CV 40mm f1.4 mc, a great lens?

kivis · Feb 25, 2007

Like to hear some views on this lens. It is my goto lens on a daily basis. How do others feel about this lens? Please be candid.

Donald Boyd · Feb 28, 2007

I don't own this lens and I have never used one, but from what I've read, it's a good lens. The Summicron/Rokkor 40mm are most likely better in terms of the creamy look and less expensive used. I used to have the Rokkor. It disappeared on a hiking trip.

Ray Heath · Feb 28, 2007

kivis said:
Like to hear some views on this lens. It is my goto lens on a daily basis. How do others feel about this lens? Please be candid.

g'day kivis

why the thread?

do you need validation?

what do you feel about this lens?

mike_j · Mar 2, 2007

Does anyone here know which frames this would bring up an a Leica M6?

Richard Wasserman · Mar 2, 2007

Mike,

It normally brings up the 50mm framelines. I took a file to the cam on mine and after about 3 minutes work it now brings up the 35mm lines which I think are a better match to its field of view. I have the single coated version and think it's an interesting lens. Not great as some of the Leica lenses are, but interesting with its own look.

Richard Wasserman

Richard S. (rich815) · Mar 2, 2007

I had the S.C version and found it ok but lacking in any unique personality or character so I sold it. Much prefer the look I get from the 50/2 Summicron DR or my 50/1.5 Summarit.

Chazzy · Mar 2, 2007

Comparing this lens just with other Cosina "Voigtländer" lenses, would the 35mm f1.7 be a better bet? The focal length is almost the same, and the price is comparable.

Biogon Bill · Mar 3, 2007

Many people love the CV 35/1.7, so I wouldn't say anything bad about it. Two things worth noting are that it's a much bigger lens than the 40/1.4 & PopPhoto measured its maximum aperture at f/1.8 while the 40 is a true f/1.4 so the speed difference is significant

It all depends on what you want. If you want a compact high speed lens, then no, the 35/1.7 is not a good substitute. However, some people like the ergonomics of a bigger lens & the 2/3 stop difference may not be all that important to some.

Bottom line is that even though it's not a huge difference, 40 & 35 are different focal lengths & if you like the perspective of one of them, the other is not a substitute.

Alan Chin · Mar 7, 2007

also note that while the 40 1.4 is a pretty compact lens on a M camera, it feels a bit too big on a CL. so it's not really a replacement for the 40 2.0 if you're a speed freak.

CV 40mm f1.4 mc, a great lens?

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