This is a bit of an odd lens. Fully manual, but for M43s. Max Aperture of F0.95, like a Noctilux, but not really in depth of field given the difference in sensor size. The problem with it is that it is unduly soft wide open. Apparently. It’s never bothered me.

In all honesty the results this lens produces are nothing short of magical wide open. It has an almost dreamy quality. It also gives you back the DOF control you lose (relatively) in moving to M43s.

Stopped down, it is so sharp you get paper cuts…

Honestly, while I can’t claim its combination with the E-M5 is comparable to a M9 and summilux, it isn’t so far off.

Sometimes I wonder if the reason that M43s never got focus peaking is largely because it’s overblown cr*p for stills work… I joke, but I’ve never thought in using a manual lens on mirrorless cameras that I would prefer peaking to magnification for critical focus. Put it this way, assigning a function button to magnification is pretty much essential, whether using peaking or not.

So I had no qualms about this lens from a focusing point of view (thought it probably helps owning a rangefinder as well). What’s more of a problem is its size and weight. All metal construction and lots of glass = heavy. Combined with the length of the lens that means two handed, methodical shooting. That said, it’s still fun, particularly when you realise the lens benefits from stabilisation on the E-M5.

As you’ll see from the next shot, the DOF is razor thin – eyes in focus, nose not!

There is an optical issue that is irritating, CA. That said, it’s easily fixed in post. The biggest issue I have with this lens is that I don’t use it enough!

So in the negatives side of the column we have CA and weight/size and in the positives we have just about everything else.

Personally, I can’t believe I haven’t used this lens more. I suspect the only real reason is that, owning an M9, when I feel like I will be slow and methodical I will take that. Having said that, taking this and a couple of the other classic primes (e.g. the 12 and 45) allows you vast flexibility.

That said, having used this lens to shoot a family lunch this weekend I decided to buy the 25mm Voigtlander as well. Oh well, in for a penny…