lens build quality

msbarnes

msbarnes

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Jul 10, 2011
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I oftentimes think about getting CV lenses but one factor that I do not understand is build quality.

I'm particularly interested in the 28mm or 25mm skopar at the present but I sometimes have thought about the 35mm skopar, 50 skopar, 40 nokton, 50 heliar, and etc.

I hear mixed reports regarding the build quality even amongst CV lenses.

My question isn't if they are as good as Leica lenses or Zeiss, or even Konica, Nikon, and Canon for that matter but if they vary among themselves. I mean the most important thing for me is the price and optical qualities but then not far behind is build quality.
 
I have the 15, 21, 25 (all LTM) and IMO they are excellent build quality. I've also tried the 28/2 and thought it's build was great too. I really don't think you can go far wrong. And, the prices are very good too. Let's see what other members say as well
 
I have the 15, 21, 17 Ultron, and 40 multicoated. Only the 40 has been a problem - stiff focus and a tendency to unthread itself. Fortunately, that's an easy fix - just tighten the ring that's visible on the back of the lens. Optically, all are excellent. Remember, even Leica doesn't have a perfect build quality - I found that out when an internal element came loose on a 75 Summilux.
 
25/4 and 40/1.4 in M, and a 50/2 Nickel Heliar in LTM... All have been w/o issue.

That new 50/1.5 in chrome is calling my name!
 
The only problem I had with a CV lens among the 6 or 7 I've owned for years is that the 35mm f/1.7 Ultron had some QC issues and my sample was loose internally, allowing the aperture blade guide pins to fall out of the slots they slide in. Other than that, they have all been very well built, especially the 75mm f/1.8 and the 21mm SC Skopar.

Phil Forrest
 
I have (or have had, due to trading, reverse GAS, etc):
15 (LTM, M), 21, 35, 50 Heliar, 75 2.5, 90 3.5 Apo.

They have all had excellent mechanical construction, smooth focus and aperture rings. I would rate them comparable to the Nikon AIS lenses in construction. They may not be as dense as the Leica lenses, but they do exude quality (yes, I do have Leica and Zeiss lenses also, to compare to).
The only problem that I've had is that my 90 back focuses by about 2 cm. It is currently with DAG getting that corrected. The 75 and the others have been right on the mark in terms of focus RF cam accuracy.

I would suspect that a lens with excessive play or roughness has been dropped at some point.
 
I've purchased new the Color Skopar 21/4, Ultron 28/2, Color Skopar 35/2.5, Nokton 40/1.4, Color Skopar 50/2.5, and Nokton 50/1.5 ASPH (ltm). I also purchased used the Color Skopar 28/3.5 (yeah, I have thing for the color skopars ... ;-).

They're all excellent. Beautiful fit and finish, smooth acting focus and aperture. Generally speaking excellent and better performance. Been using them all quite a lot for getting on to couple of years now — no problems at all.

G
 
My first CV lens, a 1.1 Nokton, fell apart hours after I had purchased it. My current 1.5 Nokton has had no problems, and takes great photos.
 
Used the Voigtlander M Super-wide Heliar 15mm unprotected at Burning Man last year for the entire week. Exposed to excessive dust and hot desert heat. The lens continues to function superbly without dust in the elements.
 
msbarnes said:
Excellent, I would love to own ALL the skopars...but I'll have to pick and choose.
Click to expand...

I'm missing the Voigtlander Color Skopar 25mm f/4 P to complete the set, but I'm kinda reserving that slot for the Zeiss Biogon 25mm f/2.8 ZM if and when I feel I need to buy a 25mm. Yeah, getting all but one of the Color Skopars was a touch excessive, but I really like them a lot. They produce a lovely imaging character.

G
 
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