Voigtländer Heliar 50mm f/2

Voigtländer Heliar 50mm f/2

This lens is notable for reviving the historic Heliar name in a fast, compact normal lens for the Leica M mount. It was produced by Cosina under the Voigtländer brand and introduced in 2006 as the Heliar Classic, released to mark the firm's 250th anniversary alongside a Bessa R2M rangefinder body [1][3]. The optical layout is a modern interpretation of the classic Heliar design rather than the more common double-Gauss approach used by most fast 50mm lenses of the period. Reviewers describe the Heliar as a five-glass, three-group Cooke triplet derivative in which both the front and rear elements are split into cemented doublets, similar in principle to the APO-Lanthar, with the f/2 maximum aperture representing an unusually fast result for that configuration [1].

The lens is a collapsible, all-metal design weighing about 260 g, which is heavier than a comparable rigid lens of similar glass [1]. Rather than a focusing tab, it uses a slim focusing collar on the fixed part of the mount, and reviewers note that a finger spur would have been even easier to use on a collapsible barrel [1]. The aperture ring is unusual in spacing: f/2 to f/8 are roughly evenly spaced with half-stop click detents, while f/11 and f/16 sit closer together with full-stop detents only, and there is no f/22 as found on many other Voigtländer lenses [1]. The distance scale runs to a traditional minimum focus of 1 m and is engraved in meters only, and the lens is rangefinder coupled for use on M-mount and compatible bodies [1]. The five-element, three-group construction is documented consistently across sources [2][3].

The Heliar 50mm f/2 exists in more than one form and finish, which is a common point of confusion. The anniversary M-mount Heliar Classic was offered in black and silver and carries the "1756-2006 250 Jahre" engraving shared with its companion Bessa body [1][3]. A separate nickel-plated version was sold in Leica screw mount (M39) with an infinity lock, a finish unusual among Voigtländer lenses, which are normally black or silver chrome [2]. Buyers should confirm the exact mount, finish, and engraving when identifying a specific example.

Optical qualities

Rendering Documentation of this lens is limited compared with mass-market 50mm lenses, but the available material points to a classic, contrasty rendering. The simple Heliar construction is described as producing a contrasty image, and reviewers characterize the lens as having a distinct optical signature that is more legible than usual, while noting that at this level of build and design, sharpness, contrast, and resolving power can generally be taken for granted [1].

Contrast and color The triplet-derived design is reported to give good contrast, a trait that older Heliar formulas were known for [1].

History

Development and Launch The Heliar 50mm f/2 Classic was introduced in 2006 as part of Voigtländer's 250th anniversary program under Cosina. It was paired with the Bessa R2M, a mechanical-shutter coupled rangefinder, and both items carried matching anniversary engraving [1][3]. The choice of a Heliar formula, rather than the more common fast double-Gauss, deliberately referenced Voigtländer's historic lens heritage [1].

Special editions The lens is itself tied to the 250 Jahre anniversary release, and the M-mount Heliar Classic was sold in black and silver finishes [1][3]. A nickel-plated screw-mount (M39) version with an infinity lock was also marketed, distinguished by its finish and mount [2].

Collector Notes When identifying an example, verify the mount and finish, since both an M-mount Heliar Classic and a nickel-plated M39 version exist [1][2]. The anniversary lens should carry the "1756-2006 250 Jahre" engraving consistent with its companion body [1]. Note that some published specification listings disagree on details such as blade count, weight, and finish; LeicaLensList records eleven aperture blades, a weight of 260 g, and a black finish for the M-mount lens, while at least one specification source lists a different blade count and a lighter weight for the nickel screw-mount version [2].

Sources

• [1] Shutterbug (Roger Hicks and Frances Schultz). Voigtländer's Bessa R3M and 50mm f/2 Heliar Classic Lens; A Retro Classic, Page 2. https://www.shutterbug.com/content/voigtlnder%E2%80%99s-bessa-r3m-and-50mm-f2-heliar-classic-lens-retro-classic-page-2
• [2] Photography Life. Voigtlander Heliar 50mm f/2. https://photographylife.com/lenses/voigtlander-heliar-50mm-f2
• [3] Kamerastore. Voigtländer 50mm f2 Heliar Classic (250 Jahre) - Lens. https://kamerastore.com/en-us/products/voigtl-nder-50mm-f2-heliar-classic-250-jahre-leica-m