I keep reading posts in this forum concerning Vlander lenses. I don't fully understand the conection with Leica. Is it largely based on compatibility and economics or is there more to it then that? Outside of the obvious differences in speed, price and adopter does the 25mm Skopar deserve serious consideration as an alternative to a 24mm EL as a general use superwide angle lens? Thanks for your thoughts.

-- Brooks (Bvonarx@home.com), February 20, 2002

Answers

It's a brilliant lens full stop. Don't care who makes it. Produces images that are just as good quality as my leica 35 f2 ASPH end of story.

http://www.35mmf8.org

-- briandavidstevens (briandavidstevens@talk21.com), February 20, 2002.

I don't fully understand the conection with Leica

They are current lenses that can be used seamlessly with old LTM bodies, or with an appropriate LTM-M adapter you can use them on M bodies from the M3 to the M6TTL/M7. That's all the connection you need. Whether or not these lenses are good enough as alternatives to the "real deal", depends on your wallet and your requirements. I regularly make 20x30 inch enlargements, and I need that notched focusing tab... so I sacrifice in other areas of my life (such as eating out, etc.) to make room for the 35/1.4-M ASPH.

-- Anon Terry (anonht@yahoo.com), February 20, 2002.

For me, the Cosina made lenses are great alternatives for focal lengths I won't use that much, where the cost of a Leica lens wouldn't make sense for me. The lenses are high quality-at least as good as my best Nikon primes, although slower in aperture, but at only 1/3 the size. The 50 f1.5 is reputed to be at least as good optically as the Leica 1.4, and the 35 f1.7, the pre aspherical Summicron. I have the 25, and have used the 15-both produce good results. The feel of the lenses is not up to Leica standards, but the build quality is certainly above average.

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), February 20, 2002.

Voigtlander have been a breath of fresh air in stirring up the RF market. Whether they are Cosina or a a historically renowned 'bought' name - Voigtlander, it makes little difference. The end result is superbly built, optically excellent lenses in a large and growing range.

Many Leica users seem to be very affluent, for those of us who are slightly financially challenged their products are a godsend!

The 15mm is incredible, the best performer in it's focal range probably available at any price, look at the expanding range of 35mm and 50mm lenses and the new bodies to come.

All this is good news for Leica fans - I find it very hard to understand the blinkered view amongst some Leica enthusiasts who pour scorne on Voigtlander.

Remember, the whole new Voigtlander range was started as a result of the boss's love of Leica LTM bodies and his wish for new, compatible, modern performing lenses.

In under three years they have succeeded in creating a comprehensive completely new camera system - some achievement!

-- Giles Poilu (giles@monpoilu.icom43.net), February 20, 2002.

Despite their commendable performance in terms of sharpness and especially freedom from distortion, Voigtlander lenses do not have the same feel optically as leica lenses - I've taken transparancy films with a mix of marques on the same roll and you can tell which are which (nor, obviously are they anything like as well built). However, the fact that Cosina are investing in the mount - both via adaptors and now with the T and R2 directly - is certainly reassuring in the increasingly chaotic digital age. I like to think that their efforts help the cause of Leica.

FWIW, unless you need Leica tonality and build quality to last 50years (will we be living on earth then?) the price difference on this one is pretty compelling - £180 v. £1300.

-- steve jones (stephenjjones@btopenworld.com), February 20, 2002.

Optically the Cosina/Voigtlander lenses are closer to their Leica counterparts than mechanically. I personally find them a bit too delicate for my taste. The only one I own is the 15mm as there is really no Leica option other than a ridiculously overpriced collector's item. It may be true however that the optical improvement of the C/V lenses over [certain] prior-generation Leica lenses might overcome any tradeoff in construction quality. Since I do not generally shoot my lenses wide open (with the exception of the 35/1.4ASPH and there is no C/V can touch that)I would still, on esthetics alone perhaps, choose used Leica lenses. I admit being tempted by the 21/4 C/V because I rarely carry my 21/2.8ASPH due to its size, and my 21/3.4 S/A won't meter on the M6.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), February 20, 2002.

Brooks, you specify "other than price" but how can one avoid considering price when the 24mm Leica lens costs about $2000, and the 25mm Voigtlander is about $300, including finder?

-- Michael Darnton (mdarnton@hotmail.com), February 20, 2002.

Oh, and the Leica 24mm won't fit on my IIIa, but my 15mm Voigtlander (superior to any 15mm/4.5 LTM lens Leica made :-) will, nor is there an affordable 35mm/1.7 equivalent for the IIIa in the Leica line.

-- Michael Darnton (mdarnton@hotmail.com), February 20, 2002.

I've been watching the progress of this company with much delight. In a few sort years it has gone from a cheap body and a couple of excellent lenses which didn't connect to the r.f. mechanism to a line of very good (some excellent) lenses and increasingly better bodies.

VC will have the Nikon 10 stigma for some time. But the truth is that they have found a nitch -- which is where we all live.

As the years go on, I think VC mechanical quality will increase in the lenses and the cameras. Prices may increase accordingly.

-- Alex Shishin (shishin@suma.kobe-wu.ac.jp), February 21, 2002.