Voigtlander APO-LANTHAR 50mm F3.5 Type I VM Lens (Leica M, Navy and Chrome)
The numbered, limited edition, navy and chrome APO-LANTHAR 50mm f/3.5 Type I VM Lens by Voigtlander is a high-performance, manual-focus lens designed to enhance the power of M-mount rangefinders. Rangefinders are known for being light, compact, and discrete camera systems with quiet shutters and very sharp lenses.
This Voigtlander lens holds the elite distinction of being part of the APO-LANTHAR series of optically-refined, apochromatic lenses consisting of eight lens elements in six groups, four of which are made of anomalous partial dispersion glass to achieve uncompromising, exceptional resolution and contrast rendition. It includes a series of anomalous partial dispersion and aspherical elements that help to suppress virtually all aberrations for especially high sharpness and color accuracy. Additionally, the lens is equipped with a high-precision, rangefinder-linked mechanism that provides the user with the traditional manual focusing experience.
Type I Highlights
- Apochromatic design helps eliminate almost all chromatic aberrations and imaging errors.
- Design ensures precise color reproduction and minimizes color fringing even with high-contrast subjects.
- Eight elements in six groups, four of which are made of anomalous partial-dispersion glass to achieve uncompromising optical performance.
- Manual focus design with a high-accuracy, all-metal helicoid for high-precision control.
- A mechanism is provided to recognize the junction point of the rangefinder-linked range by a clicking sensation during the focusing operation.
- Minimum focusing distance 17.7".
- The brass and aluminum build provides the user with a heavy-body feel.
- This limited edition version of the lens comes with its production number engraved on the lens body.
- Optimized for film and digital M-mount rangefinder cameras and mirrorless cameras.
Thanks to the apochromatic design, chromatic aberrations and other imaging errors are almost completely eliminated. This design ensures precise colour reproduction and minimizes colour fringing even with high-contrast subjects. The result is outstanding image quality that meets the high demands of discerning photographers. The excellent performance combined with a classic, elegant design makes the APO-LANTHAR 50 mm F3.5 VM an ideal choice for anyone who appreciates both optical perfection and aesthetic beauty.
Our new gem comes in two versions (Type I and Type II), each with two variants:
Type I
Interprets the design of classic rangefinder lenses from the middle of the last century and is available in black/silver (2-tone) and matt black. The tube of the black/silver version consists of a material mix of brass and aluminum with a weight of 245 g, while the body of the matt black version is made entirely of aluminum (weight only 150 g). The filter diameter is 34 mm, the close-up limit is 45 cm.
Type II
Comes in a more modern, but still classic look. There is a silver version, made of brass and aluminum with a weight of 250 g, and a black version in which some components of the tube are made of aluminum (weight 175 g). In contrast to Type I, the filter diameter is 39 mm and the close-up limit is 35 cm.
A lens hood in a matching color is included in the scope of delivery, as well as a front cover that is always black. Our new APO-LANTHAR 50 mm F3.5 VM is optimized for both film and digital VM rangefinder cameras and can of course also be used on mirrorless digital cameras using an adapter.
