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  Voigtlander Leica Screw Mount Lenses

FULLY Compatible with Leica M cameras by adding the Leica designed screw mount to bayonet mount adapter

 ORDER HERE

  the full Voigtlander lineup presently includes the 12/5.6, 15/4.5, 21/4, 25/4, 28/3.5, 28/1.9, 35/1.7, 35/2.5 "C," 35/2.5 "P," 50/3.5, 50/2.5, 50/1.5, 75/2.5, and 90/3.5.  Which are missing from this pic?

Cosina/Voigtlander is producing the  first quality Leica screw mount lens lineup since the discontinuation of the Canon screw mount lenses in the mid 1970's.   With modern optical designs and multi-coating, it's a fairly safe bet the new Voigtlanders  are better lenses than any of the older classic Leitz, Nikkor, or Canon screw mount lenses.  

In January 1999 Cosina introduced the Voigtlander Bessa L, ironically the first Voigtlander camera  in Leica Screw Mount, with the 15/4.5 Aspherical Heliar and  25/4 Skopar --  both of which require separate finders. The 15mm Heliar had the honor of being the widest lens ever made in Leica Screw mount, until the even wider 12/5.6 Voigtlander Heliar.   For this long time Voigtlander fan, it is a real treat to see that venerable and honorable name once again in production.   In August the 35/1.7 Aspherical, 50/1.5 Aspherical, and 75/2.5 were announced.  By March 2000,   the Bessa R with rangefinder added along with two new lenses, the 35/2.5 "Pancake" and 35/2.5 "Compact."   The incredible 12/5.6 rectilinear super wide went on sale 9/1/2000.   The 50/3.5 Heliar was introduced with the 101'st Bessa T Anniversary set in November 2001.   The compact 50/2.5 and 28/3.5 were announced in March 2002.

All Voigtlander screw mount lenses are usable on all Leica Rangefinder cameras, whether M or screw mount.   Mount them directly on "Barnack" Leica Screw mount bodies, or mount them on Leica M bodies with Screw Mount to M adapters.  Rangefinder coupling is maintained if the lens is rangefinder coupled -- the 12, 15 and 25 super wides are not.   Unlike some wides, the 12, 15 and 25 can be used on the M5 or CL  without damage to the metering cell.   Likewise, all can be used on the Minolta CLE with Screw Mount to M adapters.  Shown above is the 50/1.5 Aspherical Nokton mounted on a M6 Titanium and on a IIIf.  Collectors:  I believe the 15/4.5, 25/4, 50/1.5, and 75/2.5 lenses were made under the Cosina brand name for some markets, before they were discontinued due to Voigtlander brand name popularity. 

The performance and prices of the new Leica screw mount Voigtlander lenses are quite simply incredible.  There are no better buys in terms of performance per dollar in Leica Screw Mount lenses than these.    If you are new to rangefinderdom,  let me assure you that all of these lenses will work beautifully on any classic Leica screw mount camera (including the knob wind Leicas, all but the earliest Canon Rangefinders, various "Leica Copies" such as Nicca and Leotax, and the fabulous Leica M's if you add a screw mount to M bayonet adapter. 

Voigtlander Wides:  Back Row 12/5.6, 28/1.9, 35/1.7, Front Row: 15/4.5, 25/4, 28/3.5, 35/2.5 C, 35/2.5 P

12/5.6  Aspherical Super Wide !!!  $599 Order HERE

March 2000, Voigtlander announced the 12/5.6 in Leica Screw mount.  It is the widest production super wide ever made for 35, a rectilinear lens, not a fish eye!    It went on sale in Japan Sept 1st 2000.   10 elements, 8 groups, smallest aperture f/22.  The lens weighs in at only 6 1/2 oz with lens shade and front cap.   While not rangefinder coupled (there is no need for it in a lens this wide), you have easy fast focusing from 12" to infinity with the handy dandy focusing lever.  The finder is of robust all metal construction, offering a sharp bright image, and weighs in at 3 oz.    It's probably a good idea to keep the lens shade on unless you are using the 77mm filter adapter, since with the shade removed, the front element protrudes beyond the lens barrel.  The huge glass front of the finder also protrudes beyond the finder base.    The 12 finder itself is aspheric and difficult to manufacture.      Voigtlander  sells separately a lens case with top and bottom compartments.    In September 2003 the SL 12/5.6 was introduced in Nikon F mount for mirror lock up. SEE PICS

To put the new 12/5.6 Voigtlander in perspective, the widest previous production lens was the now discontinued manual focus 13/5.6 Nikkor for Nikon SLRs, which sells in the used market for about $8000.  It's worth saying that as the most expensive Voigtlander screw mount lens, the 12/5.6 and its finder seem to be made to a higher level of workmanship than Voigtlander's previous, less expensive offerings.   It is also the best 12mm rectilinear lens ever sold to the public, since it is the only full frame 12 ever commercially produced.

Shown here is a Leica M3 in modified M3 case with snap off top,  mounting the 12/5.6 with filter adapter and polarizer, with VC meter on double accessory shoe.   Second shot shows Leica M3 with the 77mm filter adapter, spirit bubble level, and double accessory shoe.  The top of the filter adapter is cut out, as it intrudes into the bottom of the finder area.   The filter holder itself is another triumph for Cosina-Voigtlander.   The previous 13/5.6 Nikkor ultra super wide angle king could only take 4 fixed rotating filters, without the versatility of mounting ANY front mount filter.  

The "sprit level" is a unique bubble level, marvelously designed to be the best  35mm bubble level ever made.    It's stoutly made of metal with a black crinkle finish, offering both direct and optical leveling.    Notice the bubble is easily visible from all four sides, allowing the photog to level the camera quickly even if they are not behind the camera.   Unlike standard bubble levels, the best view of the bubble is though the rear eyepiece, designed so that the shooter can look though lens finder and the bubble level SIMULTANEOUSLY.   The fixed mount of the bubble level is angled towards the presumed side by side wide angle finder for the photog's convenience.   Geez, it's amazing what can happen when the chief designer (Cosina's President Mr. Kobayashi)  is an experienced photog.   

While introduced with the 12mm lens, the new bubble level can be used with practically any lens, whether mounted in the accessory shoe of your SLR or on your Rangefinder.   Designed with maximum versatility in mind,   this ingenious level is usable not only with other 15, 25, 28, and 35 Voigtlander wides,  but also with other makes of rangefinder cameras and their lenses from such places as Wetzlar and Solms.

Left to right: 12/5.6, 15/4.5, 25/4

Left to right, a complete 12/5.6 outfit: the optional 77mm filter attachment, the detachable lens shade, the 12/5.6 lens, the optional double accessory shoe, the 12mm finder, and the optional bubble "spirit level."  Contrary to rumors, the spirit level does not measure the photog's Karma to determine if the photog is worthy of the lens.

 

15/4.5 Aspherical Super-Wide Heliar  $349 Order HERE

   

IF you don't realize the importance of the 15 Heliar, let me explain it to you.  The standardized Leica screw mount was introduced in 1931.   In the intervening 68 years, this was the widest lens ever made in LTM mount until Voigtlander brought out the even wider 12!   The 15 also matches the widest lens ever made for the M mount, the ultra rare limited production 15/8 Zeiss Hologon which fetches a modest $10,000 from collectors lucky enough to find one today in mint condition.   In other words, this is the only regular production 15mm lens ever in LTM or M mount!!!   Shooter after shooter has reported great results with it.  The 15's importance goes beyond that.  It made the new Voigtlander.   When 1st introduced, people couldn't believe a quality 15 lens could be made for such a low price.  Cosina gambled big on this lens, and won big.    As report after report raved about the new 15, the new Voigtlander lineup was on its way.    The 15 put Cosina's new Voigtlander lens lineup on the photographic map.      In September 2003 the SL 15/4.5  was introduced in Nikon F mount for mirror lock up. SEE PICS

Field of view is 110 degrees.  F/stops 4.5 to 22 with click half stops, close focusing to an amazingly  close 11 3/4 inches, weight an astounding 4 oz, diameter 49.6mm,  length extending from body 30.7mm, built in lens shade, multi-coated  8 elements in 6 groups,  10 aperture blades, push on lens cap goes over outside edges lens shade, shares same lens cap as 25.    Neither the 15 or the 25 are rangefinder coupled, but then you don't need RF coupling with lenses this wide.   Depth of field is so immense, you will have no trouble getting sharp shots with your built in your head Guess the Distance focusing device.      You can use filters, but only if they are much larger than the lens, such as gelatin filters and say, 72mm filters.     Play a around with it, whatever works, works.  You will have to tape it, or more likely, hold the filter in front of the lens during the exposure.   Another option is using the 12's 77mm filter adapter.  The 15's barrel is a bit smaller, I wrapped some tape around the barrel to mount the clamp on filter ring.

These are superb 15 and 25 finders with wide, clear views.    The 15 VF does not have brightlines.  Originally the 25 did not either, but it was replaced with a 25 brightline finder.   Discounted 25's from old stock may have the older, not as good finder.   The 15 and 25 finders are the same size, but clearly labeled, and made only in black.   The 15 shares the VL-1 lens case, with its upper compartment for the finder and the lower compartment for the lens, with the 21, 25, and 35 Compact lenses.

Yep, the 12, 15 and 25 are quite usable on the M6, M5, CLE, CL  WITH TTL metering!!  Some users report adjusting the ASA due to the metering pattern, so check this out before you do critical shots.

21/4  Color-Skopar  $339 Order HERE

The 21/4 is built on the 25/4 lens barrel,  with Rangefinder coupling and a convenient focusing lever.  8 elements in 6 groups, 39mm front filter, built in hood.  The 1st shipment arrived in early May.      For an initial user report, see the bottom of the Bessa T page.   To mount a filter, remove the shade by unscrewing it WITH the lens cap attached, mount the 39mm filter, and then remount the shade.  The filter fits tightly inside the shade, and is not accessible for removal or mounting without 1st removing the shade.    On my M6 the 21 rangefinder couples from infinity down to about 2.5 feet,   but will SCALE FOCUS even closer to about 18."    This closer than expected focusing is a very nice feature which can add up to interesting adventures in perspective.   Perhaps the best word for the super convenient focusing lever is GREAT.   The short throw of the focusing lever is also VERY convenient,   you go from close-up to infinity in only about a 95 degree throw!

Introduced with the 21/4 and sold with it is a new, very well done 21 brightline finder.   This superb finder, clear and bright, is almost as big a story as the new 21 lens.   Yes, the finder is available separately for older 21's with not so great finders.    The amazing thing about Voigtlander's pricing is the new 21 with finder sells for not much more than Leica's 21 finder alone.    The 21/4 shares the VL-1 lens case, with its upper compartment for the finder and the lower compartment for the lens, with the 15, 25, and 35 Compact lenses.

Click Here to see the new rectangular hood for the 21/4 or 25/4 Leica Mount Voigtlander Lenses

25/4 Snapshot-Skopar  $259 Order HERE

A good argument can be made that the 24/25 focal length is the single most useful wide angle.  The 25/4  is the first production 25mm lens in Leica screw mount since the Canon 25/3.5 was discontinued in 1972.  Personally I don't like the "Snapshot" label...the term has a tendency to trivialize an important and seriously useful lens.  Unusually, it has CLICK STOPPED focusing at 1, 1.5 and 3 meters...a very nice feature.  Notice the chrome tipped focusing lever -- shades of Barnack!!!  

Field of view is 82 degrees.   F/stops 4 to 22 with click half stops,  close focusing to 23 inches, weight an amazing 3 ounces with lens shade, diameter 49.5mm, length extending from body with shade 29.5mm, multicoated 7 elements in 5 groups, 10 aperture blades, shade pushes on over the lens shade, shares same lens cap as 15.     Neither the 15 or the 25 are rangefinder coupled, but then you don't need RF coupling with lenses this wide.   Depth of field is so immense, you will have no trouble getting sharp shots with your built in your head Guess the Distance focusing device.  To mount a filter, remove the shade by unscrewing the shade WITH the lens cap attached, mount the 39mm filter, and then remount the shade.  The filter fits tightly inside the shade, and is not accessible for removal or mounting without 1st removing the shade.

Yes indeed, the Voigtlander 15 and 25 are small compact lenses.  Here are two shots of the 15 and 25 compared side by side to the compact  35/2 Summicron M (late version before the ASPH).

Click Here to see the new rectangular hood for the 21/4 or 25/4 Leica Mount Voigtlander Lenses

28/3.5 Color-Skopar  $289 Order HERE

The 28/3.5 was introduced  in March 2002.  It is the smallest Voigtlander lens.  It uses 7 lens elements in 5 groups, and has a 39mm filter size.  The 28/3.5 also accepts an optional square lens shade.   Notice the convex front element.  Weight is 163 grams.  Close focus is .7 meters.  As shown in the "Wide" group shot at the top of this page, the 28/3.5 is less than half the size of the 28/1.9.   To mount a filter, remove the shade by unscrewing the shade WITH the lens cap attached, mount the 39mm filter, and then remount the shade.  The filter fits tightly inside the shade, and is not accessible for removal or mounting without 1st removing the shade.

28/1.9 Ultron Aspherical $449 Order HERE

Introduced  at Photokina 2000,   the new 28/1.9 is the fastest production 28 EVER  made in ANY 35mm rangefinder mount.   Leica screw mount,    9 elements, 7 groups, closest focus .7 meter, 46mm filter size, chrome or black, smallest aperture f/22.    The 1st shipment arrived in early May.   The 28 brightline is sold separately.  For an initial user report, see the bottom of the Bessa T page.   Like all Voigtlander Cosina Leica screw mount lenses, the 28/1.9 is available in either black or silver.    With my M6 with .72 finder, the lens is rangefinder coupled down to about 24," a nice feature.

Notice the heavy duty removable hood, and removable focusing lever (in plastic pouch). To mount a filter, remove the shade, mount the 46mm filter, and then remount the shade.  The filter fits tightly inside the shade, and is not accessible for removal or mounting without 1st removing the shade.

As is to be expected for such a fast lens, the 28/1.9 is one of the larger Cosina Voigtlander lenses, weighing in at 10 oz. with lens shade.  It takes up about 15% of the finder with the .72 M6.

35/2.5 Color Skopar "P" Pancake

      

The 35/2.5 C is shown between two shots of the 35/2.5P for comparison.

Introduced in January 2000 with the Voigtlander Bessa R,   a "Pancake" 35/2.5 Color Skopar P,   and a "Compact" 35/2.5 Color Skopar C.     Both are identical optically,  with 7 elements in 5 groups and 10 aperture blades.     The big plus point for this lens is the extremely short throw from infinity to close-up.  IF you want to follow action or a moving subject with your rangefinder, the 35/2.5 P may be the fastest focusing 35 you will find.

 I think the "Pancake" rangefinder coupled 35/2.5 P is misnamed.  I was expecting a much flatter lens to justify the "pancake" name.   The size  is about the same as the last version of the pre-aspherical 35/2 Summicron -- small but not super flat like other "pancake" lenses of the past.    The filter size is 43mm, the weight about 5 oz, with a close focus to .9 meters.    This is a small lens, but still larger than I had expected considering the term "pancake."     Perhaps Japanese pancakes are thicker than American  pancakes.     Strangely the lens shade is sold separately -- unlike any of the other Voigtlander Leica screw mount lenses.  What is unusual about this lens is the VERY short throw from close-up to infinity.   In this regard, it is faster to focus than its 35/2.5 C brother.

The 35/2.5 P is  roughly half the size of the similarly styled 35/1.7, but still overall larger than the 35/2.5 C.  To mount a filter, remove the shade, mount the 43mm filter, and then remount the shade.  The filter fits tightly inside the shade, and is not accessible for removal or mounting without 1st removing the shade.    The 75/2.5 shares the 43mm filter size. 

The 35/2.5 P was discontinued April 2003. 

 

35/2.5 Color Skopar "C" Compact  $229 Order HERE

The 35/2.5 C is a delightful lens, very small, and with a quick focusing lever like the 25/4, because it is built on the 25/4 lens barrel !  Personally, I prefer the 35/2.5 C version  over the    35/2.5 P "pancake" because of the smaller size and the built in focusing lever.   Unlike the 25/4, this lens is rangefinder coupled, but   without click stopped focus points.      Optics between the "Pancake" and "Compact" 35/2.5's are the same, 7 elements in 5 groups.    The Compact   focuses very close to just under 2.5 feet and weighs only  4 1/2 oz. -- roughly half the size and weight of the 35/1.7 Ultron.  Unlike the 35/2.5 Pancake version, a sunshade is included with each lens.   Note the Leica styled "35" on the lens barrel, to help prevent confusion with the identical sized 25/4.  It has a field of view of 63 degrees, and 10 aperture blades.   To mount a filter, remove the shade, mount the 39mm filter, and then remount the shade.  The filter fits tightly inside the shade, and is not accessible for removal or mounting without 1st removing the shade.   The 35/2.5 C is slightly smaller and lighter than the 35/2.5 P, and uses 39mm filters instead of 43 mm filters.   The 39mm filter size is important since it also fits the 21/4, 25/4, 35/1.7,  90/3.5, and numerous Leica lenses. 

35/1.7 Aspherical Ultron    $414 Order HERE

Introduced in Japan in August 1999, the new 35/1.7 Ultron is the first Aspherical 35 ever made in LTM mount.  Most surprising is the very high quality of fit and finish, in either silver  or black.  It is styled very much like first version classic 50/1.4 Summilux. However this is a modern multi-coated  8 element, 6 group design with an Aspherical rear element.  Some photogs consider the 35 their "normal lens."  User reports generally rate this lens the equal of the pre-Aspheric 35/2 Summicron, though not quite up to the performance of Leica's much more expensive Aspherical Summicron.    With my .72 M6,  the lens  intrudes only about 10% inside the 35 frame.

The lens has click stops every half stop and a filter size of 39mm.   The 39mm filter fits tightly inside the shade, and is not accessible for removal or mounting without 1st removing the shade.   Included with the lens is the screw in lens shade and front and back caps.   The lens cap fits over the shade.   The rangefinder coupled close focus distance is just under 3 feet.  Weight is just under 8 oz, with silver or black lenses weighing the same.   Care was taken with a 10 leaf diaphragm blades, to produce maximum out of focus images -- called "Bokeh" by Japanese photogs.  The rear elements do not protrude deeply into the body, making it easy to use with the M adapter on the M6, M5, CL, or CLE.   

Left: The Voigtlander 35's,   35/2.5 Compact, 35/1.7 Ultron, 35/2.5 Pancake.    Right: An unusual combination:  A 1929 converted A to Leica II, mounting the 1999 Aspherical 35/1.7.  Oscar Barnack didn't plan on this.

35/1.2 Aspherical Nokton  $879 Order HERE

At Photokina 2002 Cosina's CEO Mr. Kobayashi introduced the 35/1.2,  the fastest regular production 35mm lens ever made for 35mm rangefinder cameras by any camera manufacturer.  Shipments are expected to start in May 2003.    Click HERE for more PICS and INFO.   Shown above are the 35/2.5 C, 35/2.5P, 35/1.2, and 35/1.7.

50/3.5 Collapsible Heliar

Towards the end of 2001, Cosina Voigtlander introduced their   Bessa T set with 50/3.5 Heliar, commemorating the 101st Anniversary of the classic Voigtlander Heliar Lens Design.   Yes indeed, it looks like it belongs to the classic Rangefinder days.  It will sold ONLY in the new 101st Anniversary sets.    Cosina believes they have succeeded in putting the famous Heliar lens look into a 35mm format lens for the first time ever, quite an accomplishment.  Indeed, many shooters report being very happy with the results and a certain hard to define "look."     The 50/3.5 Heliar is styled similar to Leica's 50/3.5 Elmar of the 1950's, though with a much improved aperture control.  Besides the classic collapsing lens barrel, the 50/3.5 Heliar has a Elmar style infinity lock with push button release, and a wonderful  chrome finish.   Filter size is a not so easy to find 27mm.     Read the  highlights of Popular Photography's lens test on the Heliar 101st Anniversary Set page.   Popular considers the 50/3.5 Heliar one of the best lenses they have ever tested!  The 50/3.5 Heliar was sold only with the Heliar 101 sets, and discontinued after 500 sets were produced in each of the four color by March 2002.  Today the 50/3.5 Heliar is highly sought after by shooter and collector alike. 

 

50/2.5 Color Skopar   $289 Order HERE

  Introduced with the Bessa R2 in late February 2002

Compact 50/2.5,  7 elements in 6 groups, 39mm filter size, f/2.5 to 22, silver or black, optional rectangular hood, very convenient large quick focusing lever, heavy duty construction, the optional square metal shade will also fit the 35/2.5 C lens.  It is very unusual for a modern lens of this speed and focal length to be so highly corrected with 7 elements.  Superb performance is expected.

Left to Right  50/1.5, 50/2.5 w/ Square Shade, 50/2.5 w/Round Shade, 50/3.5

 

Left to Right: 50/2.5 w/ Square Shade, 50/3.5, 50/2.5 w/ Round Shade, 50/1.5 

 

50/1.5  Aspherical Nokton  $399 Black Order HERE

The 50/1.5 Nokton is an impressive well made rangefinder coupled lens with two aspherical surfaces, introduced in Japan November 1999.  Weight with lens shade 9 oz, with silver or black lenses weighing the same.   All controls large and easy to work.  It has half click stops and ten aperture blades.   Minimum aperture is f/16.   Close focus distance .9 meter or just under 3 feet.    The 52mm filter fits tightly inside the shade, and is not accessible for removal or mounting without 1st removing the shade.   Included with the lens is the screw in lens shade and front and back caps.    The lens cap fits over the shade.  It has classic '50's styling similar to the original chrome Leitz 50/1.4 Summilux of 1959.   Considering the price of the new price of a  50/1.4 Summilux, this lens is quite a bargain!   User reports generally rate this lens the equal or better than the 50/1.4 Summilux, a  40 year old design.    

75/2.5  Color Heliar  $299 Order HERE

  The 75/2.5 Color Heliar, also side by side the 90/2.8 Tele-Elmarit.

Introduced in Japan in August 1999, I believe the new 75/2.5 Color Heliar is the first screw mount 75 produced since before W.W.II, and the only multicoated 75 Leica screw mount lens ever.   Postwar of course, there is the 75/1.4 Summilux for Leica M.  The 75/2.5 is rangefinder coupled, very well finished, and styled much like the classic 1950's Leica lenses.  It's multicoated, has six elements in five groups,  click stops every half stop, and a close focus of 1 meter. Care was taken with a 10 leaf diaphragm blades, to produce maximum out of focus images -- called "Bokeh" by Japanese photogs. Weight is 8 oz.    Collectors:  some early 75/2.5's were mis-engraved.  Their closest focusing distance in feet is engraved "5.3" instead of "3.5."   Again, users reports great, sharp images with the 75/2.5.   The 43mm filter fits tightly inside the shade, and is not accessible for removal or mounting without 1st removing the shade.   Included with the lens is the screw in lens shade and front and back caps.    The lens cap fits over lens shade.  

Left to right: the 15/4.5, 25/4, 35/1.7, 75/2.5

90/3.5 APO Lanthar  $319 Order HERE

The 90/3.5 APO has arrived.  It was introduced at the September Photokina 2000 and  released February  2001 in Japan.  With a 90 frameline in the Bessa R, it was not very hard to predict a Voigtlander 90 lens.    It has 6 elements, 5 groups, a close focus of 1 meter, a smallest aperture of f/22, and like the other Voigtlander screw mount lenses is available in either black or silver.    The 39mm filter fits tightly inside the shade, and is not accessible for removal or mounting without 1st removing the shade.  The MTF charts of the lens at the Cosina site are outstanding, as well as initial test results from a UK photo magazine.       This may turn out to be one of the sharpest 90's ever, in screw mount or M mount.

The 90/3.5 APO is about the same size as the 90/2.8 Leitz Tele-Elmarit, only a few MM longer, and styled like the 75/2.5.   Included is a metal hood, but the 90/4 Elmar C collapsible hood and lens cap will also fit if you want to save space in your camera bag.   The new 90 brightline is very well done, is available in silver or black like the lens, and is the 1st Cosina Voigtlander finder with dial in parallax compensation.   

back row left to right: 90/3.5, 75/2.5, 50/1.5, 35/1.7, front row 35/2.5 C, 25/4, 15/4.5, 12/5.6

Planning your Voigtlander Lens Outfit

Which lenses for YOU?:   IF you are starting your outfit from zero, give some thought considering which lenses will work well together, and for what purposes.   IF low light is your choice,  the 28/1.9 Aspherical, 35/1.7 Aspherical, 35/1.2 Aspherical, and 50/1.5 Aspherical are Voigtlander's fastest.   IF you are like portraits, the longer 75/2.5 or 90/3.5 should be considered.   IF you want the smallest and lightest outfit,  the 15/4 Aspherical, 21/4, 25/4, 28/3.5, 35/2.5's, 50/2.5, and 75/2.5 should be considered.  Personally for a starter two lens outfit, l like the 25/4 and 75/2.5 combination -- lightweight with a portrait and ultra wide lens is not a bad way to go.      IF you want to keep your camera dealer deliriously happy,    15 lenses of each version in both silver and back for every room in your house is a wonderful choice ... it all depends upon what your shooting needs are.    Remember that the  best lens choices for your friend may not be the best choices for you.   

Silver or Black:  Most lenses are available in either silver or black.  The exceptions are the 35/2.5 Pancake which is black only, the 50/3.5 Heliar which is chrome only, and the 35/1.2 which is black only.  The 12 to 35 viewfinders are available in black only.   The 50, 75, and 90 viewfinders are available in black or silver.

Size: The 15, 21, 25, 28/3.5, both versions of 35/2.5, and the 50/2.5 are noticeably smaller than the larger and faster 28/1.9, 35/1.7, 35/1.2, and 50/1.5.   The 75/2.5 is about 2/3 the size of the 90/3.5. Presently the 28/3.5 is the smallest Voigtlander lens.

Focusing Levers: Some lenses have focusing levers:  21/4, 25/4, 28/3.5, 35/2.5 C, 50/3.5, and  50/2.5.  The 28/1.9 has an optional detachable focusing lever.

Filters: IF you use filters, filter size is an issue in choosing lenses.   The 21/4, 25/4, 35/2.5 C, 28/3.5,  35/1.7, and 90/3.5 all use Leica's most popular filter size -- 39mm -- what an amazing coincidence !   The 15/4.5, 21/4, 25/4, and 35/2.5 C share the same lens cap,  the 25/4 and 35/2.5 C the same hood.  The 12/5.6, 35/1.7, 75/2.5, and 90/3.5 share the same lens cap.   The 12 has a special 77mm filter attachment which replaces the    hood.    The 15's hood is fixed, so gelatin filters are the easiest choice, but with some tape on the barrel you can also use the 12's 77mm filter adapter.    The 28/1.9 uses 46mm filters.  The 35/2.5 "Pancake" and 75/2.5  share 43mm filters.   The  35/1.2 and 50/1.5   use 52mm filters.   The 50/3.5 uses 27mm filters.   Lens hoods must be removed to mount the filter, and then reattached, on all lenses except the 15 - which has no provision for filters.   Most lenses sandwich the filters in-between the lens and the lens hood. 

Rangefinder Coupling for confused newbies: ALL of the new Cosina made Voigtlander lenses in Leica screw mount are rangefinder coupled, EXCEPT the 12/5.6, 15/4.5, and 25/4 which are focused using the distance scale on the lens barrel (something very easy to do accurately with these super wides).    ALL of the these Leica screw mount lenses are fully compatible with the various Leica M bodies, just by adding a standard screw mount to Leica M bayonet adapter. More Info 

Hoods:   ALL Voigtlander screw mounts are designed to be used with the hood attached, something emphasized by the fact that ALL the lens caps fit over the lens shade, not over the lens barrel.   All are sold WITH the lens hood, except the 35/2.5 P.  

Viewfinders: The super wides 12/5.6, 15/4.5, 21/4 and 25/4 lenses are sold ONLY with the viewfinders.  Viewfinders for the 28, 35, 50, 75, and 90 are sold separately.    For info on the viewfinders and accessories,  click here.  Two 28mm viewfinders are made, one black and a new classic style chrome 28 viewfinder introduced with the 28/3.5.   A new all metal 35mm brightline finder was also introduced in March 2003 with the 35/1.2.     Likewise two different style 50mm viewfinders were produced, the standard chrome or black 50 brightline, and the 101 Heliar set 50mm brightline viewfinder.   Voigtlander also makes a 40mm brightline for Leica CL or Minolta CLE owners who want to shoot their 40/2 on other M mount cameras.   No, Voigtlander does not produce a 40mm rangefinder lens.  Mr. Kobayashi just happens to like using his Leitz 40/2's on his Bessa R2!

Add the special purpose low angle finders with 12, 15, 21, and 25 lens viewing attachments, and you will find today's Voigtlander accessory viewfinder lineup is the largest EVER offered by any 35mm camera manufacturer at the SAME point in time!

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Revised: February 19, 2004 .  Copyright © 1998-2002  Stephen Gandy. All rights reserved.    This means you may NOT copy and re-use the text or the pictures in ANY other internet or printed publication of ANY kind.  Information in this document is subject to change without notice.  Other products and companies referred to herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark holders.