12 More Frames of CMS II

Even though the title of this post refers to the wonderful Adox CMS 20 II (in this case, shot at ISO 25). I really want to use this space to talk about the 24mm f/11 Chroma Double Glass, fixed focus, fixed aperture lens. When I list its main attributes, I have to admit that it sounds pretty limited, obviously not a lens for slow films and low light. In addition, its overall soft focus (except for the very central area of sharp focus) make it a lens that definitely won't suit everyone. Or even everyone with a Leica screw mount (LTM) camera.

So on paper at least, the Double Glass doesn't sound like all that much, but I believe that judging this lens solely on its specs would be misleading. The little Chroma lens is without a doubt my most compact lens and it's so simple that I don't worry about taking it out in somewhat adverse conditions. Not having to (or being able to) set either the focus or aperture is a kind of liberation in itself. I've never been much attracted to point and shoots (other than my Jelly Lens UWS camera) because I prefer to control the exposure, but this lens seems the best of both worlds, at least for me.

I have to say that initially I was a bit put off by the super soft frame edges this lens gives, but I've really grown to love that. The center is sharp enough and it's quite a contrasty lens, so the softness everywhere that's not dead center and increasing to outright blurriness on the edges gives images taken with this lens a very unique look, sort of a blend of old and new to my mind.

It certainly won't displace my beautifully sharp Voigtlander (Cosina) lenses when I'm looking for absolute sharpness, but it has earned a place in my heart as one of my favorite three lenses.

The photos below, again are from the same roll as yesterdays post, shot with the Chroma and Leica Ic combo and developed in Adotech IV.