35mm choice

nobbylon

nobbylon

Veteran
Local time
1:15 PM
Joined
Nov 2, 2006
Messages
2,691
Location
Nederlands
View My Gallery
I know this has been discussed plenty of times but I need some input please!
I'm currently using an ultron on the M6 and would like a leica lens for it. Choices as I see it are summicron iv, summicron asph or a regular none asph summilux.
I'm sure everyone has their favorite but if anyone has used them all or has them all🙂 could I have your opinions please. I like a sort of 3D effect in my pictures and like shallow DOF. I love the look to my pictures taken with my 60mm macro elmarit-R and would like something that comes close to this in 35. I've looked at Raid's results for summilux versus the ultron and cant really see much of a difference! however I would like to get just one Leica M lens for my outfit, thx
 
I sold my Summicron IV in favor of an Ultron, so perhaps I am not the right person to ask.

I would also consider the Zeiss Biogon, but you want a Leica lens.
 
Last edited:
You're not going to get too much guidance here. There'll be way too many conflicting opinions. What is true however is that old designs and different from new designs, and you can read up about what these differences are and decide for yourself.
 
thx so far! firstly nothing wrong with the Ultron, great lens but as I said, got to the point where I would like to fulfill a long time wish to take some photos with a Leica M lens! Second, I agree that there will probably be a lot of conflicting opinion but that is why I ask the advice and opinion of those who have experience of the different lenses. It appears that some here have a choice of lenses, Leica and others. I tend to stick with one per body and would like to make an informed choice given that I can only afford one!
 
thx for your input Magus, it's appreciated. I did find one article which was quite helpfull by Jim Arnold but would still welcome others opinions before I go spending!
 
Take a look at my 35mm-40mm lens tests. Maybe the results posted can help you, but we do not have a ASPH Summicron in the test. Magus has one.

Raid
 
I'll second the '3-D' effect of the ASPH 35/2, wide open and at 2.8 there can be shallow D.O.F.

I will also chime in for the ZM lenses- I've been shooting a lot with the 28 and the 25 lately, there is a definite '3-D' quality to these that is quite stunning. I've not had the 35 ZM, but it seems that the Zeisse are quite well matched for color and quality. I would definitely not rule out these as an option. (and they can be almost 2 for 1 on the Leica glass!)
 
Search and Ye shall find

Search and Ye shall find

Use the search feature of this Forum. You will find more than you care to know about every 35mm lens ever made that fits the Leica M body.

That said, I would propose a slightly different course of action: a 50mm Summicron to satisfy your yearning for a Leica lens and the Nokton 35mm f:1.2 lens for speed, 3-D isolation, shallow depth of field, freedom from flare, etc. This combination is quite budget friendly. 2 for 1 as it were. 🙂

Discussions of the above can be found here at RFF. Good luck!
 
It's all personal taste but from the 35's that I've owned over the years here's my pick starting with the #1 choice:

#1 Zeiss Biogon

#2 asph Summicron

#3 CV Nokton 35

#4 summicron v4

#5 summicron v1

#6 summilux v1

The Biogon edges out all the others but the asph summicron is close but a bit more harsh.
 
Two kings:

1) 35mm Summicron IV - compact, modern, king of boke.

2) 35mm Summilux Aspherical - referred to as Masterpiece by Erwitt Putts.

All other discussison is purely academic.
 
nobbylon,

I only have the v.4 Summicron. It gives me everything I want out of a 35mm optic. All of the lenses that you seem to be considering are capable of superb imagery.

Here is a link to a slideshow of images taken with my v.4, many of which were taken at f2.0, the rest stopped down from f4.0-f8.0.
 
The Three 'C's of Cron

The Three 'C's of Cron

Just looking at proofsheets last night- doesn't need to get any better than the 35/2.0 ASPH for me. Crisp, contrasty and colorful.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom