in "as new" condition. On the other hand, wouldn`t the P with a hood block more of the VF?

[plexi]

I just won a LH-2 hood on Ebay, so that rules out the P....
I`m going to the store tomorrow and check out the 35 and 50mm..
But I`ll probably buy the 35mm as the Pentax 50mm I have is so damn good that it can not be left unused.....
The pentax Me Super and the R with the 35mm and 25/4 will be a nice compact "street" combo....

[Doug]

Originally posted by plexi
The pentax Me Super and the R with the 35mm and 25/4 will be a nice compact "street" combo....

That does sound like a good combination! As a Pentax fan myself I too have immense respect for the SMC 50/1.4. But the 50 Nokton is a newer design with aspheric surface, and may equal it or better, particularly likely wide-open. But I don't have one to try.

I do have the 25/4, but none of the Voigtlander 35's... Yet I think I'd choose the Classic over the Pancake, partly because of the focus tab and partly because the Pancake is larger in diameter and not much shorter. Surprisingly little difference in size to justify that "pancake" designation.

I also have the 28mm, and these compact Voigtlander lenses are very handy, all similar in size/configuration: 21, 25, 28, 35C, and 50/2.5

Have fun, and let us see your pics!

[plexi]

Not that MTF`s mean everything but the Pentax 50/1.4 and Leica Summicron M are the only 50mm`s that get a 4.6 rating at Photodo.com.....

[taffer]

I think the difference is more on the 'philosophy' of the lenses than on the normal/pancake size. The pancake looks like a little SLR lens while the classic keeps the shape of some other lenses on the CV line.
The focus tab may be useful, however I've never been too comfortable with them and my fingers always try to pass over the tab and grab the lens barrel to focus. Also, the short throw from close focus to infinity seems (for me) a plus.
Plexi, is that pancake available for sale from out of your country ?

[plexi]

I got the 35 Classic now! Too bad they only had it in silver...(my R is black..) But when I get the LH-2 it will look alright. And I don`t care that much about the looks. More important is the pictures! I`m halfway through a roll of Acros, and hopefully I`ll have a picture to post later tonight....

[taffer]

Congrats Amund ! enjoy it and let us know ! BTW I may also be now on my way to the pancake too, thanx !

[Peter]

Originally posted by plexi
I got the 35 Classic now! Too bad they only had it in silver...(my R is black..) But when I get the LH-2 it will look alright. And I don`t care that much about the looks. More important is the pictures! I`m halfway through a roll of Acros, and hopefully I`ll have a picture to post later tonight....

Good choice! You will not regret it!

[plexi]

Thanks! Great it seems to work out for all partys involved....

[Peter]

The picture on the left is taken by Color Skopar 35mm/2.5C.

[plexi]

The 35 Classic performs! No keepers today, but I got to see that the lens works great! And that Fuji Acros is a great film....

[plexi]

#2

[back alley]

armund,

very nice indeed. it gives me hope that i'll take a nice shot or two with my 35/2.5
congrats!

joe