It has arrived! A Cosina Voigtlander 35/1.2 VM Nokton. Yep, f/1.2 – tis the fastest lens I’ve ever owned. It is a Leica M mount so I’ll be using it on the Bessa-T.
It is a large diameter lens (there is a lot glass to let enough light through wide open) so it blocks the viewfinder by about 15% on most rangefinder cameras, but the Bessa-T has no problem since the viewfinder is mounted separately on top of the camera. The Bessa-T also suits the critical focusing needed for the ultra-narrow depth of field available at apertures like f/1.2 because it has such magnification through its rangefinder.
First fondling impressions are wow! It is a high quality build with a beautifully damped focusing ring and the aperture ring has reassuringly positive clicks, with a distinctly different sound when it reached f/1.2 – a bit like turning the amp up to 11 lol. It weighs a bit, nearly 500g, but for somebody used to SLRs this isn’t really an issue. Overall, I’m impressed by the quality feel of this lens.
I got the optional LH-3 lens hood for true aerodynamic sexiness. Interestingly and usefully, I’ve found that a 52mm Nikon snap-in lens cap fits inside the hood perfectly from an ergonomic point of view (ease of removal and attachment), so no problem leaving the lens unprotected in the camera bag.
Looking forward to running some films past it
by skinnyvoice
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