The new Voigtlander HELIAR 40mm f/2.8 Aspherical lens for VM and L39 mounts is now in stock at B&H Photo in the US and at Jo Geier, PhotoHouse, and Meister Camera in Europe.
Check out also the first lens review at Fredmiranda – here is their conclussion:
Final Thoughts
Don’t let the looks fool you – despite its retro style, the Voigtlander 40mm f/2.8 Heliar is an ultra compact, charming everyday lens with a versatile focal length and great ergonomics. It also offers a modern draw, capable of high resolution, contrast and pleasant focus transition. It’s well corrected for distortion, color and spherical aberration. And if that’s not enough, flare resistance is outstanding and it’s one of the smallest lenses you can mount on your Leica M body!
Starting at f/4, the 10-blade aperture mechanism yields defined 10-point sunstars and although the very corners never get crispy due to field curvature and some astigmatism, most of the frame is already optimal at f/4-5.6. If one focuses the subject at center or mid-field, expect sharp results even when shooting wide open.
The focusing ring is well damped enabling great accuracy when focusing with the rangefinder and I’m happy to report that the two copies I’ve tested were well centered and perfectly calibrated. Keep in mind that the M body does not offer a 40mm frameline, so composing your scene may take some practice as the Voigtlander 40mm f/2.8 Heliar triggers the 50/75mm framelines.
I highly recommend this lens! It’s a well-priced tiny lens that offers great mechanical construction and it’s sharp where it matters. Rendering is pleasant, distortion is low and has outstanding flare resistance.
Pros:
- High resolution and contrast from wide open at center and mid-field.
- Low distortion.
- Ultra compact and light.
- Great build quality with tight tolerance construction.
- Aperture mechanism provides defined 10-pointed sunstars.
- No lateral CA.
- Low axial CA.
- Outstanding flare resistance.
Cons:
- High vignetting.
- Noticeable field curvature. (Wavy towards infinity)
- Focus and aperture rings do not rotate independently.
- Extreme corners never get critically sharp even at small apertures.
Update – see also this Voigtlander HELIAR 40mm f/2.8 Aspherical lens report from DC.watch:
Some sample photos from the new lens can be found at Foto Video Klein:
Additional information on the Voigtlander HELIAR 40mm f/2.8 Aspherical lens for VM and L39 mounts lenses is available here:
Announced: Voigtlander HELIAR 40mm f/2.8 Aspherical lens for VM and L39 mounts
Also: the Voigtlander NOKTON Vintage Line 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II SC VM lenses are now discontinued and replaced by the new Voigtlander Heliar Classic 50mm f/1.5 lens.