I have a temptation to get a new Voigtlander Color-Skopar 35mm/f2.5 Classic lens in black, together with an L to M convertor for my M6. At $319+ it looks like a very good value vis-a-vis the Summicron 35/2 ASPH.

Has anyone used this lens, particularly wide open? Any user comments would be welcomed.

-- Dan Brown (brpatent@swbell.net), April 18, 2001

Answers

Any of the "aftermarket" LTM or M lenses look like good bargains price-wise in comparison to Leica lenses, even used. Such good bargains, in fact, that I wouldn't consider the 35/2.5 when the 35/1.7 Nokton ASPH exists just a few dollars up the road, and the Konica Hexanon-M 35/2 will (or perhaps has already) hit the streets.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), April 18, 2001.

I'm using the Ultron 35/1.7 and it's great. Cost less than $400 on ebay. Erwin Puts rated it as good as the pre-ASPH Summicron, and I'd say it was better than my old (late 60's) Summicron. So far, of the CV lenses, the 35/1.7 and 75/2.5 seem to be getting the best reviews, but I can only vouch for the Ultron.

-- Phil Stiles (pjs@worldpath.net), April 18, 2001.

If you have access to a library that has "Popular Photography" magazine, try to locate the July 2000 issue. They review 4 Voigtlander lenses side by side including both the f/2.5 Skopar and the /1.7 Ultron. A very quick glance at the color coded graphs would make it very clear that one lens jumps ahead of the other, and that lens is the Ultron.

Pop Photo uses a color coded chart in which an A+ image is red and then progressing downward to white which would be an F. Additionally they go from 5 X 7 inches, (where most lenses do well), up to 20 X 24 inches, (where you can really see the flaws). the graph also goes from maximum to minimum apertures, so you can decide if the quality is good enough FOR YOU depending on the f-stop you would expect to need along with the expected enlargement.

The Skopar only offers an A+ image up to 11 X 14, and then only at f/8-16. The Ultron would offer a A+ image on a 20 X 24 inch print at f/5.6-8. You can get an A quality 20 X 24 at f/4.0 with the Ultron. At the maximum apertures of both lenses, the performance is virtually equal, but the Ultron give you about a one -stop advantage. The Ultron closed down to the Skopar's max opening jumps ahead.

Based on these charts, my choice would be clear if I didn't already have a Summicron. Even if you don't often go big on your enlargements often, just knowing you can is a good feeling.

-- Al Smith (smith58@msn.com), April 19, 2001.