Voigtlander Portrait Heliar 75mm F1.8

Early reviews treat it as a character lens rather than a resolution tool. In the neutral position it is reasonably sharp in the centre from f/1.8 and good across the frame by f/2.8–f/4, while the SA ring offers a wide, visible range of looks; reviewers find subtle settings most useful and the extremes more of an effect.

The documented caveats are that changing the SA setting shifts focus and can move exposure by up to a third of a stop, so you refocus after adjusting, and that 'under' settings darken the corners. Its simple design shows some colour fringing and flare compared with modern APO lenses.

Owners enjoy the creative control, often comparing it to having a soft-focus portrait lens and a crisp 75mm in one. The build and handling are praised, and many use it for portraits, weddings and still life.

Complaints include the need to refocus after moving the SA ring, the 0.7m close focus, the f/11 minimum aperture and the price for a six-element design. Some users find themselves leaving it near neutral most of the time.