Voigtlander Color Ultron 50mm f1.8 Full Review (Carl Zeiss / Rollei Planar)

[@marv3lousmarv]

Can I just say Ray that I am usually not the type to comment on KZbin videos but for you I simply must! In all the years of watching reviews of camera equipment I have never EVER been so compelled to leave a thank you as I am right now. Your reviews are so informative, precise, in depth and a pleasure to watch! You are by far the best reviewer I have ever come across hands down, and believe me I have watched a lot. Wish I could come to you're for ALL my camera gear reviews lol. Thank you for your hard work, really appreciate it. Wish you all the best wherever you passion takes you brother. (Hopefully towards more camera gear reviews;)

[@Raychristofer]

Hello thank you so much that warms my heart in a way you would never know. your screen name looks familiar I feel like we've spoken before. you know sometimes making a detailed review like this can work against me because it can take weeks to put together and many hours but it's the only way I know how. You just reminded me I have not done a lens review in a long time. Thanks for your support

[@Hightower2804TP]

I can see the passion in this video. Great work. Best wishes from germany!

[@Raychristofer]

Hello thanks so much. Forgive the late reply

[@MrK67017]

Great family photos and video as well. I may have to pick up one of these to add to my 50 collection.

[@Raychristofer]

awesome thank you

[@GriffyBoiii]

Went in! Great overview and examples. Solid depth of field analysis and build description. Nice shots ! Thanks for the flare shots, f-stops and history. Fond of the cinema examples and focus changes. Chain link fence was great example as well.

[@Raychristofer]

Thanks for taking the time to check this out. If this cost to much or is hard to find the pancolar is very similar.

[@buildingsheriff]

I'm buying a G9 and was looking for some vintage lenses for a bit of fun. Your Helios 44-2 video led me here. I really like the way you get the 'passion' of a lens across - yes, glass shaped in a certain way assumes the soul of the maker and the shooter combined. You do a poetic thing, man.

[@Raychristofer]

The Building Sheriff thanks man. This particular lens is harder to find and it cost a bit more if you want something a little cheaper but looks extremely similar look up the Zeiss pancolar as well. Peace

[@buildingsheriff]

Thanks, I'll take a look!

[@ISOrider72]

Good morning,Sir! I'm in vintage-lens photography since half a year now and it's fascinating. In Germany we say "Altglass", "Old Glas",which is similar to old bottles that are collected in big containers for re-use...I like the fact that you get premium lenses for small budget and my fotography stepped up by slowing down with manually focussing. Most time I use my vintage treasures on my Canon M50 in combination with the Viltrox Speedbooster which brings nearly full-format and gives u one more aperture what is very useful with for example F2.8-lenses and works very well. What I'm here for is to say that I'm a big fan of the helios m44-2 and found your video about the Helios compagnion and stayed for your other v-l reviews, the best I've found on YT since then and want to say "Thank You" for your great work! Well researched, very relaxed, tons of information and beautiful images! Hope to see much more to come, have a great day and always enough light, greetings from Germany, Alex!

[@Raychristofer]

Hello Alex that means so much because these videos sometimes can take weeks to put together and we don't get much in return and yes some of these vintage lenses are so good it makes me wonder why they keep needing to make hundreds of thousands of new lenses every year when people can just find quality older gear

[@ISOrider72]

@@Raychristofer I feel my own passion for old lenses in your videos and enjoy them very much! And you are absolutely right, also I enjoy the quality feeling of no plastic and the conciousness they bring back to my photography. No Auto-Focus or lazy zooming, but that's what most people of the younger generation prefer, including high resolution for insta-popup-art. I'm from the early 70s and it brings back childhood memories, playing around with lenses my father used that are nearly old or older than me and picture quality is amazing.

[@Raychristofer]

@@ISOrider72 I was born in 1972 so we both know about that time..I don't know if I mentioned it to you before but three weeks ago I got a leica 3F and I can't put the thing downI just shot a roll right now in between jobs. I think using those vintage lenses on digital cameras is the perfect balance of old and new. I think Fuji may be the only company that still tries to make cameras manual and with proper feeling controls

[@ISOrider72]

@@Raychristofer I'm from '72 too! A few weeks ago my sisters husband gave me his fathers camera and lenses, a Fujica ST-705 and I can't wait starting with film photography again after so many years. But shooting with my mirrorless is also pleasing. I guess once started with analogue cameras I won't stop trying different models and Leica is definetely on top of my list. I also bought a near mint conditioned Super8 camera on eBay,a Bolex-PailIard B8-L with a two-lense-mechanism and Kern-objectives...I fell immediately in love with and it waits for my 7 days holiday in december... I hope you have a lot of fun with your Leica and please share your results!

[@Raychristofer]

@@ISOrider72 yes sir here's some images of the cam. flic.kr/s/aHsmJAPWva

[@doubleletter]

Great review. Beautiful photos. One of the B&W ones was just breathtaking!

[@Raychristofer]

Hello thank you so much I really appreciate that. I regret not being able to shoot this lens on a full-frame camera to get the most out of it but my time is coming

[@Kelkschiz]

Really enjoy these vintage lens reviews of yours. Very insightful and a joy to watch.

[@Raychristofer]

Yes my man I wish I had much more. The trioplan 50mm review is unique also. Love your channel of Lego tanks

[@wazgnuks]

Great vid. I like your calm and educating approach. Only one thing to mention - 'Voigtländer' is one of the few german names that are pronounced the same in both languages :D Please keep up the great work!

[@timskinnercanada]

Great review Ray. Looks like you’re getting some outstanding results from that lens. I don’t have one of those. What type of mount is it. M42?

[@Raychristofer]

Hello Tim thanks, all that talking I did and left out what mount it is lol. yes its M42, they also came in Rollei QB mount. as good as it is the Helios is just as sharp or maybe a bit more in the exact center but this lens is more civilized in the corners and with flare and color accuracy. sad thing is right after filming this my Zeiss Pancolar rolled off the bed and bent badly. it was a great option also.

[@timskinnercanada]

Raychristofer Ouch, too bad about the Zeiss. Is it salvageable? So the Voigtländer is your current fave then? Mine is the Fujinon 55/1.8, for similar reason as those you listed for the Voigtländer.

[@kylestokes4501]

Mr. Ray, Such an Excellent Eclectic and Unique Informative and Visually Stunning Video! I am new to Rollei Zeiss Lenses, but, what an incredible value for such amazing performers! The German VL factory, to the Singapore Made- they all are stunningly vivid and produce amazing colors, and surgical sharpness. I am after the Sonnar next, a little bit more expensive lens(even considering a Jena M42, but CAN NOT BELIEVE THESE AREN’T MORE SOUGHT AFTER!!! The CZ Planar and Distagon now lives on my NEX. Both under $150 MINT! I am grateful for you getting this out there so people of my means can enjoy such amazing lenses. Best Regards!

[@Raychristofer]

Kyle Stokes good evening Kyle and I appreciate you taking the time to watch this. I've been trying to put it together for a long time, obviously it's not going to get a lot of views but as you said these are special lenses and I tried to do right by it. It's good to run into dudes that love these lenses as much as I do. Welcome to the club and feel free to share your images as well. Respect

[@fernandocosta00]

Hey, Ray! Thanks a lot for the video. I've been looking for a good vintage lens for my G7 and thanks to your video I bought this beautiful Voigtlander. Your chanel is great by the way!

[@Raychristofer]

awesome thank you

[@Dionne_Sheree]

Amazingly thorough review and beautiful shots. Thank you!

[@Raychristofer]

Collodion thanks so much, wow I never have lady's comment on my videos, much respect. Definitely check out my Mir 37 mm review also it's wider angle with the same swirls. I'll find the link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZWkeqCAec5ohJo

[@Dionne_Sheree]

Raychristofer I believe I watched that some time ago! If so it was great. Will check and see! Yep there are a lot of us Female Filmmakers out there lol! Thank you! ☺️

[@Raychristofer]

@@Dionne_Sheree hey feel free to turn me on to your Instagram or work site. There's not enough of you 😉

[@Dionne_Sheree]

Raychristofer thank you! Will do as soon as I build my portfolio up! Have a great week! 🥰

[@NORDPOLFILMKANAL]

Hello Ray, first i want to say thanks for this great review of the voigländer color ultra and how you explained ths lens and its history and also the history of voigtländer. I just bought this lens on ebay and was curior if i could find some images and examples of this lens in internet, so ai landed here on your channel. I also own the kiev helios and use it on my sony a 7 II and like you said correctly the bokeh is not everything and especially the look of the shallow depth of field is not everything at all. I cant wait to get the 50 mm voigtländer lens and try it by myself. When i saw the pictures that you took with your Lumix, i just started to smile, because the Lumix GH 1 is stil a wonderful camera and i stil use it here too. I really love the way how you explain this lenses and especially your amazing Photo work, the composition and your feeling to freeze the moment. Thanks for this wonderful review and your work here on youtube. with best regards from Wetzlar - the home of Leitz Leica, Germany

[@princeharbinger]

Excellent review! Hope to see more in the future. What version of the Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm 1.8 do you own? There's one called electric MC which is the best version.

[@Raychristofer]

Hello thank you, the one I have is actually not the electric version. I also know that there's a 1.4 version. Unfortunately a few months after shooting this review that lens slips when I was unscrewing it bounced off my bed and hit the floor and dented the focus ring to the point where it wouldn't turn. I was so angry at myself. I wound up selling it on eBay. By the way since you're a prince send me an application to be part of your Royal Court. As long as it's not the Court Jester LOL.

[@princeharbinger]

@@Raychristofer Sorry to hear about that mishap. You probably wouldn't have liked the electric version either. It has hexagon bokeh. I did notice that there's two electric versions. One with a red coating that has a shorter serial number, and one with a purple coating that has a longer one. I wonder what the differences would be. The optic on the purple coating looks larger too. 🤣 The thing is we're all royal. See to it that nobody takes your crown.👑

[@Raychristofer]

Good comeback bro. you know the coating on the Pancolar front is really beautiful. unusual but purple is my fav color. what cam do you use vintage lenses on?

[@princeharbinger]

@@Raychristofer The originals were coated with thorium to increase sharpness. The only downsides to thorium is the lens will turn yellow due to oxidation. A lot of Super Takumars have that coating, but they are great lenses. The other downside is that it is radioactive. Purple is one of my favorite colors too along with lime green. I'm shooting with a A6300 (APS-C), for now and plan to buy a FF in two years. I just recently picked up a Contax focal reducer by Viltrox for some of my C/Y mounts. It's very effective for bringing my lenses close to full frame. Will you be reviewing any more lenses soon, or are you content for now?

[@Raychristofer]

Right now onw of my subscribers was kind enought o send me at Takumar 28mm f3.5, Ive been shooting it on film and digital. maybe in a month or so I will have the review put together, this one doesnt have radiation though fortunately. Im also using a reducer on my Lumix. feel free to check out my Trioplan review if you havent, its a very special lens and the oldest one I own made in the fifties.

[@lsdustyrhodes]

Really wonderful review, Ray, and nice work as well. I've enjoyed viewing several of your videos. Keep it going. You deserve a much greater following.

[@Raychristofer]

Thanks so much Larry, lenses are my fave thing to review. Wish I had a vintage camera shop lol. What cam are you shooting?

[@lsdustyrhodes]

Raychristofer shooting stills mostly with canon 6D; 80D & M3 primarily for video, but am also using a Lumix G85 a bit more for better video. I’ve developed a long list of vintage lenses I’d like to acquire, but currently have only modern lenses. Besides a few Canon primes, a few of my favorite lenses are my Iris 11mm f/4, Laowa 15mm f/4 1:1 Macro (plus shift - an amazing lens), and Rokinon 85mm t/1.5 (geared for video, but nice for stills too). I need to spend less time watching KZbin videos and more shooting!

[@johnlordvicente8982]

How come you have such a low sub count?!?! Passion and knowledge is all over your channel! Subscribed

[@Raychristofer]

Thanks Lord, I think its partly because I dont ask for likes or subscribers because Id rather that come natural and maybe because I review more obscure things that im fired up about but most folks dont know about. that Meyer Gorlitz lens I reviewed took months to shoot and edit but hey I use YT as a boot camp training ground to improve my video skills. I appreciate you checking this out, noticing the effort it takes and leaving a comment like that. makes the work worth it. respect

[@samsen3965]

Astonishingly lovely image quality. I firmly believe next to Carl Zeiss Ultron, this is the best of the class that money can buy. Enjoy this wonderful glass, no gem.

[@artsvdo]

Another great review. Another exceptional video presentation. You make great videos! Keep up the good work!

[@Raychristofer]

Arthur Zepeda I appreciate that Arthur, to be honest I didn't think this video would get many views because this is such an obscure lens. I stumbled on it by accident myself.

This is a great review, I picked up this lense with an old Voigtlander camera (sadly broken) for just 10 euro, Now im really excited to get an adapter for my M43 and try it out

[@Raychristofer]

Hello thanks, get a speedbooster don't shoot it with a dumb adapter. Look at my review of the roxsen speedbooster trust me boss.

@@Raychristofer Thanks for the tip but I cant find an affordable one for this lens

[@Raychristofer]

@ yes they are about 90 dollars us. Look for the pixco or roxsen brand they are identical. Try Amazon or ebay

[@alexandrdemidov4372]

Ray, your channel is amazing. So many unique and useful information. Thank you. I have subscribed.

[@Raychristofer]

Alexandr Demidov thank you Alexander I really appreciate you taking the time to check my work out and comment , it took a long time for me to find my comfort zone with the channel. Glad it helped

[@certs743]

Great video. I recently found one for 50 dollars and fortunately I already had the adapter because I have a 35mm Rollei Distagon from the same era. Looking forward to trying it out.

[@Raychristofer]

Awesome man. I wish I had a full frame to use it on. It's outstanding wide open for portraits

[@certs743]

@@Raychristofer Good to know because shoot with with an EM10 Mark2 and a Gx7 so I will be using it for portraits primarily.

[@Raychristofer]

@@certs743 hey please use a speed booster with it I did a video review about 3 years ago showing the difference. Very important

[@shedtime_au]

Excellent review. I came here to find out if there was any relationship between this lens and the Zeiss Ultron and was happy to discover their similarities.

[@TreParker2016]

Excellent review as always Ray...

[@Raychristofer]

Big Tre I see you bro. my biggest fan lol. thanks for checking it out, you can tell I love this lens. didn't rush the review at all. I left out a few segments though to keep it flowing. respect

[@Raychristofer]

Hello Siri how are you? I miss you man. I'm still stunned bye the suffering you're going through I continue to pray that God gives you the strength till that time comes when you see your loved one again

[@Seele2015au]

Raychristofer When I bought my Voigtländer VSL-1 TM in the mid-1970s, it was fitted with this lens; the camera was a revamped Icarex, and also built as the Rolleiflex SL35-M, all at the Rollei factory in Singapore when Rollei owned the Voigtländer brand. Rollei had an arrangement with Carl Zeiss Oberkochen to make their lenses under license, and for the VSL-1 it was re-branded as the Color-Ultron rather than "Planar Made by Rollei". The screw-mount version is quite scarce as the Voigtländer-branded cameras switched to the Rollei QBM bayonet soon after. The Cosina period came much much later. I never got round to doing a head-to-head between this lens and the Jena-built Pancolar 50/1.8 as they're as close to being Zeiss vs Zeiss as can be, even though the lens designs are a bit different.

[@Raychristofer]

Seele2015au hey I really appreciate that Technical and historic detail. Those are the type of things I like to talk about when I'm reviewing old lenses. I didn't realize the screw Mount was unusual. You know the worst part I had a Pancolar for a few months but whenever I held it up to the light I saw these particles in between the elements. I bought a spinner kit and took it apart each time putting it back together and there was still a haze there. It ended up dropping onto the bed as I unscrewed it off the camera and I couldn't catch it as it fell to the floor, the focus ring had a good dent in it and it would no longer turn and there was a chip in the front element glass. I ended up selling it for parts. I had shot about 80% of a review of that Lens but couldn't finish it. You are correct the image quality of them is so close I would shoot the same image back-to-back and I could barely tell the difference. one thing I will say is the voigtlander had a cleaner and accurate color, the Zeiss had a slight color shift and was slightly less Sharp even when stopped down. The automatic diaphragm mechanism in the Zeiss also made it have larger dimensions. I know one thing, when I review a modern Lens I can't talk about it with the passion of these older ones and I sure don't caress and fondle them the same either LOL.

[@DavidHarry]

Hi, Ray. An excellent production and video. Looks like a very nice lens. I really like the tone of it and think it gives a great distinctive look for video. Cheers, Dave.

[@Raychristofer]

Hello David thanks. You know my G7 not having IBIS is the only limitation in video. some of the clips I had to slow down to limit camera shake. another thing I forgot to mention is it has a swirly bokeh like the Helios wide open though not as strong. These lenses are not as easy to find compared to the pancolar or Helios. its like not as many were manufactured. thanks for checking it out.

[@kevinstrachan741]

Another great video, in your usual style, that I'm really enjoying. I have a question.....do you have a Zenitar 50mm 1.7? If you do, I'd love to see your results, especially if you've used it with the focal length reducer you've reviewed. BTW - I'm pretty sure I noticed some Caleb and Sofia cutouts in one of your Flckr shots. I see you bro. ;)

[@Raychristofer]

Lol that is so awesome to meet another brother here, it is rare, the only other one I know his channel is called Dapper Dop and he runs a tech Channel. You just gave me an idea maybe I should include more nuggets in my videos to draw out my brethren LOL. As far as that lens no I have not had a chance to use it the only two Soviet ones I had are the Helios and the Mir I had a Jupiter 8 which is a beautiful lens but the image quality was not worth keeping. I'm not sure if I mentioned before but I'm shooting a lot of medium format film now and the thing is you can use a wide-angle lens on that and still get the depth of field shallow like you would on a 60 mm on micro four-thirds so I'm tempted to move up to full frame at some point because that is the aesthetic I like. What camera are you using? Good to meet you my brother, I will keep an eye out for you.

[@Raychristofer]

One more thing I forgot to mention, if you like interesting character vintage lenses when you have time check out my Meyer Optik trioplan review, it's like 18 minutes long and the longest thing I've ever done and we'll ever do LOL but you may find it interesting if you haven't seen it already.

[@kevinstrachan741]

@@Raychristofer I'm sure I will find it interesting! I shoot on a Fujifilm X-E2, and my main lens is the Samyang 85mm f1.4. LOVE this lens. Love manually focussing. So the vintage stuff is a natural area to explore. Especially with these new adapters and focal reducers. I don't have a public IG account yet, but check out my wife's if you're on IG. @esthesisphotography Mostly her shots, mostly on her X-T20. But I took a few of them. The one withe the accordion player is from my X-E2 and Samyang combo. BTW, have you heard of another KZbinr called Damian Brown? I discovered him while shopping for my wife's Fuji, and when I dug a little deeper....a brother! Check him out. He's hilarious and a totally unapologetic tech nerd. A brother on several levels🤔

[@Raychristofer]

@@kevinstrachan741 that's awesome, good to know. I will check him out for sure. What I like about those Fuji cameras is there build and manual controls. And they also have great film simulations built in. I don't have Instagram but hopefully I will be able to pull up your wife's and still see the content. The thing that turns me off with Instagram is our photos are 4/3 format but it crops them Square and that's a big No-No to me. But then again maybe I'm just too old and not willing to change LOL

[@Raychristofer]

Big brother how are you? where part of the world do you live by the way? I want to ask you something privately, whats your email?

[@小提琴比较大]

You make it so perfect, I just bought this lens yesterday! Really enjoy your photos and the music. Kind regards

[@Raychristofer]

Thank you so much. Are you from Japan?

[@小提琴比较大]

Raychristofer Hah actually I am from China. Could you tell me where u bought the lens hood? Or is this lens could equip a UV protector?

[@Raychristofer]

@@小提琴比较大 Hello I got the hood from eBay it cane6 from China actually. 49mm filter thread and for sure you can use a UV. That's a filter I don't hear a lot of people talk about anymore for some reason most people use it just to protect the front element

[@小提琴比较大]

Raychristofer Thanks a lot 😁. I got it, I will buy one after receiving my lens. Can I bother you if I get any puzzles about this rollei lens🙏?

[@Raychristofer]

@@小提琴比较大 Heck yeah boss you can ask anything.

[@Motelecomp]

Thanks for the review, as always a pleasure! I put this lens on my wish list.

[@Raychristofer]

Thanks. I won't give you any more recommendations I don't want your wife to send me a cease-and-desist order LOL

[@Motelecomp]

@@Raychristofer Don't worry, all lenses look equal to her, so she thinks I just own a single one.

[@vdefilippo]

Excellent review. It really has some of the same characteristics as the Helios but with better image quality. I'm going to eBay now to check it out. You have great street photography skills, too.

[@Raychristofer]

Thanks for checking this out. If this is hard to find or too expensive the Zeiss pancolar will imitate it well

[@cameronjohnson148]

I just picked up one of these for almost nothing. I'm excited to get out and use it. Thank you for the video!

[@Raychristofer]

Awesome my man. What cameras are you using it on?

[@cameronjohnson148]

Raychristofer right now I have an Olympus OMD EM10 Mark 2. I really enjoy it but I’m looking to upgrade soon.

[@Raychristofer]

@@cameronjohnson148 hey you probably already know this but make sure you use it with a focal reducer , otherwise you're losing half the field of view. I did a full review of how they work. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2mznoaqd5iFmNU

[@mitchellhagerty4303]

Really enjoyed that Ray, great subject, presentation and wonderful emotive quality to be b footage. Thanks for keeping it real! :)

[@Raychristofer]

Mitchell Hagerty thanks Mitchell I appreciate it. You know what it is, my favorite Channel 4 camera reviews is camerastoretv because they take their time and go in-depth. I think I unconsciously try to do the same thing but in my own way. It's kind of strange how this lens costs more than your average vintage and how it's not as plentiful. I think reviewing a modern lens would not be as interesting because there's not as much character and different nuances to talk about. Thanks for checking it out bro.

[@JACKnJESUS]

Excellent video...nailed the pronunciation perfectly. It's a gem of a lens. Pro images on a budget...nothing wrong with that...ever.

[@gitithadani]

many vintage lenses make the round flare - have done some even the helios! In the film days flares was part of the composition craft. Modern coatings have cut down the flare. I have not tried the voigtlander but it does seem a beautiful lens. The soviets did take over the zeiss & leica factories & did use some of the glass for their lenses. Some of the designs they evolved very creatively & if one gets a good copy it may be getting a hidden gem. Meanwhile thanks for the video and the shared pleasure of the visual aesthetics of some of these lenses

[@Raychristofer]

Thanks so much. It's good to hear from another vintage lens connoisseur. Respect

[@georgemahlum6542]

Another excellent video...nice work...note: Cosina made both Voigtlander and Zeiss lens under liscense for quite some time...likely from the same glass formula as well...

[@Raychristofer]

Whats up George, you are correct, I think in my research I missed when they took over Voigt. that thing is so confusing you might be one of the few connoisseurs to catch that lol.

[@jakinfoto1]

Hello. Going through my collection of Old film cameras, I found My father-in-law’s Voigtländer VSL 1 fitted with the exact same model lens that you presented in your excellent review. Wonder if there is an adapter out there that will make it fit my Canon 5D II ? Love your interesting way of presentation and beautiful photos. Lots of respect from Denmark, pls take Care of yourself and your loved ones. Tino.

[@Raychristofer]

Hello thanks so much Jakin. Definitely there's an adapter, then again that lens came in two different mounts. But your vsl was m42 mount so get an adapter that says m42 to canon ef. Make sure you don't get a canon r mirrorless mount. Hope that helps. By the way check out my Mir 37mm review also it's a wider angle version. Stay safe

[@jakinfoto1]

Raychristofer Thank you very much. Will check out your channel some more :-)))

[@Raychristofer]

Hey I updated my comment with more detail.

[@man-ngokduskyso6654]

Hey, great again...took something here, the history of Voiglander =] Thank you...It's interesting to know Voiglander was like getting heritage from different high brand companies.

[@Raychristofer]

Palo thanks for checking this out. This is probably the only vintage lens I can shoot wide open without it letting me down in some way.

[@duncansebastian]

Beautiful story / review on a gorgeous lens!

[@Raychristofer]

Hello thank you I appreciate you checking it out.

[@duncansebastian]

@@Raychristofer, there are many youtubers and reviews out there, but few do this in a pleasing, civilized way. I too, love manual focus lenses (Pentacon 135mm F2.8, Helios 58mm F2.0, Meyer Optik Gœrlitz Primoplan 58mm F1.9 Red V and Carl Zeiss Ultron 50mm F1.8) used on Fujifilm X-Pro2, now.

[@Raychristofer]

@@duncansebastian lol thank you, one thing I learned doing KZbin is it's best to be yourself and be real. Also it's best to review items that you're fired up about because it will come natural. Another thing I don't like is when someone reviews camera gear and sits at a table for 15 minutes parking and doesn't show images or take the camera outside. The problem is putting together a video like this can take a month. My Meyer Optik trioplan review was probably 3 months but it was necessary. The primoplan is Allen's I really would like but it's really out of my budget. Feel free to share your work I'd like to see others results with these lenses also. Respect

[@duncansebastian]

@@Raychristofer I made a comparison test between Helios, Primoplan and Ultron and for the moment, I only have the data where all of them were used in conjunction with a focal reducer - the Zonghyi Lens Turbo II M42 - X adapter. With a modified focal length by X 0.726 and 1 extra Stop of light, the numbers are interesting. I wrote everything on a piece of paper and made a photo. If you are interested, I can send it to you, to an address of your choice. Helios is incredibly sharp. For its price - there is no rival, I guess. Primoplan is the softest, very hard to nail the focus at F1.9 (even with Focus Peaking). Ultron is really interesting - it needs more testing to get a better idea. Best regards, Sebastian.

[@Raychristofer]

@@duncansebastian hello Duncan I'd like to see it. [e-mail] Also I challenge you to do a video review, no pressure

[@outdoorslifestyle2900]

Very well put together review my friend 👌. Looks like an awesome lens and will definitely check this out n see if I can get hold of one. Much appreciated and keep the great vids coming. ATB Steve

[@Raychristofer]

Outdoors Lifestyle how you doing outdoor lifestyle? Thanks for taking the time to watch it, I didn't know you were into camera gear especially old school.

[@outdoorslifestyle2900]

Raychristofer yeah I’m just messing about but. Hopefully keep pushing on and learning, I’m currently shooting a Panasonic g80 or 85 in the USA and I’m looking fir a new faster lens for some nightlapses and detailed star shots. Keep these great vids coming my friend they are extremely informative and very well presented 👌. Take care Steve

[@randyb5579]

Sold! I'd been leaning towards the vintage Zeiss Planar 50, 1.8; and am taking this one instead. They're pretty cheap in the mount I need, and your great review just tipped the scale.

[@Raychristofer]

Hey Randy thanks for checking it out. You're not as easy to find as the Zeiss pancolar though what you usually can find for Less also. You messed up by telling me you're going to buy this lens because now I'm going to challenge you shoot your own hardcore video review of it. No pressure bro LOL

[@jimjimskimmer1935]

Great review. Trying to pick one up today.

[@baladino]

Hi brother, new sub here. I find your videos hugely impressive and you create an effect as if all of us are having a conversation with you. Great presentation style don’t lose it ! I’ve ordered a Helios, Jupiter 9 85mm and a Mir after seeing your videos. Plan to use it with Fujifilm cameras. It’s difficult to fake this level of passion and enthusiasm you display. Thank you for what you do.

[@Raychristofer]

Hello thanks my man that's the best comment I've had all year lol. You know every week many Chinese companies contact me to review their products but if it's something I'm not interested in I will turn it down so yes KZbin it's best to review products you're fired up about and don't have to fake it as they say. Thanks for your support

[@MrFreakwent]

You provided a lot of history about this lens! Nice. I'd like to ask - are the stills you showed processed,jpegs or raw,or is that the color properties of the lens? Thanks for the review.

[@Raychristofer]

MrFreakwent hello freaky, thanks. Yes these photos are jpegs if I do anything to the color I may Raise the Vibrance a little but it doesn't need white balance correction like a lot of old lenses. Because it is such a modern mechanical lens it doesn't have as much imperfections or strange character, that's fine though and the reason to have a collection of different lenses for different looks.

Very awesome review! THanks for all the work and the effort you put in it! :-) Getting my Rollei Planar HFT this week, so I was very excited to see what this lens can do! Greetings from Germany! :-) And your Voigtländer pronounciation was not that bad! Keep the good work up! :-)

[@Raychristofer]

André Loibl Andre you made me feel good this morning bro LOL. Thank you I'm glad it helped. By the way what kind of camera will you be using your particular lens on?

Awesome man! :-) I will be using the lens on my Sony a6000. It's really great for vintage lenses. Greetings! :-)

Made my first pictures with the HFT Planar - and I am LOVING it - it is so sharp - and has yet a very nice bokeh! Greetings! :-)

[@Raychristofer]

André Loibl Hey I appreciate it the pronunciation was throwing me off a bit. From what I understand the hft is very similar if not the same. What camera system are you using it on?

What I have read and heard it is the same lens. I am using it on a APSC Camera (Sony a6000), so I have 75 mm - kind of portrait lens with it. :-)

[@michaelsvlog]

These are my favorite videos from you I need more lens videos. I hope I can mount this to my aps-c camera via m42 mount... have to get back to work but this in my favorite lens category.

[@Raychristofer]

I agree and yes you can, if this can work with a focal reducer and my puny m43 sensor you should do even better. i imagine the heat in the Philippines is in full effect right now ey.

[@michaelsvlog]

Not so bad right now but then again I am indoors most of the day doing video and web design so not feeling the heat much.

[@Raychristofer]

Hello Michael how are you? I haven't heard from you in awhile just checking to make sure you're still on the grid and representing

[@marcj6265]

I have the the qbm version of this lens as well as the Rollei planar qbm. They are identical lenses and of very high optical quality. I use them them on my Sony A7ii and really cannot complain about the quality.

[@Raychristofer]

Marc J yes I think it's great you're able to use it on full frame. Feel free to share your images

[@DynastyUK]

I just bought one of these for about £70, I thought it might be too much but after seeing your video i actually would have paid a lot more for it. Just waiting for it to arrive now. I love how genuine the videos of you I've seen are. You're truly passionate about these lenses and their history. You're not just trying to sell us something. Thanks man, I've subbed :)

[@Raychristofer]

Hey thanks so much bro. It's been a while since I've done a lens review actually, I've gone soft, fell of the horse, turned yellow, I must regain my throne. Thanks for the motivation lol. Respect

[@DynastyUK]

@@Raychristofer Haha yeah I notice that when I go on your page. Lots of modern stuff. People don't seem to realise how amazing some of these vintage lenses are. But you can only review what you have at hand and if they are even worth reviewing in the first place. Still subbed cos you have some great info! Keep them vids coming man :)

[@DynastyUK]

I just recieved the lens today! It's amazing! The focus ring moves very fast though, perhaps a bit loose? Do you know if there is a way to tighten it? Or is that how the lens is? :)

[@burstongreye7090]

Hey Ray,we got similar lens taste ,i just got one of these a few days ago ,i also have the Rollei HFT Planar version.I tested them and they're both the same .Great review and excellent images,that first shopping cart and sunset shots was quality,nice mood.Btw it'd be great if you did a lens comparison soon..not really for "best lens" but for showing the differences in character etc.Lastly have you tested this voigtlander against the modern voigtlander nokton ?Oh and a review /comparison of this vs the Takumar 50mm 1.4 i'd be very interested in.Thanks again ..stellar review ..keep it up.

[@Raychristofer]

BURSTON GREYE thanks for checking it out Burston, your name sounds very familiar for some reason. If you like this review you might also want to check out my trioplan video. That's a special lens also. I've heard of the Super T, the radioactiveness of it always discourage me from trying it though because there's so many others to check out. I definitely would like to try a modern voigtlander or the ones I want cost more than my camera LOL. Tell you what if you send me one to use for a month I'll give you a shout out on the channel lol. Yes the only thing limiting me from doing more lens reviews is having more interesting lenses. Good looking out

[@burstongreye7090]

Ahh it's familiar because i commented on the Mir video..and got mine modified after i saw your video..picked it up around the same time as you as well hahahahah...The radioactiveness discouraged me for awhile but it's actually more hype that harmful..it's only harmful really if you sleep with the lens or shatter the rear element and inhale the dust.I picked up the takumar 55 f2 recently and it blew me away..amazing lens especially since i got it for about 20 bucks.."Angry photographer dude rated the Takumar 50mm 1.4 it as one of the top 10 maybe top 5 best lens ever made.

[@Raychristofer]

BURSTON GREYE well well well, I reckon we do have similar tastes. But just like Top Gun I may have to shake you soon like kobe and come up with a lens totally out of the box you've never heard of LOL

[@fritesmetkaas]

I love this lens! Its colour is so special from all other vintage lens that I have. I sold my helios because I much preferred the colour I have on this Rollei.

[@Raychristofer]

Hello I agree. Is Len's has all the character of the Helios without the shortcomings, thanks for checking it out

[@johncordey2769]

Excellent review ...I had this lens on a voigtlander vsl3e which is very similar o the rollei 35 SL when I used film back in the early eighties... wish I never sold it.keep an eye out for the ultron 105mm f2.8 .(sorry that should have read color-dynarex not ultron which is the qbm mount.)

[@Raychristofer]

Hello how are you? I didnt know there was a 105 ultron. cool. Im actually shooting more film now so these lenses are being revived on my old cameras. yes this Voigt is not as plentiful and harder to find compared to the Pancolar. good to hear from you

[@johncordey2769]

Raychristofer Thanks Ray...really like your production of these videos...easy flow...just enough information...to keep the interest.Have subscribed as i am old school film with a dual (duel) personality now i use digital...Finding my vintage lenses can produce some wonderful images on these later sensors..will keep following...best wishes from the UK.

[@Raychristofer]

Thank you and youre right, the only time im enjoying using my digital cam is with these lenses on them. you might also like my Meyer optik Trioplan video as well. its the bloody longest video I made though lol.

[@skyviewmediaHun]

Subscribed! I like your style a lot! I am learning photography now.

[@Raychristofer]

Thanks so much my man. Let me know how it goes for you and if you have any questions. I have many photography videos here. Respect

[@Xitrun]

Were your shots taken with micro 4/3?

[@Raychristofer]

Hello yes thanks for checking this out also. Yes it was micro four-thirds. even with using the speed booster I'm not getting the full effect. I do use it on my film camera sometimes but I really hope to get a full frame at some point in the future.

[@procare7036]

Hallo Ray. I love your vintage lense reviews. But I especially wonder something about this Lens. Do you know if it is radioactive?

[@BackpackingAbhi]

Excellent review Ray ... Don't know if I can get my hands on this amazing lens ...but I will keep looking ... Yes definitely better than the Helios ...many thanks

[@Raychristofer]

Hey it's definitely more scarce but look for the Carl Zeiss pancolar, they're images look practically and this voigtlander is actually a rebranded Zeiss anyway. Pancolar is less expensive and more common to find on eBay

[@BackpackingAbhi]

@@Raychristofer Ok thats great, will search for this ...thanks 😊👍

[@zarrir]

Good review, nice shots and beautiful family

[@Raychristofer]

Thanks so much

[@FIFINE]

I don't know much about the photograph, but I was definitely impressed by your photos!

[@Raychristofer]

Fifine Microphone hello Tony you know I've been working on this review so long I shot my talking portions before I received the wireless system. What I learned over the years is even if you have an inferior lens that you don't like if you know the basic rules you can use that lens within its limits to still get powerful photos. Thanks for checking it out

[@FIFINE]

Push the gear and yourself to limits, then you will get unexpected good result. Then I hope you will never reach your limit. Keep it up Ray!

[@Raychristofer]

Fifine Microphone That's profound Tony. I appreciate the upliftment

[@xz5034]

Beautiful photos, nice color!

[@cameracamera7664]

Hi. I enjoyed your video and photos a lot! I realized it's fantastic lens and want to buy one. So I searched it and luckily found two lenses in second hand market. One has QBM mount and the other one has M42 mount. Which one is better with mft panasonic g9? I didn't try it before. like using adapter. and I wonder how much is the lens conversion with this lens? 100mm?? Thanks a lot!!

[@Raychristofer]

Hello thank you that's a very good question, always go with m42 Mount it can be adapted to any camera. Also for m43 cameras use what's called a focal reducer adaptor, it has an optic that brings back much of the crop . Check this review I did of the one I use. It explains it all. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2mznoaqd5iFmNU

[@donkeyholmes4581]

I just came across your channel and glad I did. I own a vsl 1 with this very lens and love using it with my Panasonic g9. Anyway liked, subscribed and look forward to watching more of your videos.

[@Raychristofer]

Wear it up thank you bro, good to meet another film shooter out there. I'm actually shooting medium format a lot now. Feel free to check out a couple of the other Vintage lenses I reviewed like the m i r 37 mm and the Meyer Optik trioplan. Now I challenge you to do a video review of the lens LOL. No pressure

[@HBxRock]

Hello! What is your opinion about SMC Takumar (50mm f1.4 and f1.8) against Voigtlander Color Ultron (50mm f1.8)? You got some experience with Takumar lenses?

[@Raychristofer]

Hello right now I'm testing a Tak 28mm 3.5 and that's my only experience with them. It is extremely nicely built with a leather case and metal lens cap. Sharp wide open with good colors. It honestly doesn't have much character though but most 28mm don't. I've never tried to 50 millimeter versions but I do know they are slightly Radioactive

[@waqasyounas5143]

Hey dear, great review and pleased to b here. Can you please tell if this lens can work on Nikon APS-C cameras, if yes, what kind of adapter? I am currently using Helios 44-2 with D5600.

[@Raychristofer]

waqas younas hello, this particular lens uses the same m42 Mount as the Helios so that should not be a problem but what I do know is some lenses do not focus to Infinity on a Nikon camera but if the Helios works you should not have a problem with this one. So to answer your question you should be able to use the same adapter that you already have for this one

[@waqasyounas5143]

Raychristofer thanks a bunch dear, actually i got the helios adjusted to infinity focus and the adapter is fixed. Anyhow, i will look for an additional adapter n search ebay for this lense surely.

[@Raychristofer]

waqas younas hey keep in mind this lens is hard to find if you want something extremely similar look up the Carl Zeiss pancolar 50 mm 1.8. I had that lens and when I took photos back to back with this one most times I couldn't tell the difference. The zeiss May Cost Less and it's going to be a lot easier to find especially if you're in Europe. The reason I never reviewed it is as I was unscrewing it from the camera bounced off the bed and hit the floor and the focus ring was permanently dented.

[@waqasyounas5143]

Raychristofer thats seems a great advice dear.. i will look for Carl Z nw bcoz id already started exploring ebay for the lens.

[@hopefully6911]

not to criticize your reveiw, but you need to take a harder look at the Zeiss bailout of Voigtlander. Aside from Schurring and Zeiss, Rollei also had a stake in Voigtlander. Rollei had anounced that in addition to Zeiss and Schneider glass they were going to have Voigtlander provide a suite of lenses for the SL 35 camera. When the bailout was completed Voigtlander was divided betweew Rollei and Zeiss, Zeiss took all the lens manufacturing and the Voigtlanders optical team which they made every effort to keep togother. Voigtlanders camera design and engineering went to Rollei. Why this cut, well despite Voigtlanders failed marketing, they were still a world class designer of shutters and electrical camera components, a diredtion that Rollei was headed in. Rollei was never a lens manufacturer. Regarding lens design Voigtlander was the first to use computers rather than just math and guess and bygolley. Where Abbie and Schott turn glass making into a science Voigtlander turned lenses design into optical science., With tightly controlled computer designs much of rthe earlier drudgery and guess work was removed. As it can be seen Zeiss, Schneider, and Voigtlander (not to mention Enna) all made planar type lenses, Zeiss, Schneider and Voigtlander all pushed the 6 element to new hights of excellent. However, close comparison will reveal some difference. Side by side they all sported Rollei's metal case. I actually bought my Rollei SL 35 while in graduate school at Berkeley, Rollei's announcement regarding Voigtlander lenses was premature, as the European sucked up all the Voigtlanders with M42 mounts. Also Voigtlander was developing a whole suite of Leica mount lenses for the new Bessa, which Zeiss put on the back burner for 25 years. Lots of new Voigtlander lenses hit the market, many were made in Germany, then some were assembled Singapore. However, all the optical cores/apertures were made by Zeiss et al in Europe and sent to Singapore to be assembled in the lens housing. Why is this, well it has to do with with the Zeiss Foundation's view on quality control. Standards had to be met, weven if only the planar label was used, it emplied Zeiss quality. Your right about the selling of rights to the Voigtlander label, it all seemed, a bit crazy, same thing happened to Rollei and Agfa. Rollei died but the design team kept designing MF cameras and carried and built new cameras for Hasselblad and several others. Voigtlander never showed up in Berkeley tell much later, but later I bought some from Europe. I think the murging of Zeiss and Voigtlander was a rejunvination for Zeiss, it started in the 1960s when Zeiss changed its whole line of lenses for 35mm cameras. The Ultron was a Voigtlander design and this lead into the new Planar, which I reconize as one of my favorite lenses. I had read some where that Kern /Wild Optic was contracted to produce some of the Rollei lenses, Schneider also contracted them to build there famous Dagor large format lenses. That problably all ended when Leica took possession of Kern, that was a real boost to Leica lens quality around 1979. The standards for Voigtlander Cosina where set by the Zeiss Foundation, German means German quality. When Cosina started making Voigtlander lenses, they published the standards that Zeiss had them conform to. My guess is that Cosina was adopted by Zeiss foundation, actually I have seen that written up in Zeiss history. However, in all these changes in ownership onw fine lens was lost, Voigtlander's Septom. Voigtlander/Rollei did have QA and QC issues in Singapore, some years ago I was introduced to an operations engineer from Rollei Singapore, even on lens with out the Zeiss logo, they still had to import the optical core from Zeiss Germany or Schneider. Most of my lenses were finished in Germany, the Japanese editions were made by Mamiya, the quality is the same. Only problematic lenses I bought were assembled in Singapore. I used Rollei SL 35 in my business from 1969 until 1992 at which time I dropped one camera down a steep rock dump face in Montana. Took me until 2005 to fine Rollei Technician to repair the camera. I have been impressed with the Voigtlander, Rollei did not promote them in N. America. Having seemingly two exacrt model but dfferent logos on the front does not mean they are the same. Different glass specks and coating make a difference. Voigtlander's AR coating was known to be the most durable on the market. I must have 5 or more of these lenses, they arew a bargain. I use them on Lumix GX8 and GX7 m4/3 cameras and a Sony a7r. I am glad to see others working with old Voligtlanders, I have noticed that those who ventured out have generally been impressed.

[@peternerenst]

What a great review. Just bought one to use on my Canon EOS 5 Mark II.

[@Raychristofer]

That's awesome Peter, you're the first commenter I see who actually mentioned buying one of these. Now I have someone I can challenge to a top 5 image street photography contest. I will give you a month to get comfortable with the lens, no pressure LOL

[@peternerenst]

@@Raychristofer hi again. Sounds challenging 😉. What is a reasonable price fore this lens. I had to get it for a reasonable price.

[@Raychristofer]

@@peternerenst I say if you can find one in good condition for $150 or less take it. Another option is the Zeiss pancolar that I showed in the video the image quality is almost identical and if you put them side-by-side in a blind test you may not tell the difference the Zeiss though almost always cost about 40 to $50 less

[@aimeecute4216]

Your channel is my favorite. When I saw your gf1 it amazed me because I also keep my Gf1 even I got a gx7 now) I always photo shoot full body portrait. However, most of the prime lens I use are sharp in the centre only but much less sharp in the edges wide open (P20/1.7, 14/2.5, 42.5/1.7) For full body portrait the models eyes are always not in the centre of frame., the fall off of sharpness in the edges of those lenes really trouble me. Would u mind recommending me some "sharp across the whole frame" lens?

[@aimeecute4216]

I read many mtf charts of prime lens. Most of them show good sharpness at centres but a big sharpness falloff in edges. Recently I read the mtf of Samyang 50/1.2., Sony Fe 85/1.8, canon 85 1.4, Fuji 35/1.4, their Mtf show a almost flat line which amazes me. However, those lens are all expensive. Do u think we can't find a good value sharp across the frame lens?

[@Raychristofer]

aimee cute Hello Aimee and thanks for the compliment on the channel. That is a serious question you asked about Corner shortness. I do have an answer but it's probably not what you want to hear. The Kids Zoom is extremely shocked from corner to corner, the problem is it's a terrible portrait lens and does not separate the subject. The 25mm 1.7 is a great portrait lens but if you step back far enough for it to be a full body it may not give you the amount of background separation your 42mm will give. Although it is sharp in the corners. A better solution Maybe a full frame camera, right now I'm even using a medium format film rolleiflex and getting outstanding results but I do not look for extreme sharpness in the edges or corners and although it's a 70 year old camera it's lens performance is outstanding. I'll put a link here to one of my favorite portrait shots with that old camera. flic.kr/p/24af6m2

[@aimeecute4216]

Many people told me to stop down the aperture and I know the edges sharpness can improve when u stop down the aperture. But for m43 full body portrait and the focal length is under 100mm , the bokeh will become less noticeable when u go beyond f2.8. At f1.7-2.8., the edges sharpness of the lens I used never satisfied me. There's no flaw in my focus techniques as I always focus at the eyes with magnification+focus peaking.

[@Raychristofer]

aimee cute you know, I think that is just a limitation of our cameras. If you look at someone who has a $5,000 Leica with a $3,000 lens even they make compromises in image quality at times. I think the best thing to do is look at portraits on Flickr and find the one that's perfect to you and see what camera lens combination it was shot with. Let me know what you find I'm very curious.

[@aimeecute4216]

the best value sharp across to the frame portrait lens I found is Samsung 45mm f1.8 2D edition* (not 3d edition which is sharper in the centre but sacrifice the edge sharpness), unfortunately it's not compatible with m43 and fuji. The canon 85/1.4 is sharp at edges too but I'm not sure it work well with focal reducer. ( e.g. I use a Lens Turbo II on my Xe1, this combination works well with most lenes but it doesn't work well with Samyang 85 1.4 where the images are very ghostly at 1.4 if it adapted to the lens turbo.

[@kylestokes4501]

Have you done a video on the Pancolar? I would love to hear your thoughts on it. I don’t have any East German Lenses- post WWII, and have often wondered about their character!

[@Raychristofer]

Kyle youre gonna make me cry because right after filming this I was unscrewing the pancolar and it fell on my bed and bounced onto the floor denting the focus ring badly, it couldnt turn, i had to sell it for parts . so no I shot footage to make a video review but wasnt able to finish the review. I can give you a link to my pancolar Flickr album so you can see photos from it though. very very hard to tell the difference between the voigt but the voigt has slightly better color rendition and slightly better sharpness. but the aperature ring on the zeiss is much better. flic.kr/s/aHsm7FRhMn

[@kylestokes4501]

Wow! I am so sorry that happened! But for the amazing video reviews you do, and the awesome service it is- especially to the young amateur community growing in photography, videography, and cinematography, yearning for knowledge of these great legendary lenses trying to become lost in time- is there a way to donate (like to a youtube channel)? I know many would, I would now! I am so grateful you took the time to share your wisdom and passion, the equal Rollei Planar 50mm 1.8 has become my favorite MF Lens. But, I know in my ignorance, there are many others. I can read opinions in threads, I do, I’ve spent numerous hours reading them, but after your video- Both my wife and I said it was as being in your favorite professor’s lecture when you have the epiphany of what you were born to do, you have an amazing gift of what I call “contagious passion.” I pray if there is currently not a way to donate, that you would consider it. Again mighty grateful you took the time and work to put this together(I know it will come back to you 10x)! And I can’t wait to see more photography of yours on the link!

[@Raychristofer]

Kyle Stokes good morning Kyle, you should be a book author because you sure know how to make someone see you what you're saying LOL. You're one of the few people that explained exactly what I was trying to get across when I review these old lenses. There is a way to donate to KZbin channels but I don't have that button activated I'm on the fence as to whether it's a good thing or not. If you love these lenses I really suggest you take a look at my Maier gorlitz trioplan review if you haven't already, that lens has a character that is very special I only wish it had a wider aperture. Where are you from by the way?

[@kylestokes4501]

Raychristofer I am a Mississippian by birth and raising, but a Missionary RN/Humanitarian Aid/Water Hydro-Engineer by trade(so I am all over:). A 1964 Rolleiflex TLR gave me the shutterbug, then it progressed with the Rollei SL35 and Lenses. Film=no batteries in the field, no problem(just a lot of light meter guessing). I dated a Norwegian Photographer, and fell in love with the art and science of analog photography. Will definitely try out the Meyer Trioplan Review! So Grateful to meet you! What a Blessing, I could talk and listen for hours on end of these old systems and their lenses. What each person loves about them, and how to tweek it out of each lens... that’s the magic in the art and science of it to me- the X-factor, when you really can’t explain why the lens stole your heart. How it interprets the color “Red.” How it places chromes and blacks that suck your soul out, blues that chill your soul! Something a DSLR with the latest lens just can’t fathom- because isn’t that what happens when it purely becomes scientific? Old lenses have souls. I don’t know a better way to explain it. My first roll of Ektar out of a Rollei changed my life forever, just like your Ultron/Planar took my breath away. And it’s just glass, metal, but somehow- they got magic into them. Next stop, Meyer Optics;). Thanks Again Mr. Ray!!!

[@buildingsheriff]

Dude, your filming rocks!

[@Raychristofer]

The Building Sheriff Hey thanks Leutenant. If only Hollywood felt the way you did lol. I'm not perfect but one secret is reviewing things you love and your passion will always show. Thanks for taking the time to comment. I'm curious how did you stumble on this video?

[@neilyakuza6595]

Awesome review, going to hunt for one now.

[@Raychristofer]

Hello thanks for checking this out, one thing I have to say is this lens is more scarce and harder to find. I recommend if you're having trouble getting one of these too looking at the Carl Zeiss pancolor because it usually costs less and it's much more plentiful.

[@Jonboy2312]

For the heck of it, check out the Zenitar M 50mm F1.7, it's supposed to be a clone of the Voigtlander 50mm 1.8 but they've squeezed 0.1 of a stop more speed out of it. Amazingly smooth, creamy bokeh.

[@Raychristofer]

Thanks for that tip I will look into that. I shoot film and have seen that brand before. Respect

[@XiweiYing]

Ray, have you tried the super takumar 50mm f1.4? Wonder how that compare to your voigtlander

[@Raychristofer]

Hello XY, never tried the Takumar. Ive been tempted but because of its low radiation signature I reckon theres too many other cool lenses to explore. I know its sharp though. :)

[@Raychristofer]

Hello how are you just letting you know I finally was able to test and review a 28mm tak on my channel. Great build

[@vidmantasas3647]

Amazing video! So informative.keep it up!

[@sclogse1]

Solid presentation and new info! If it's there, it good to point out it says West Germany on the back of the lens. I just bought a second C.Z. Planar 1.8 because the price was very competitive and that one has a smooth focus. My old focus is very snug, and tells ME how fast to rotate it. Once you slow down to that speed then it doesn't feel hard to turn. And since I use Fuji focus peaking, moving slow works with it. But the new one coming might make me sell the old model..very sharp lens, and on a Fuji X-H1 with IBIS all good. Subscribed.

[@agentu8969]

Just a hint on the pronounciation (from a native German, that owned this lens in the 70s, unfortunately sold it later): You got it almost right, except that you hear the „r“ a little bit more in the end of VoigtländeR.

[@Raychristofer]

Hello bro thank you so much I'm surprised more viewers didn't help me out. So you're saying I need to add more of the R sound at the end? I think I looked it up on wiki to find the pronunciation but it's easier said than done for me. By the way speaking of German gear I'm shooting a medium format Rollei at the moment and have a meyer optik Trioplan. Great build. What do you shoot with?

[@agentu8969]

+Raychristofer Voigtländer is (in German) pronounced (for English reading) like Foktlander. So the „i“ is not spoken, and the „g“ is spoken like a k. And the „r“ in the end is spoken, similar as in the English word „to render“. I mostly shoot with a Fuji X Pro 2 these days. On top of the kit lens I have a couple of vintage lenses and adapters. I also have a Mir 1b (same as in one of your videos, I think), which is on an APS C sensor like a „standard“ view lens. For portrait type photography I have got a Pentax M 1.4 50 mm, which produces images with nice bokeh.

[@agentu8969]

Rollei used to make very nice cameras, I know, but most of this is long ago. I still own a Rollei XF 35 with Zeiss Sonnar 40 mm 2.3 (fixed) lens, but haven‘t used it for ages.

[@Raychristofer]

@@agentu8969 Thanks for the pronunciation, I just looked up your Rollei, I didn't know they make rangefinders. I would really like to try one of the Rollie medium format slrs also but they are very expensive and harder to get. I think if you're shooting Fuji that's the best combination of modern Electronics with vintage look and feel

[@TikayKiller96]

Oh man this ring of fire got me... Looks stunning! Okay this is a consideration worth, I find it not as swirly as the helios 44-2 but I think I will set this on my "need to buy" list

[@Raychristofer]

You won't regret it boss. They're not exactly cheap though so I recommend also looking for the zeiss pancolar also. they're more plentiful in the look is very similar

[@stefpix]

So do you still use the Helios? What is the minimum focus distance? I have the Pancolar. is this sufficiently different in color and image rendition?

[@Raychristofer]

Hello how are you? yes I still have and use the Helios, the main difference is the helios is 58mm and the Panc is 50. if you put the images side by side I will say the pancolar flares less because of its coatings and slightly more accurate color but if no one tells you which lens it was shot on you wont be able to tell theyre so close.

[@stefpix]

@@Raychristofer Thanks, I am good. I meant the difference between the Pancolar and the Ultron. I find the Pancolar has more uniform sharpness in general than the Helios, and at f/8 the corners are sharp, while not so in the Helios. But I do sometimes like the 58mm tighter framing compared to the 50mm. I wonder if they are all of a similar design after all.

[@Raychristofer]

@@stefpix the only difference I notice tween the panc and ultron is the ultron is smaller and more compact and the colors are slightly more neutral not needing any color correction and the Pancolar has that chinese star bokeh which i dont like so much but other than that they behave the same especially the swirly bokeh

[@horrorlostplaces]

Hello, greetings from germany, i found with the belonging of my father a Photo kit with a "Voigtlander Color Ultron 50mm f2" . It looks really good and full metal but i dont know what adapter i can use for my Gh2 (Mirco Four Thirds). i would really like to use it, as a memory of my father, would really thankful for your help *sorry for my bad english* :)

[@Raychristofer]

Hello how are you my friend from Germany, thanks for reaching out. Yes can help. Tell me the name and model of the camera that that lens was mounted to. For if it was not mounted to a camera see which one of your father's cameras it will fit on and we can go from there

[@Raychristofer]

I have a feeling your lens may be a qbm mount. I highly recommend using a focal reducer or speedbooster which is the same thing if you are adapting vintage 35 mm lenses to your smaller than micro 4/3 sensor. Here is a review I did a speed booster that explains how it works and why it is important kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2mznoaqd5iFmNU

[@robertw9677]

Thanks for review new sub I bought several of the voigt lens the 20 and 28 befotr they stopped making these all made I understand in Zeiss plant so quality exceptional

[@Raychristofer]

You're welcome Robert, yes the more I use my modern lenses the more I see how clinically boring they are. Ironically These are great also when attached to a modern camera though in my opinion because you get the character with the accuracy of the digital sensor.

[@TitoSlack]

Just picked one up on eBay for a steal, can't wait to put it up against my early KMZ Helios 44!

[@Raychristofer]

Awesome man. You will find it a bit cleaner and civilized compared to the Helios but not by much. Also the Helios is 58mm so a bit wider

[@Xitrun]

Wow! Incredible lens&nice review. Bokeh is similar to helios 44 but this one is sharper. Helios however is 5 times cheaper in Russia))

[@Raychristofer]

Totally agree! thanks

[@videobyredjade]

great photos

[@Raychristofer]

, thank you, it's the lens I was just along for the ride LOL

[@jimjimskimmer1935]

Just bought one now due to your review. I have the Pancolar 50 1.8. Which do you think is better?

[@NicoManansala]

can show me flare on pancolar lens..thanks

[@Raychristofer]

Hello I'm not able to show you as I dropped that lens months ago and damaged it badly. I don't happen to have any flare photos from it but it looks pretty much exactly like this one and it has the ring of fire when it's wide open

[@ccsas5398]

Bokeh is a little bit swirly like the early Helios, looks good for portrait and product photography :)

[@Raychristofer]

Thank you yes it's my best vintage lens right now

[@tamaslehoczky]

great review. thanks for adding the history lesson ;) keep up!

[@Raychristofer]

Much respect Tomas. Glad it was helpful. You might also like my Mir 37mm review also it is a wider version. Cool

[@stasostrikov1439]

Thank you for a very good review!

[@Raychristofer]

Thanks so much my man. I dedicate this video to you.

[@MinhajMalik]

What are your thoughts on the Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f/1.4?

[@Raychristofer]

Hello unfortunately I've not had the chance to test another Voight lens beyond this one.

[@stanleykho2]

wonderful channel!

[@Raychristofer]

Stanley Ho thanks so much. As you can tell I love photography and video and just like sharing it. Thanks for taking the time to check it out

[@stefanknezovic1747]

is the planar rollei 50mm f1.8 the same lens?

[@Raychristofer]

Hello I think it is, it's probably not using the m42 mount though.

[@stefanknezovic1747]

@@Raychristofer thanks!

[@jezztech]

Hi, good speak man, i happened upon Voigtlander Skoparex 35 F2.8 in the M42 mount, my uncle had it. Basically it was a Zeiss, then a Rollei ,then in its final form , the one i gots , Voigtlander! its easily traceable that this final version was made in Singapore , Rollie projectors and lenses ET AL. My Voigtlander lens is fine in all respects good build quality nice ballast on the focus ring, VERY nice pictures when used on my Fuji Xe1, but U R right to point out that its not a true Voigtlander ,i e , the kind they stick Leica, s

[@cjewe1z]

Is the Voigtlander Color Ultron 55mm 1.4 from the same generation as the Voigtlander Color Ultron 50mm 1.8?

[@soulrock8412]

Wow! Beautiful review! Tnx.

[@Raychristofer]

Thank you me Hermano, I have a love affair with these old lenses LOL

[@felixifloresrodriquez3306]

Brother. How can I convert this lens to use on my Nikon DSLR

[@Raychristofer]

Hello my brother how are you? I'm sorry but I don't know if that's possible because of how close the lens is to the sensor. I don't understand why nikins are different from any other camera adapting lens but I just did a KZbin search and several videos came up talking about the problem. I never used a Nikon before but I think it's well worth buying another camera body just to be able to use these vintage lenses.

[@JubeiYT75]

.. I always like vintage lenses more than the plastic ones. It`s just a nice feeling in your hand with that heavier build quality, the metall und finallly the optics.. :) I also like the video quality of your review.. (Lumix G7) btw. "Ninja.Star" ;D

[@Raychristofer]

What a up JJ I appreciate that and I know where you're coming from. Voigtlander is one of the few companies that still make fully metal manual lenses with pride. Also these modern lenses have great picture quality but the accelerated focus by wire Behavior makes it almost impossible to do reliable Focus racking during video.

[@JubeiYT75]

Oh.. I forgot, nice music as well :)

[@Raychristofer]

@@JubeiYT75 thanks Jedi, some of it is from the KZbin free music library and some other ones I downloaded from KZbin that are copyright free. I need more selections though. How did you find this lens review and what camera system are you shooting?

[@JubeiYT75]

@@Raychristofer.. That's why i like MF lenses, you can focus whenever you want ;) By the way.. I would say "Voigtländer" as you did. A german wouldn't say "Voktländer"when he's been asked to read it loud.. ;)

[@JubeiYT75]

@@Raychristofer I like you review.. :) My camera system "was" Pentax. I shooting pics with my Phone and some converters & external lenses on a cinema- mount-rig at rhis time.. it' makes fun to test it out what you can do with a phone cam... I know it isn't a real camera, but.. anyway ;)

[@fer200015]

Nice video, keep it up

[@Raychristofer]

Thanks FM, lenses are what I'm most adept at reviewing I think. thanks for checking it out.

[@TheMrAntosiek]

good job!

[@Raychristofer]

Yes sir thanks for checking it out. Right now I'm working on a Pentax super takumar 28 mm review, might take me a couple more weeks to put it together but feel free to stay tuned

[@TheMrAntosiek]

@@Raychristofer did you upload this sample picture to any hosting or website? Is there possibility to see it in high resolution? Thank you for ur help in advance

[@Raychristofer]

yes sir I have many photos from it but not all uploaded to my Flickr album, heres a link. flic.kr/s/aHskoWHYZw

[@DJBastor]

hey dude, i dont like the bokeh of this lens. its a little bit to harsh. i think the helios bokeh is smoother. i got the helios for 4 days now. iam still testing. greetings :) btw very good review

[@Raychristofer]

Hey thanks man. You're a Helios connoisseur. Respect

[@DJBastor]

@@Raychristofer not really Iam still searching for the right spot to enjoy the swirly bokeh :)

[@RoadtrippinwithTakacs]

Another great review, Ray! It was well worth it especially knowing you took a few months on it. Keep making that great content, even if it takes awhile. 😉 Also, that shot at 4:16 was really good! 👍 If you get bored, or want to entertain your kids, search for a fun project I've been working on with my students on KZbin called Sock Puppet City. Tell me what you think of it. 😀

[@Raychristofer]

Red Truck in the house, thanks man, yeah that photo was unplanned as usual. its strange I only use the 25mm 1.7 for talking head shots because its so crisp but I never use it for artistic stuff. I guess every lens has its place. Ive got a young daughter and the sock puppet is something I know she would like, I dont see it on your channel, I assume its something to type int he search bar then.

[@RoadtrippinwithTakacs]

Raychristofer Where did you pick up that lens? And for about how much?

[@Raychristofer]

I got it on Ebay for $99.00, I bid late at night when everybody was asleep I guess lol which is crazy because its usually 200 or more for a good condition one. theyre hard to find and a Zeiss Pancolar might me a good alternative as its hard to tell the images apart.

[@RoadtrippinwithTakacs]

Raychristofer Lol. Great advice. Thanks!

[@ShadowManTV]

Love this lens

[@Raychristofer]

Yes sir. I am trying to find if there were wider versions of it. Do you have one?

[@ShadowManTV]

@@Raychristofer There are some but probably only for Leica a bit pricey . a new Voigtlander 40mm 1.2 is in my list .

[@bojanbuck7874]

Thank you sir 👍

[@Raychristofer]

Your welcome BJ. Not many folks know about this lens im glad this helped.

[@southpolesurfer6936]

Tell mean to be rude sir, but the Miz it was just too heavy and I said to switch it off halfway through. I enjoyed the information, but the music was just a touch too much.

[@sahilbrar7330]

Thank You