The Rebel’s Bargain
In the kingdom of M-mount optics, where Leica’s 28mm f/1.4 ASPH reigns at 6,000+,Voigtla¨nder’sVM28mmf/2emergesastheRobinHoodofrangefinders.This6,000+,Voigtla¨nder’sVM28mmf/2emergesastheRobinHoodofrangefinders.This500 aluminum haiku—crafted by Cosina’s optical samurais—delivers 85% Leica performance at 20% cost. For digital shooters craving f/2 drama without M-Aspherical tax, it’s the ultimate gateway drug to wide-angle addiction.
Mechanical Poetry
- Chassis Pragmatism
- Dimensions: 52mm x 45mm—slimmer than a Leica Summicron
- Weight: 230g (8.1oz)—lighter than a Fuji X100V
- Aesthetic: Matte black finish hiding its budget soul
- Mechanical Nuance
- Focus Throw: 120° from 0.5m to ∞—street shooter’s quickdraw
- Aperture Clicks: 10-blade iris slicing light like a sushi chef
Optical Scripture
| Aspect | VM 28mm f/2 | Leica Summicron 28mm f/2 |
|---|---|---|
| Center Sharpness | 50 lp/mm @ f/2 | 55 lp/mm @ f/2 |
| Color Rendering | Fuji Velvia saturation | Kodak Ektachrome balance |
| Vignetting | -2.5EV @ f/2 (moody) | -1.5EV @ f/2 (polite) |
| Price (2025) | 500–500–700 | 4,500–4,500–5,500 |
| Soul | Indie rock anthem | Classical symphony |
The Digital Paradox
- M8/M9 Savior: Transforms CCD’s clinical gaze into Velvia-esque pop
- High ISO Reality: f/2 allows M240 to dance at ISO 6400 (grain as texture)
- Flare Control: Single-coated ghosts add “vintage” flair to digital sterility
The Leica Complex
Cosina’s clever trick:
- 90% ASPH Bite: Center sharpness shames 1990s Leica glass
- 10% Quirks: Edge smearing at f/2 = “artistic license”
- Mental Gymnastics: “It’s not Leica…but look at the price!”
Who Should Buy This?
✓ M-Mount Newbies: Dipping toes in 28mm waters
✓ Film/Digital Hybrids: Needing f/2 speed for low-light film
✓ ASPH Curious: Testing 28mm love before Leica plunge
Avoid If: You pixel-peep edges or need weather sealing.
Final Verdict: The Guilty Pleasure
The VM 28mm f/2 is optical fast food—sinfully good yet nutritionally questionable. For the price of a Leica hood, you gain:
- Permission to shoot f/2 drama without mortgage guilt
- Proof that “character” often trumps technical perfection
- A stepping stone to Leica addiction (or recovery)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 (for realists) | ⭐⭐/5 (for Leica clergy)
A lens that winks: ‘Rules? I ate them for breakfast.’
Pro Tips:
- Filter Fix: B+W 486 UV/IR cut tames magenta edges on M8
- Zone Focus Hack: Paint 2m mark with neon nail polish
- CLA Caution: Don’t bother—buy another copy if it breaks
Aluminum song,
Twenty-eight millimeters—
Poor man’s light bends cheap.
