35mm similar to Summicron DR

[Classique]

These days I am finding that out of all the 50's I own and tried, I am pleased with the drawing of Summicron DR. It is sharp yet very pleasantly smooth unlike many modern lenses. Bokeh is pleasant (but many lenses are) and the transition between focus and out of focus is very natural.

Now, I am wondering if there any lenses in 35mm that are similar to this? I use Nokton MC 35mm and W-nikkor 35mm 2.5 and although I love those lenses, the drawings are pretty modern (nikkor does have that swirly bokeh wide open, close up though). I am open to any brands and aperture range! So give me your best opinion 😎

 

[Peter_Jones]

V1 (8 element) Summicron 35mm - from a similar era, sharp as you like, mucho shadow detail.

Only downside is the price....

 

[mfogiel]

Summaron 35/2.8

20094513 by mfogiel, on Flickr

 

[peter_n]

Summicron v.1 (8 element). Built like a brick just like the DR and made around the same time. Can produce sublime images if you get the light right.

 

[dabick42]

I own the Summicron 35/2 v1 (8 element) and the Summaron 35/2.8 (in M and LTM).

Apart from the 1-stop difference, the appearance, handling and performance are virtually identical.

The Summicron is over-priced and over-hyped, which makes the Summaron the better bang for your buck, IMHO...

 

[raid]

I have the V1 Summicron, and I like it very much. I had two of this lens type, but I traded one off towrads an M9. The 2.8 Summaron is also a very good lens. Some like it more than the V1 Cron.

 

[Vics]

+ one for the Summaron.

 

[Classique]

What about canon 35mm f2? I read that some say it's similar to the v1 summicron.

 

[kosta_g]

I've had the above three lenses mentioned (but not the canon)
The summaron is an excellent lens and I think it is much higher resolution when stopped down (5.6-8)
I prefer the rendering of the summicron though and need that extra stop as it's my main lens.

here are some samples of the cron v1
On FUJI Super Presto (Neopan 1600)

Love by Kosta., on Flickr

On Arista Premium 400 (exposed as 800ISO and developed in xtol for 800iso time)

Late night choices by Kosta., on Flickr

 

[kosta_g]

^that said, I'd probably look for a late v4, or try the canon 35mm f/2 simply because the price for the v1 has become ridiculous - and according to a few techs, they are prone to having glass issues (haze).

 

[helen.HH]

I've had the above three lenses mentioned (but not the canon)
The summaron is an excellent lens and I think it is much higher resolution when stopped down (5.6-8)
I prefer the rendering of the summicron though and need that extra stop as it's my main lens.

here are some samples of the cron v1
On FUJI Super Presto (Neopan 1600)

Love by Kosta., on Flickr

On Arista Premium 400 (exposed as 800ISO and developed in xtol for 800iso time)

Late night choices by Kosta., on Flickr

Stellar Kosta ... !!

 

[kosta_g]

thank you Helen. 🙂

 

[nanthor]

I've had the V1 cron and the summaron and the 35mm summaron f2.8 is the closest in rendering to the DR and rigid, IMO. Bob.

 

[WJJ3]

you are probably looking for this

 

[gehrm]

I haven't had the v1 35 'cron, but my 35 f2.8 Summaron is very close the 50 Rigid that I have.

 

[rodt16s]

A while back I randomly shot a few lenses in the garden out of curiosity. More to compare 50 with 50 and 35 with 35.
Nothing scientific, just using up the end of an out of date film.
Unfortunately the film was dropped into the bath during drying.. but hey.
Anyway here is the 5cm DR, Summicron 35v1 and Summaron 2.8.
Maybe you can spot the slight difference between my copies of these 35's & the DR.
All were at f4

 

[Classique]

I searched for Summicron V1 but the prices are insane!! Even summaron prices appear to have gone up.

I ordered version 2 Canon 35mm f/2 for now to see how that lens performs. It gets great reviews and often compared with summicron V1 so we'll see how it goes.

Thank you for all your contributions. If money was no variable, I would go for mint v1 but alas money always limits our GAS 🙂