Leitz Colorplan 90/2.5 [V2]

Version 2 slide projector lens for Leica Pradovit. Silver metal barrel, black plastic nose. Marked ‘Leitz Wetzlar  Made in Germany’. Later versions have markings on front, rather than side, of nose.

Compare
Category:
Weight 132 g
Dimensions 90 mm
Focal Length (mm)

Max Aperture (f)

Min Aperture (f)

Aperture Blades

Elements

Sharp (Far)

Rear Mount

Front Thread

Flange-Focal Distance (mm @ ∞)

RF/L Extension (mm)

Production

Serial Numbers

Bokeh Character

Stars

Reviews

  1. 16:9

    Reviewed as a projector lens, Chasseur d’Images magazine awarded V1 and V2 Leitz/Leica Colorplans 5/5 for image quality. This later six-element [V2] is often said to be an upgrade over the five-element [V1]. As taking lenses, both are well known and relative bargains if you can live with the fixed f2.8 aperture.
    The [V2] is actually less sharp in Zone 1 than the older lens, but clearly improves on it in Zone 3. Its bokeh is also slightly smoother: with much less cat-eye deformation in Zones 2/3, and less of a ‘smeared’ quality. In fact, time and again, this lens was considered to generate the creamiest and most attractive bokeh of all the fast 90mm lenses: free of soap bubbles and often surprisingly painterly and well blended. The coatings are better, too – but of course, when using a lens like this, flare is a given (and not always unwelcome) part of the package.
    Don’t expect particularly impressive sharpness – especially away from its Zone 1 sweet spot, this version of the Colorplan resolves poorly even compared to the Rollei/Schneider and Agfa/Braun versions and so doesn’t rise above a Bronze rating, even though it outresolves the original Colorplan slightly centre frame at all distances. For a projector lens, chromatic aberrations are well controlled, too: this isn’t a perfectly corrected lens, but it’s not bad.
    Overall, the Colorplan deserves its reputation: for many it’s the first PJ lens to try. Fitted to the Leica’s Pradovit series it’s common enough, and at present prices, it’s almost inconsequential that it carries a small premium over lesser known but equally good alternatives. It therefore remains a top recommendation.

Add a review

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related to . . .