Summicron 35 V3

[HSI]

Sorry to beat a dead horse,
but I would like to know what you feel about
this lens taking into consideration the V4 is way
overpriced and the Summaron 35/2.8 is overly
overpriced for what it is (a cheap V1 Summicron)
-
I've seen them range in price all over the gambit,
and I would like to know what you think this lens
would be worth in varying conditions.

 

[ferider]

You should be able to get a good user with clean glass for US 700 or so,
if you are patient.

Great lens.

Roland.

 

[Shac]

This glass is excellent - I used to have one and can vouch for it -
David

 

[waileong]

I don't think v4 is overpriced if v3 user is 700. A v4 user would probably cost 900, only a 200 premium, less than a night's stay in a New York hotel. And you'll get it back when you resell the lens.

 

[vrgard]

I don't think v4 is overpriced if v3 user is 700. A v4 user would probably cost 900, only a 200 premium, less than a night's stay in a New York hotel. And you'll get it back when you resell the lens.

I think the problem is that the price of the v4 has been going up and now typically costs more than $900.

-Randy

 

[ferider]

1) v4 costs more than US 900 as Randy states.
2) everybody talks about v4 bokeh, I recommend to do a search on flare behavior
3) when you are above US 800, a variety of other outstanding lenses enter the competition, like a new UC Hexanon 35/2, Zeiss Biogon, CV Nokton, etc.

 

[HSI]

Well the example I'm looking at is under $500 at a local shop.
Haven't got to check it out, but sounds like it might be to good
to be true.

 

[skhan]

For under $500, if it works, buy it! Mine has multiple scratches on the front element, still does not flare a bit, and sharp enough for me.

 

[ferider]

Yes. Go for it. Even if you have to have it CLA'ed it's still a good deal.
Just check for fungus.

Roland.

 

[HSI]

Well I'll have to go check it out, see how it looks.
If its nice, I'll buy it. If it's thrash, I'll talk them down.

 

[kevin m]

I think the problem is that the price of the v4 has been going up and now typically costs more than $900.

Much more. They've been going for about $1,500 lately. Crazy money.

 

[venchka]

Last year I missed the same v. 3 35mm Summicron here TWICE! The first time I didn't see the ad until somebody spoke for it. That deal fell through. It came back again. This time for under $800. While I was "thinking on it", it sold again.

What's your point Wayne? If you can get a good one for under $800 do it. Do it fast! Or go find a nice gently used Biogon, UC-Hexanon, or CV Nokton for about the same price. They're just lenses you know.

 

[HSI]

So for under $500 you think its worth it?
I mean I love my Leica lenses, but its just so much, but so cheap.

 

[HSI]

Well I bit the bullet and purchased the lens outright
from the camera store. Problem is, I'm not sure what version I have.
- The inscription on the front is:
"Leitz Lens Made in Canada"
- While the serial number is on the aperature ring and is 3356XXXX.
-
So does this mean I picked up a Canada made V4 Summicron?

 

[HSI]

Bump?
Answers?

 

[venchka]

Some folks would argue that the v. 3 is the better of those two. Actually, I read somewhere that optically the v. 2 & the v. 3 were one and the same.

I also suppose it matters what condition the lens is in. Especially the optical bits.

What do the various serial number listings say? Isn't there a list at CameraQuest?

 

[kipkeston]

you can check here

http://www.summilux.net/numeros/index.php

 

[venchka]

From our Head Bartender's site:

From our Head Bartender's site:

Third version 1973-1979 black only from 2646001, E39 filter or Series VII/hood 6 elements
Fourth version 1980 to 1998. Sadly discontinued with intro of 35/2 ASPH lens. black and chrome E39 filters. Recognizable by aperture control ring's oval shape. The portion with F/stops is smaller and of a smaller diameter. The gripping portion of the aperture control ring has a larger diameter with serrations. This set up is VERY easy to use. Chrome versions are handsome, but significantly heavier than the black. Earlier lenses have "LEITZ LENS MADE IN CANADA" on filter ring while serial number is on the BACK edge of the aperture control ring. Later variation has "LEICA" on filter ring along with the serial number. A lot of these very fine lenses are on the market now, being traded in on the 35 ASP lenses. Lower prices make them great buys. Sure, the 35ASP is slightly better wide open, but at smaller apertures you will be hard pressed to tell the difference. My own favorite. 7 elements

Sounds like you got a deal if you want that lens. If you don't, sell it for double or treble your purchase price and buy 2 or 3 lenses you really want.

Either way, you done good!

 

[HSI]

Sounds like you got a deal if you want that lens. If you don't, sell it for double or treble your purchase price and buy 2 or 3 lenses you really want.

Either way, you done good!

I'm feeling pretty good now,
got a V4 35/2, Current 90/2.8, and a 50/2 DR.
-
Now I just need to upgrade from the frankenstein of
a body to something a little more mondern.
-
Anyone got an M4 that isn't overpriced?

 

[lic4]

I don't mean to disagree with what I've read others say, but personally, when enlarging to 11x14, I got sharper pictures from the Ultron 35/1.7 than with the Summicron 35 v.3 at wide apertures, and I also had problems with the distortion (is that the right term?) at the corners with the cron as well. At f2, I also had some flaring or very soft images at times (not sure if flaring was the cause) that I'd never gotten with other 35s.

I never read anything negative about the lens, so maybe it's just me; I thought I'd post this anyhow, in case the diverging opinion should be stated.