Keeping one 35mm: Summicron ASPH or Summilux pre-ASPH?

T

Tzelet

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I know the answer to this is "Figure it out for yourself", but I ask anyway :)

I have two 35mm lenses: The 35mm Summicron-M ASPH and the pre-ASPH 35mm Summilux-M (one of the Canadian ones). I recently found a used 50mm Summilux-M ASPH at below MSRP (yikes!), so that is my lens for shooting brick walls (ie: for sharpness). Being a conservative fool, the only lens I'm "missing" is a 90mm. My eyes are pretty much set at a 90mm Summarit-M or a late version 90mm Elmarit-M, but to finance this I have to let go of one of the 35mm's. According to http://www.antiquecameras.net/leicamlenses.html, they both seems to be priced at around $1500 each, which hopefully will finance one of the 90mm's.

So, has anyone here had to make this decision, and if so, what helped you decide? I shoot mostly street with this focal length, and stopped down to f/5.6 and f/8 there aren't that much to seperate the images. At the moment I'm torn between keeping the Summilux for the extra stop, and just selling the one that will get the highest price (seemingly also the Summicron-M ASPH at around $1600).

As always, input is always appreciated.
 
Well, I already have a Nokton f/1.2 ;) Forgot to mention it, as it is currently "on loan" to a friend. I will never sell that lens, and you might actually have a point. I prefer something smaller for everyday use, but besides that - the Nokton checks all the right boxes...
 
I had both for a couple of years, and kept the pre-asph. For me, they had a similar look, and the pre-asph was smaller and lighter. There are differences in extreme conditions, like shooting into the sun - asph gives a more cinematic modern aperture type flare, pre-asph is more traditional. Both have similar bokeh and sharpness, in my experience, and both are similarly distortion free.
 
I don't know what used pre-ASPH 'luxes now sell for, but if your ASPH is in really, really good condition, the asking price is very close to $3000 now. Yes, the same as MSRP. You can't get any new lenses through the usual dealers nowadays. They have none to sell. Add more for chrome finish.

I recently kept hunting for a 35 ASPH, and gave up as the price for used is so high.
I settled on an old 8-element Summicron instead, along with an LTM Summaron. Acquisition cost of both along with a CLA with Gus Lazzari were less than the price of a used 35 Summicron ASPH.

You should consider that in this market, any lens you sell will probably be unaffordable if you want it back!
 
I just did a completed auction search for what the market has been, which has risen pretty steadily lately. $1900-2500 for pre-asph lux, $1900-2600 for ASPH cron. Some chrome ones have been up to $2800. Typically they have been offered here at the low end of the range.

However, I would not, and have not, sold my pre-asph lux for $2500...
 
Prices are up. I recently sold my pre asph lux to another member for circa $2300 and another 4-5 months ago for $2000.
Both lenses are great. Personally I would sell the 'lux and keep the asph' however prices seem like they will continue to rise on older gear so maybe you should sell the asph'.
If like me you don't care for speculation on prices and just wish to use them then I would keep the asph'. I sold mine in favour of v4 but I'd have one again which is more than I can say for Summilux pre aspherics.
 
Thank you all for your insightful responses, they really did help. At the moment, my pre-ASPH Summilux is getting a CLA, and I have decided that it will go when it gets back. From spending a couple of hours scrutinizing my own photos, I realize that the Summicron ASPH is the one lens that has consistently performed excellent, no matter what I throw at it. There may be less "soul", but it's a like that close friend that's always there.
 
I have used BOTH... Stellar lenses indeed !
but in the long run
my FAV is the Asph
just love the pop & 3d ness

the lux is lovely ...my only gripe
was my Copy was very Soft wide open

best- H

take a peek at my flickr...i have ' SETS'
with both lenses
 
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Helen, I don't have to look at your shots, I already have :D I think any lens would do well in your hands, you have a style and feel that I very much share. And it is a pleasure to see what you're doing with the ASPH. Of course, looking at your set from the 35mm pre-ASPH makes me hesitate about selling that lens. There's just "something" there...
 
Emilsand: You will Spoil me Rotten talking like that...
How very Charming & Lovely of You, Thank You !!

But Yiu have me a Tad Worried
that I sold the Wrong One. :eek:

Tough Decision isn't it...
I do Agree , with the 35 asph You will probably never Miss A Shot
and I suppose there is 'something' about that Lux. :)

Best to You- H
 
I think you misquoted my pricing list... http://antiquecameras.net/leicamlenses.html

My page lists the 35 Summi ASPH at 1650-2150 and the lux (ver II ) at about the same range... they both seem to average around $ 1900 on ebay in decent condition.... but depends on exact model and condition

having said that, prices have been skyrocketing the last 6 months and I need to update my pages once again.....

Dan
 
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I kept the pre-ASPH Lux and sold the ASPH Summicron. After seeing the results of the Lux on the M9 I never looked back.
 
I know your post is over a month old, but if you're still looking I have a Summicron-M 90mm f2 lens (type 3 - E55) that I'm looking to sell.
 
This post is a month old?

This post is a month old?

I should have his problems!

Jeeesh.

Abort the pre? Abort post? Only on this forum. Death by a thousand knives.
 
I looked at photos taken by both lens on Flickr and prefer the lux.

The ASPH cron has rendering and sharpness that modern CV lens can match. So I would sell the ASPH cron and keep the lux.

Nonetheless this is my personal preference.
 
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