Voigtlander Color-Skopar 21mm f3.5 Aspherical VM Type II Lens for Leica M

Cosina has unveiled the updated Voigtlander COLOR-SKOPAR Vintage Line 21mm F3.5 Aspherical VM Type II lens in a classic style with the latest optical design for Leica M mount cameras. Voigtländer’s “Vintage Line” series are manual lenses that combine the appearance, reminiscent of the retro style of classic lenses while being equipped with the most modern optical performance.

The COLOR-SKOPAR Vintage Line 21mm F3.5 Aspherical VM Type II is a 21mm wide-angle lens with 9 elements in 8 groups. The company says the moderate F3.5 aperture allows for a compact body and a high aperture ratio.

Thanks to the use of aspherical lenses in the optical design, the lens length is only 30 mm, the optical performance is maintained even at wide-open apertures. The minimum focal length is 50 cm. The lens is designed for digital and film cameras with a rangefinder; it can be mounted using an adapter on a mirrorless camera.

The previously released 21mm f3.5 Vintage Line Type I was designed in the 1950s style, but the new COLOR-SKOPAR Vintage Line 21mm F3.5 Aspherical VM Type II mimics the look of lenses from the late 1970s. The optical design has not undergone significant changes, it has the same design as the Type I lens, but the appearance of the lens has been updated.

The focus ring provides quick and easy manual focusing. The body is made of metal and is available in silver and black designs. The set includes an aluminum hood LH-11, the surface of which is coated with a special paint that reduces glare, the hood is quickly attached and detached.

Price and availability

Voigtlander Color-Skopar 21mm f3.5 Aspherical VM Type II has been priced at $799 and is finally available to pre-order via the Bhphotovideo.com website.

Voigtlander Color-Skopar 21mm f3.5 Aspherical VM Type II specifications

• Focal length: 21mm
• Caliber ratio: 1: 3.5
• Minimum aperture: F22
• Lens configuration: 9 elements in 8 groups
• Angle of view: 91.0 °
• Number of diaphragm blades: 10 sheets
• Shortest shooting distance: 0.5m
• Rangefinder interlocking range: ∞ ～ 0.7m (depending on the camera)
• Maximum diameter x total length: φ52 x 30.0 mm
• Filter size: φ39mm
• Weight: 220g
• Lens hood: LH-11 (sold separately)

Earlier this month, Leica has introduced its Leica Q2 Reporter is designed for the harsh operating conditions of reportage and press photographers. It is provided with protective armoring made of Kevlar, a synthetic fiber that is also used for the manufacture of protective equipment, instead of the traditional leather covering.