The Voigtlander Heliar 50mm f/2 is a new relatively new production lens from Cosina (they acquired the rights tot he defuct Voigtlander) and is based the original design by Carl August Hans Harting.
It has quickly become my go-to lens, largely replacing the 50/1.5 Nokton, also by Voigtlander. While it is a stop slower, it is significantly smaller and better build quality. While the build quality of the Nokton is reasonable, the Heliar is chrome on brass and is top quality.
I primarly use it for portraits.
The Technical Details:
- Mount: Leica M
- Minimum Focus: 1 meter
- Filter Size: 39mm
- Aperture: f/2 - f/16 with 11 diaphragm blades
- Weight: 10.4 oz
- Field of view: 46 degrees
The Lens (mine is black with a hood):
The design has five elements in three groups. While lens makers often use lens brands on radically different designs (there is also a 12mm Heliar), the 50/2 Heliar emulates the original 1903 design apart from the larger diameter elements required for the faster maximum aperture.
The History:
"The Harting design was essentially a modification of the Cooke Triplet, with two additional elements and a symmetrical layout. These changes helped address the Triplet's short comings of longitudinal aberrations while still allowing for a wide (fast) aperture."
The Results:
At f/2- f/2.8:
At about f/3.4:
Antique Cameras.net
British Journal of Photography
Camera Quest
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