Leica LTM Summaron 35mm f/3.5 LTM--Good Lens

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
wjlapier

wjlapier

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I've just purchased my first Leica--a IIIc--and would like to find a 35mm lens for it. I've found a Summaron 35mm f/3.5 for $250. Is this a good price for a clean copy? How is the performance of this lens? I'm not looking to spend alot on a lens at this time. Also, I'd prefer to avoid the CV ones. Thanx--Bill
 
Hello:

My goggled f3.5 Summaron is sharp and of moderate contrast.

Do you want the Leitz logo? A CV 35 would also be a good choice IMHO.

yours
FPJ
 
Thanx for the link. Looks like it's a good lens. I'm wondering if the $250 price tag is OK. No caps or hood included. As for the CV's, I had the CV 21 for my Nikon RF and sold it. It didn't feel vintage if you know what I mean. Now the Zeiss 21 Biogon has that vintage ( well made and heavy ) feel.

Bill
 
Be carefull- Many are hazy and they don't clean up easily. Mine was haze and DAG did get it clean. It is wonderful lens now but you better factor in the price the cost of cleaning and the possibility that it doesn't always clean up.
 
Bill,

Forget the Summaron and buy a Canon f1.8/35mm an overall really good lens, a little bit larger than the Summaron or course, but you can find one clean for under $250

Tom
 
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Mine's excellent. Very sharp, nice tonality. In fact, I wish I had something like it for my DSLR.

The only downsides are an inclination to flare (possibly some haze) and antiquated/awkward mechanicals.

People commonly comment on haze, but then go on to wish for similar tonality/bokeh in their other lenses...which they won't get from CV or Canon.
 
I was going to weigh in earlier - but wanted to wait.

If you check our classifieds often enough - you may find one with a case, caps and hood for $218.50 shipped.

Most of all, I hope you enjoy using your new lens. It is very petite.
 
Look for a Canon 35/2.8 -- great lens, and very compact in the chrome versions. You should be able to find one for less than $250 -- in fact, I just saw one sell on eBay for $80 with caps, case and finder (though that's an unusual and ridiculously low price).

Oh, and it's built like a little brass brick, probably more solid than that Summaron.
 
seriously.. the summaron is my favourite 35mm lens, I have two Summaron 2,8 and they're both INCREDIBLE, sharp, best tonality and b&w EVER. If you can get a clean copy, buy it and keep it. It made me sell my Aspherical by Leica
 
I've come across several Summarons that have been tampered with by persons who had no idea what they were doing. As a result they no longer focus properly and will need overhaul to get back to usable condition. So beware....

Others have suggested the Canon. The CV while not vintage is an outstanding lens and should be considered..
 
LeicaTom said:
Bill,

Forget the Summaron and buy a Canon f1.8/35mm an overall really good lens, a little bit larger than the Summaron or course, but you can find one clean for under $250

Tom
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Hi Tom,
I appreciate your suggestion. If I find one for less than $250 I'll buy it to try. I did buy the Summaron in the classifieds and will give it a try on my new to me IIIc, while sampling the Nikkor 5cm Rigid you sold me!! This is gonna be fun:)

Bill
 
colyn said:
I've come across several Summarons that have been tampered with by persons who had no idea what they were doing. As a result they no longer focus properly and will need overhaul to get back to usable condition. So beware....

Others have suggested the Canon. The CV while not vintage is an outstanding lens and should be considered..
Click to expand...

Hey Colyn, I'm new Leica user and you're scaring me :) Hope all goes well with my new purchase.

I did look at some Canons and they are still too much for me--the ones I've seen anyway. If and when I find a killer deal I'll definitely give it a try!
 
wjlapier said:
Hey Colyn, I'm new Leica user and you're scaring me :) Hope all goes well with my new purchase.
Click to expand...

Remember there are more good ones out there than bad ones. I have the f/2.8 version and am happy with it. Just something to check.

Do a test roll at all apertures and the camera mounted on a tripod for stability.

wjlapier said:
I did look at some Canons and they are still too much for me--the ones I've seen anyway. If and when I find a killer deal I'll definitely give it a try!
Click to expand...

The Canons are for sure expensive. Some eBayers are trying to get more than they are worth..
 
I started the afore mentioned thread on the Summaron 3.5cm f3.5 and it's still on my Bessa ... can't say enough good things about this lens and with a hood it's resistance to flare is impressive. As I said DAG cleaned mine and relubed the helical for $50.00 and it really is a sweet lens to focus with.

I think this pic was about f5.6 with PanF+

linville_32.jpg
 
I have been happy with mine

I have been happy with mine

I bought the M-mount version... works well with my M6. Here are some Sydney snaps from my recent trip there.

All taken with M6, Summaron, Tri-X.
 
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