35mm Summicron v3 or UC-Hexanon?

[kermaier]

I have a nice 35/2 UC-Hex, which I really like, but I find myself itching for closer focus capability. It occurs to me that I could get a Summicron v3 instead, and save about $400 in the process.

Anyone have an opinion on whether that's a good move or not? I assume optical performance is in the same ballpark? Build quality of the UC-Hex is fantastic -- noticeably better than a v4 'cron I handled -- how does the v3 'cron compare?

Thanks,
Ari

 

[peter_n]

Don't know about the v.3 but I sold my UC-Hexanon last year and bought a v.1. The v.1 is built like a brick and I have absolutely no regrets. Apart from the 0.9M closest focus I didn't really like the tab very much on the Hex. It was a bit too small and shallow for me and I found the usability of the Summicron to be better. That and the 0.7M closest focus. 🙂

 

[abenner]

I have a v3 35/2. The build is similar to other Leica lenses of the era. I have no problems with mine. Not built like the old chrome lenses (v1 35/2, 50/2 DR) but still plenty stout. I had a UC 35/2 once and it was a stout, smooth lens, a step above the Leica, but the UC is brass construction so that's no surprise. The v4 35/2 is known for having some build issues.

You would probably be hard pressed to find someone with a v3 35/2 that would give you $400 and their lens for the UC. I wouldn't. Not that the UC isn't a fine lens, but that'd certainly be at the upper price range, at least now where it's a bit harder to sell stuff.

Image quality, the UC is said to be similar in design to the v4 35/2. I liked mine, but I really like the v3 35/2 in B&W, and I too appreciate the 70 cm close focus. The other issue with the UC was the hood and the lens cap were so pretty I was afraid to use them!

 

[ferider]

Ari, for me it would boil down to

_________________v3____________UC
Distortion__________+_______________
Min. focus_________+_______________
flare resistance___________________+
LTM capability____________________+

v3 is well built, better than v4.

Best,

Roland.

 

[tbarker13]

That UC hexanon is such a beautiful lens. I don't believe there is a nicer looking, or better built, 35mm in existence. Creates great images as well.
I'd agree, though, that you are unlikely to get a v. 3 summicon plus $400. Maybe $200.

 

[kermaier]

I have a v3 35/2. The build is similar to other Leica lenses of the era. I have no problems with mine. Not built like the old chrome lenses (v1 35/2, 50/2 DR) but still plenty stout. I had a UC 35/2 once and it was a stout, smooth lens, a step above the Leica, but the UC is brass construction so that's no surprise. The v4 35/2 is known for having some build issues.

The only Leica lenses I have are the chrom ones from the 1960s: 21/3.4 SA, 35/2.8 Summaron (same body as the v1 'cron), 50/2 Summicron Rigid, 50/2.8 Elmar. Those are fabulously built, but I don't think the UC-Hex is behind them in fit/finish.

You would probably be hard pressed to find someone with a v3 35/2 that would give you $400 and their lens for the UC. I wouldn't. Not that the UC isn't a fine lens, but that'd certainly be at the upper price range, at least now where it's a bit harder to sell stuff.

Yeah, you may be right. There's a v3 'cron in the classifieds right now (or maybe it's sold already) for $825. A UC-Hex in basically new condition with all the trimmings should fetch $1100 or so, but high-end items are harder to sell these days.

Image quality, the UC is said to be similar in design to the v4 35/2. I liked mine, but I really like the v3 35/2 in B&W, and I too appreciate the 70 cm close focus. The other issue with the UC was the hood and the lens cap were so pretty I was afraid to use them!

Yeah, I don't use the original hood and cap. I use a CV hood from the Skopar 35/2.5 P, which fits perfectly and has a push-on cap over the hood. It even is much smaller than the original UC hood, and works better with the little lens.

::Ari