M-mount Classic Normal Lens
This is probably the most quirky currently-in-production lens for the M-mount, looking more like a mini Dalek from Dr. Who than a boring camera lens. The black and silver vintage design is reminiscent of famous Voigtländer classics from the 19th century but apparently is a modern lens design.
This is first look at the specs, the exterior and the initial impression of the lens. Stay tuned for a more detailed review and sample pictures taken with this lens!
This normal lens consists of 5 lenses in 3 groups and has a minimum focusing distance of 0.7m. The maximum aperture is f3.5 (yes you read that correctly, not 1.5 but 3.5!) which means the lens is not very fast nor will generate a lot of bokeh in typical situations.
However, with its 10 aperture blades, Voigtländer claims it can deliver exceptionally smooth bokeh. Well, we shall certainly find out, though it may be a challenge to find a situation where we can experience that bokeh!
The lens also comes with a small black metal hood (with a matching black metal lens cap with the Voigtländer logo printed on it) which if anything adds to the quirky experience. The filter size is 27mm which is extremely unusual but I doubt most owners will ever want to attach a filter to this lens
Although designed to be used by M-mount rangefinder cameras such as the Leica M series, the lens can also be used on many current digital camera models using adapters.
Specifications
| Focal Length | 50 mm |
| Aperture Ratio | 1:3.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | F 22 |
| Lens Construction | 5 elements in 3 groups |
| Angle of View | 46° |
| Aperture Blades | 10 |
| Minimum Focus | 0.7 m |
| Maximum Diameter | 52 mm |
| Length | 43.2 mm |
| Mount | M-mount (VM) |
| Weight | 187 g |
| Filter Size | 27 mm |
| Color | black & silver |
| Others | “screw-in”-type lens hood, clickless aperture, rotating front element, rangefinder can be combined |
Unboxing and Closeup Photos
The lens comes in a standard Voigtländer packaging, with a small manual.
Please click on any photo to view in a lightbox. Use arrow keys or swipe to navigate.
![Heliar-50mm-VM (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [42mm,f4,1/60s,ISO800])](/_astro/Heliar-50mm-VM.Bq7KWwxx.jpeg)
Heliar-50mm-VM (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [42mm,f4,1/60s,ISO800]) ![Heliar-50mm-VM-1 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [39mm,f4,1/60s,ISO640])](/_astro/Heliar-50mm-VM-1.8XOd4TFP.jpeg)
Heliar-50mm-VM-1 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [39mm,f4,1/60s,ISO640]) ![Heliar-50mm-VM-2 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [70mm,f4,1/80s,ISO1600])](/_astro/Heliar-50mm-VM-2.DnlUhJ8W.jpeg)
Heliar-50mm-VM-2 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [70mm,f4,1/80s,ISO1600]) ![Heliar-50mm-VM-3 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [70mm,f4,1/80s,ISO640])](/_astro/Heliar-50mm-VM-3.Cs5ExM81.jpeg)
Heliar-50mm-VM-3 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [70mm,f4,1/80s,ISO640]) ![Heliar-50mm-VM-4 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [70mm,f4,1/80s,ISO800])](/_astro/Heliar-50mm-VM-4.Bxejw0WR.jpeg)
Heliar-50mm-VM-4 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [70mm,f4,1/80s,ISO800]) ![Heliar-50mm-VM-5 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [70mm,f4,1/80s,ISO500])](/_astro/Heliar-50mm-VM-5.hT6YCC_1.jpeg)
Heliar-50mm-VM-5 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [70mm,f4,1/80s,ISO500]) ![Heliar-50mm-VM-6 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [70mm,f4,1/80s,ISO400])](/_astro/Heliar-50mm-VM-6.Cuf7Fmey.jpeg)
Heliar-50mm-VM-6 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [70mm,f4,1/80s,ISO400]) Lens mounted on a Leica M10
Please click on any photo to view in a lightbox. Use arrow keys or swipe to navigate.
![Heliar-50mm-VM-7 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [70mm,f4,1/80s,ISO800])](/_astro/Heliar-50mm-VM-7.BvRiwvbV.jpeg)
Heliar-50mm-VM-7 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [70mm,f4,1/80s,ISO800]) ![Heliar-50mm-VM-8 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [70mm,f4,1/80s,ISO800])](/_astro/Heliar-50mm-VM-8.DIWoI766.jpeg)
Heliar-50mm-VM-8 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [70mm,f4,1/80s,ISO800]) Initial Impressions
There is no doubt this is beautiful looking lens and looks really unique mounted on any body. On the Leica M10 it create a look that is both retro and futuristic at the same time, with a hint of steampunk.
The aperture control is continuous and has a tendency to be accidentally moved when adjusting focus. After a while, I was used to it. Also the entire lens barrel (along with the aperture ring) rotates when the focus ring is moved.
