Voigtlander Color Skopar L 35mm F2.5C

A review and Photo example of the Voigtlander Color Skopar L 35mm F2.5C with the EPSON R-D1.

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Table of contents

Gallery

The sample photo were taken with the EPSON R-D1

Review

1．Overview

The Voigtlander Color Skopar L 35mm F2.5C is a wide-angle lens with an L39 screw mount from Cosina Voigtlander.

The lens consists of seven elements in five groups, and has a minimum focusing distance of 0.7m.
The lens mount is a Leica M-compatible VM mount, and is compatible with rangefinder cameras’ rangefinders up to 0.7m.
The filter diameter is 39mm, and is attached by screwing it onto the front of the lens.

2．Usability

Like other Color Skopar lenses, the Voigtlander Color Skopar L 35mm F2.5C is a compact lens, more than one size smaller than the previously released ULTRON 35mm F1.7, making it highly portable.
The small lens barrel houses seven elements in five groups and is equipped with a pin-type focusing lever, making the lens easy to operate. If you prefer, the Color Skopar 50mm’s bifurcated focusing lever is easier to use and fits your finger better.

The LH-2 hood is available for both the Color Skopar 50mm and the Color Skopar 50mm. This is a high-quality hood with a crepe-finished surface that can also be attached to the Sonnar 40mm for the Rollei RF.
Rollei has also released a hood of the same shape bearing the Rollei logo.

The Color Skopar 35mm is also available in a P-type lens, designated F2.5P, with the following differences:

• Body design
• The lens is 5,000 yen cheaper.
• The minimum focusing distance is 0.9m, similar to the specifications of the Barnack Leica.

While the lens construction is the same, there is little reason to choose the P-type due to the minimum focusing distance limitations. Be careful when purchasing a used lens.

3．Summary

In conclusion, to sum up the Voigtlander Color Skopar L 35mm F2.5C, it is a compact lens for rangefinders. Its affordable price makes it a good choice for those new to 35mm lenses. If you are considering purchasing one, it is best to get the C-type or VM-mount version, which has a minimum focusing distance of 0.7m.

Specifications, considerations, etc.

Although the lens specs are mediocre, due to the popular 35mm focal length, it appears to have sold in fair numbers and is often seen on the used market, and as of 2024, the price has not risen significantly and remains reasonable. Due to the high competition in the 35mm focal length range, this lens has a low profile, but even if you just happen to use it, it is a reasonable price to play around with, so it would be a good candidate if you are looking to add to your 35mm range.

Cosina’s Voigtländer brand has a huge range of 35mm lenses, including the Nokton with the fastest aperture of f/1.2, the Nokton with the next fastest aperture of f/1.4, the Ultron with f/1.7, the Ultron with f/2, the Apollanther with f/2, and three Color Skopar with f/3.5.

Items	NOKTON (First)	NOKTON Classic (First)	ULTRON (First)	COLOR SKOPAR (C-type)
Focal length(mm)	35	35	35	35
Max aperture	1.2	1.4	1.7	2.5
Min aperture	22	16	←	22
Leaf blade	12	10	←	←
Lens Construction	10elements in7groups	8elements in 6groups	8elements in 6groups	7elements in 5groups
Min distance(m)	0.7	←	0.9	0.7
Lens length(mm)	77.8	28.5	47.7 (with Cylindrical hood)	31 (with Cylindrical hood)
Max diameter(mm)	63	55	55	49.5
Filter Size(mm)	52	39	39	39
Lens Hood	LH-3	LH-6	IROOA compatible hood	LH-2
Weight(g)	490	200	203	116
Lens Mount	VM	VM	L39	L39
Release date	2003	2008.01	1999.08	1999.03
Price(Yen/No-tax)	135,000-	75,000(SC/MC)	65,000(Silver) 68,000(Black)	35,000(C-type) 30,000(P-type)

Reference links

• COSINA Product PDF(Color Skopar 35mm)・Dead link
• COSINA Product PDF・Link by WebArchive
• Leica lenses around the world Part 3・Ads by Amazon
• “Stylish pancake” COLOR-SKOPAR 35mm F2.5 P II

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Update

• 2025.8.19
• 2024.05.13