Just received this lens, as I am a sucker for small lenses on M bodies. I have no interest in big stuff like 50 1.0, 50 .95 as they block the VF, make everything big n bulky, and just ultimately are a drag to have with you all the time. I do use 1.1 and 1.2 lenses specifically for low light applications, but not as daytime on the go use.
This new CV lens is tiny, and jewel-like in construction. Has an infinity lock knob which acts as a very convenient focus knob. It is easy to use to the point of infinity, unlike the lock knob on my Summicron V1 which makes it hard to get precise focus just before infinity/it locking.
The big downside is the aperture ring rotates with the focus like on Nikon S mount RF lenses - I'm not sure why CV designed it like this because I have other lenses which are almost as small that do not do this. But it has aperture markings on both top and bottom of the aperture ring to make it easier to use, so at least there's that. To deal with it I just set the aperture before I focus.
Small 34mm filter thread, so not easy to get filters for it. I just have a plain uncoated $8 Tiffen, as nothing else was in stock. I use this by the beach where I am most of the time (salt air, windy etc).
Lens is super contrasty - very modern nothing like my Rollei Sonnar 40 2.8. Which is handy on grey overcast days shooting B&W film as it creates unexpected snap. Most of my pics on my test roll were in those conditions.
What is very cool is this lens is offered in LTM as well as M mounts. Also it is brass under the black paint or chrome (silver paint? Not sure).
Summicron 40 f2, CV 40 2.8, Rollei 40 2.8
This new CV lens is tiny, and jewel-like in construction. Has an infinity lock knob which acts as a very convenient focus knob. It is easy to use to the point of infinity, unlike the lock knob on my Summicron V1 which makes it hard to get precise focus just before infinity/it locking.
The big downside is the aperture ring rotates with the focus like on Nikon S mount RF lenses - I'm not sure why CV designed it like this because I have other lenses which are almost as small that do not do this. But it has aperture markings on both top and bottom of the aperture ring to make it easier to use, so at least there's that. To deal with it I just set the aperture before I focus.
Small 34mm filter thread, so not easy to get filters for it. I just have a plain uncoated $8 Tiffen, as nothing else was in stock. I use this by the beach where I am most of the time (salt air, windy etc).
Lens is super contrasty - very modern nothing like my Rollei Sonnar 40 2.8. Which is handy on grey overcast days shooting B&W film as it creates unexpected snap. Most of my pics on my test roll were in those conditions.
What is very cool is this lens is offered in LTM as well as M mounts. Also it is brass under the black paint or chrome (silver paint? Not sure).
Summicron 40 f2, CV 40 2.8, Rollei 40 2.8