March 17, 2008: The 35/1.2 was introduced in 2003. Once the Leica M8 was introduced in late 2006, some M8 owners reported focusing resistance as the lens focused near infinity.
The factory determined this was caused by the rear element guard sometimes binding with the focusing mechanism, and issued a retrofit parts replacement. CameraQuest has modified all 35/1.2's in stock, and will only sell M8 modified 35/1.2's in the future. Note this does not include M8 lens bar coding, which would be a patent violation. Of course all 35/1.2's, modified or not, work fine on all film Leica M bodies.
M8 retrofitting 35/1.2's for the original owners who bought from CameraQuest is free -- other than shipping charges. Average turnaround is 2 to 3 weeks after receipt. Retrofitting non CameraQuest 35/1.2's is $150, or free if a new Voigtlander lens or current production Voigtlander body is purchased at the same time of the retrofit.
the FASTEST 35 standard production lens ever made for 35mm rangefinder cameras
"The lens is incredible! No flare, barely any vignetting up to 1.4, smooth bokeh, razor sharpness. The 35mm Nokton is a truly amazing lens"
Charlie Lemay -- new 35/1.2 owner
At PMA 2003 I was more than happy as Cosina's CEO Mr. Kobayashi handed me his newest creation, the Leica M mount 35/1.2 Nokton. It is generating a tremendous amount of interest, from Voigtlander and Leica shooters alike.
35/1.2 Voigtlander Nokton Stats: 10 elements in 7 groups, 3 elements Aspheric, f/stops 1.2 to 22 in half stops, close focus .7 meters, 52mm filters, size 63mm x 77.8mm, weight 490 grams, 63 degree field of view, 12 aperture blades, beautifully made heavy duty construction, available in Leica M mount, black only, standard non vented hood included with the lens, optional Leica M style vented hood.
Handling: this is a big lens due to the fast 1.2 aperture. The focusing helical is silky smooth, with a short focusing throw from infinity to minimum focus in approximately 95 degrees. The aperture ring is also silky smooth, with full and half stop detents. Filter size is 52mm. As I am writing this on March 8th 2003, this 35/1.2 lens # 14 is one of only two on the North American Continent. The other is in the camera bag of Tom Abrahamsson for a future article in the LHSA Viewfinder.
For the Leica M8 use the M8's 35mm frameline, bought up automatically by the lens's M mount. For the Epson RD1 use the Epson's 35mm frameline.
4 Voigtlander 35's: 35/2.5 C, 35/2.5 P, 35/1.2 Aspherical , 35/1.7 Aspherical
50/1.5 Nokton ASPH, Bessa R2, 35/1.2 Nokton ASPH with both its shades, 28/1.9 Ultron ASPH. Both the 35/1.2 and the 28/1.9 are the fastest production lenses in their focal lengths ever made for any mount 35mm rangefinder camera by any manufacturer.
optional vented hood on the left, standard hood on the right
The 35/1.2 hoods have cutouts to match up with the mounting lug on the lens.
The previous 35 RF speed king lens was the Leica 35/1.4 ASPH. Will an half a stop really make any difference to you? Most of the time certainly not, but if you are a pro and that extra half a stop even brings you just one extra printable pic a year, it could make a big difference in your pocketbook if the other shooters at the event missed the shot in the low light.
Tom Abrahamsson has shot the 35/1.2 extensively. He says he can see no difference between the Voigtlander 35/1.2 at 1.2, and the Leica 35/1.4 Summilux at 1.4, high praise indeed.
Chrome Voigtlander 35/1.2 $949
In July 2007 Voigtlander released a limited edition chrome 35/1.2. Only 300 units were produced. Distributors were limited by Cosina to only 40 units each to provide world wide distribution. All chrome 35/1.2's left the factory M8 modified. The factory is out of chrome 35/1.2's, but they are still in stock at CameraQuest.
Chrome 35/1.2 mounted on a Leica M2
Size Comparison: 35/1.7 with M adapter, 35/1.2, 35/2.5C with M adapter (all lenses without hoods)
Chrome 35/1.2 mounted on a Leica M2Voigtlander 35/1.2 Nikon Rangefinder Mount Prototype
Voigtlander SC 35/1.2 Aspherical, production three.
Voigtlander R2S mounting Voigtlander 50/1.5 compared to Voigtlander SC 35/1.2.
Voigtlander Eye Candy: Three Voigtlander 35/1.2 SC Prototypes in Nikon rangefinder mount were produced by Cosina for testing and evaluation.
This is the fastest 35mm lens ever made in Nikon rangefinder mount. Production was cancelled after SC lens sales did not meet sales expectations. It has the same optical formula as the M mount 35/1.2, with a filter size of 52mm, round dedicated clamp on lens hood, close focus just under .9 meters, clicked f/stops 1.2 to 22 with half clicks to f/11, and a double sided aperture ring since the large size of the lens on this mount translates to a single rotating helical instead of a double helical (this means the entire lens rotates as you focus). Where can you find these gorgeous beauties? Well, Mr. K has one, Tom Abrahamsson has one, and I have one. I don't think any of them will be for sale anytime soon.
Revised: June 18, 2008 . Copyright © 2004-8 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.
