Voigtlander 21cm f4.5 Apo Lanthar, Compound 6745070 - 1400854
This Voigtlander 21cm f4.5 APO-Lanthar Lens, #6745070, is in great condition with minor handling wear. I rate it cosmetically a (9+). The glass is clean and clear with no haze, marks, or fungus. There are a few faint specks of dust inside, but they do not affect image quality. This lens has coverage up to 5x7" and a 55 degree angle of view. The included Compound shutter is in similar condition, also rated a (9+). The shutter speed wheel and aperture lever are smooth, and the shutter is accurate at all speeds above 5, but occasionally a bit fast at 1 and 2. The aperture functions properly. This lens includes a retaining ring and front & rear caps.
What Our Experts Think
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Exceptional Optical Quality – The Voigtländer 21cm f/4.5 Apo Lanthar features advanced apochromatic (APO) design, which minimizes color fringing and delivers outstanding sharpness, clarity, and contrast, making it ideal for high-precision, high-quality photography.
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Compact and Lightweight – Despite its full-frame capabilities, the lens is compact and lightweight, making it a perfect choice for photographers seeking a portable telephoto option for travel, landscape, or portraiture.
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Beautiful Color Rendition – Thanks to the Apo Lanthar design, this lens offers accurate color reproduction, making your photos rich and vibrant with natural tonal transitions.
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Sleek and Durable Build – Constructed with a robust yet lightweight build, the lens offers excellent durability while maintaining a compact form, ideal for both professional and amateur photographers alike.
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Sharpness Across the Frame – The lens delivers consistent sharpness throughout the frame, from edge to edge, even when shot wide open, ensuring that no details are lost in your images.
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Manual Focus Control – The well-weighted, smooth manual focus ring offers precise control, especially valuable when focusing on subjects at a distance.
Q&A
Q: What type of lens is the Voigtlander 21cm f/4.5 Apo Lanthar?
A: The Voigtlander 21cm f/4.5 Apo Lanthar is a medium format lens designed for use with cameras featuring the Compound lens mount. It is part of the Apo Lanthar series known for its exceptional optical performance, particularly in terms of sharpness and color accuracy.
Q: What makes the Voigtlander 21cm f/4.5 Apo Lanthar unique?
A: This lens features high-end optical design with the use of lanthanum glass, which helps achieve exceptional clarity, minimal chromatic aberration, and excellent color fidelity. Its f/4.5 aperture offers a balanced combination of depth of field and light-gathering ability.
Q: Is the Voigtlander 21cm f/4.5 Apo Lanthar suitable for portraits?
A: While the 21cm focal length and f/4.5 aperture are not ideal for typical close-up portraiture, the lens produces very sharp, detailed images with pleasing bokeh, making it suitable for certain portrait styles, particularly those that involve more environmental or outdoor settings.
Q: What camera systems is the Voigtlander 21cm f/4.5 Apo Lanthar compatible with?
A: The lens is designed for medium format cameras with the Compound lens mount. It's important to confirm compatibility with your specific camera model, but it is primarily used with medium format systems.
Q: Does the Voigtlander 21cm f/4.5 Apo Lanthar feature any special coatings?
A: Yes, the lens uses multi-layer coatings to reduce flare and ghosting, enhancing contrast and image quality even in challenging lighting conditions.
Q: Is this lens manual focus or autofocus?
A: The Voigtlander 21cm f/4.5 Apo Lanthar is a manual focus lens, providing precise control over focus for photographers who prefer a more hands-on, traditional approach to photography.
Maintenance Tips
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Lens Cleaning: Use a blower to remove dust and debris, then gently clean the lens surface with a microfiber cloth and lens-safe cleaning solution. Avoid using rough materials to prevent scratches.
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Storage: Store the lens in a cool, dry location, ideally in a padded case or bag to protect it from impact, dust, and moisture. Always keep both front and rear lens caps on when the lens is not in use.
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Lens Cap: Always use the front and rear lens caps when the lens is not in use to protect the glass from dust, dirt, and scratches. Consider using a UV or clear filter for additional protection from dust and scratches.
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Avoid Direct Sunlight: Long exposure to direct sunlight can degrade lens coatings. Store the lens in a shaded area when not in use, and avoid keeping it in direct sunlight for extended periods.
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Focus Ring Care: Handle the focus ring gently, and avoid using excessive force. Smooth adjustments help prevent wear on the internal components and maintain focusing accuracy.
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Weather Protection: While durable, the lens should be protected from extreme weather conditions like heavy rain, snow, or humidity. In case of exposure to moisture, dry the lens carefully with a microfiber cloth.
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Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect the lens for dust buildup, signs of wear, or damage around the mount and focusing mechanism. Ensure that the aperture blades move freely and the mount is secure.
