Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/12/27
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I certainly concur with everything that Gerry has stated. I recently tested the Bessa L with the Heliar 15 and was shocked at the quality. I used Delta 400 in Xtol and the three frames that I chose to enlarge easily went to 11x14. I hand-held the camera and was not exactly level on many of the shots. This of course is absolutely essential with this lense. The curvature of the eye piece made it somewhat difficult to align with a vertical image. A built-in bubble level would have been nice. This lens has got to be one of the best values of this century. If you are into wide angle photography this is a must and at $2000 less than the Zeiss Halogon it is a bargain. I was also pleasantly surprised by the Bessa. Although certainly not in the Leica quality category it was light and quiet. Bob << I haven't been able to compare the Heliar with the older Leica lenses, nor would I have any great wish to, but I have been using it fairly extensively on my latest exhibition project and can confirm everything that is written about it. I am getting really good results, including contre jour images which are flair free and very sharp. I certainly would not want to be without it now, and if I were in your position I would not hesitate buying one of the Voigtlaender lenses. If later finances get better then you may wish to move to Leica glass but I think these lenses will keep you very happy for a long time to come. Gerry Gerry Walden (UK) >>