RE: [Leica] 50mm f1.5 Nokton question

[Jeremy Kime <jeremy.kime@bbc.co.uk>]

Horst,
I think that one of the very distinctive things that Cosina have achieved is
promote this impression of 'retro-ness'. The weird numbers of the maximum
apertures certainly adds top this. I would have much preferred f1.4, f2, and
f2.8 but where would the quirkyness and (perverse) attrraction be in that? 
As you comment, the f1.5 aperture of the Nokton is perhaps the only
justifiable name that was used. the others were merely coerced into vaguely
applicable lenses in place of a more truthful modern name being created.
The point of speculation I find interesting to consider is whether there
would have been as much interest in this range of lenses and cameras if they
had not tied in with the Voigtlander brand names and the funny apertures.
Would there sales have been 100%, 75 or as low as 50%? I
 wonder if they did any market research prior to release or whether they've
done any since? Perhaps a return question on the registration sheet could
ask, "Would you have bought this lens if it had been designated a Cosinon
50/1.4?" I suspect that if people were honest, some might well say 'no'.
Thoughts?

Jem
> -----Original Message-----
> From:	A.H.SCHMIDT [SMTP:horsts@primus.com.au]
> 
> I imagine, the reason why the the Nocton is at f 1.5, was, purely an
> accident
> Conica managed to draw the correct name and focal length out of a head.
> This
> lens really existed once. I have one. Now they must have thought, if we
> get 3 out of 3 right
> so far,we may as well try to get the 3rd parameter right. And so they did.
> All the other Cosina-Voigtlander lenses never really existed. There was
> never a
> 35mmScopar, especially not with a Gauss type configuration. It was always
> a Tessar
> copyand only available for the 35mm Cameras in a 50mm focal length. And
> roughly in
> about a75 mm and 105mm configuration for the larger format. Always in a
> Tessar layout.
> In 35mm format it never was faster than f2.8.The same goes for the Heliar.
> Completely miss named and miss leading for a 35mm
> camera.In my opinion, Cosina could not care less about the history or the
> accuracy of
> this lens names. It is a shame. But then what do you expect, if a company
> is to
> ashamed to usethere own name on the products they manufacture.
> Now, after having said this, I would appreciate, if none of you LUGers
> accuse me
> of making racially negative remarks. I would have written  the same, if a
> company from the US, Germany, France or even Upper Volta had done this.
> I am just not impressed.  I do owe a small company, but have never been
> ashamed
> to put my own Brand Name on to my products.
> 
> Regards, Horst Schmidt
> 
> 
> 
> 
>