Cosina will release a new VM mount lens, the COLOR-SKOPAR 50mm F2.2 VM under the Voigtlander brand, in July 2024. The suggested retail price is 82,500 yen as listed, which is approx. $525 US dollars.
The COLOR-SKOPAR 50mm F2.2 is a manual focus standard lens optimized for full-size M-mount sensors. The newly designed optical system has an open F value of F2.2, so even though it is a standard lens with a focal length of 50mm, the overall length of the product is kept to just 30mm from the mount surface.
The lens configuration, which exhibits excellent optical performance from the maximum aperture of F2.2, is made up of seven elements in six groups, including three elements of anomalous partial dispersion glass. It is compact, highly mobile, and an all-purpose lens.
Equipped with a high-precision rangefinder linkage mechanism, it is said to offer the silky feel of the all-metal helicoid, as well as the thrill of focusing using a traditional rangefinder.
The minimum shooting distance is 0.7m (varies depending on the camera) linked to the rangefinder, but by using a helicoid that can be extended, it is possible to achieve 0.5m. The lens body is equipped with a focusing lever that is easy to grip, allowing for quick and reliable focus operation despite its compact appearance.
By memorizing the relationship between the position of the focusing lever and the distance scale, you can set the approximate distance at which you want to focus in advance without having to look at the numbers engraved on the lens barrel.
The exterior of the camera body is available in two finishes: black and silver. A compact straight-type hood in the same color as the camera body is included, which does not block the rangefinder window of the rangefinder camera.
By removing the hood, the overall length from the mount will be 30mm, which will make it easier to carry and take out of a bag. The filter diameter is a traditional, compact φ39mm.
The optical design of the Voigtlander COLOR-SKOPAR 50mm F2.2 has been optimized for use with rangefinder digital and film cameras, but it is also designed to be used with mirrorless digital cameras through the use of a mount adapter, making it suitable for shooting on a variety of platforms beyond the scope of rangefinder camera
