35 Biogon size compared to asph Summilux 50 and v4 35 Summicron

[summilux]

I use the hood but could easily shoot without it. The hood is just something I've always used and feel naked without it. Shooting with the sun directly in the lens has not produce any noticable flare.

You're right about the focusing tab on the asph. I've even given thought to selling it and buying the one that goes with the MP-3. I can't figure why leica got hung up on these tabs. Over the years I think I've had 4 variations of focusing tabs on lenses. Some OK and some terrible.

I sold my first Summilux 50 asph, standard version, because I disliked the tab, it is too big, its sharp corners cutting into my other hand which is holding the camera far too often.

I like the tab on the first version summicron 35 and 21/3.4 super angulon, its size is just about right.

the lens on the R-D1s is a MP3 Summilux, it is smaller than the standard issue, I use Heliopan E43 filter on it, I also have the Leica E43 filter, but the Heliopan's multi coating is better. I don't use hood. When compared with Zeiss ZM's hood (spring loaded and all that), Leica's seems crude, anyway they tend to mar your lens rim.

but I am seriously tempted to buy the chrome 50 summilux asph, I am prepared to have two of my fingers removed for it.

 

[summilux]

although the zeiss hood is beautifully done, I don't use it on my 25mm, it increases the lens profile, obstruct the viewfinder, yes, it looks nice, but I don't use it. i also use the Leica E46 chrome filter on it too, mix and match, it is fun.

on the 50mm sonnar, I do use it.

 

[x-ray]

I sold my first Summilux 50 asph, standard version, because I disliked the tab, it is too big, its sharp corners cutting into my other hand which is holding the camera far too often.

I like the tab on the first version summicron 35 and 21/3.4 super angulon, its size is just about right.

the lens on the R-D1s is a MP3 Summilux, it is smaller than the standard issue, I use Heliopan E43 filter on it, I also have the Leica E43 filter, but the Heliopan's multi coating is better. I don't use hood. When compared with Zeiss ZM's hood (spring loaded and all that), Leica's seems crude, anyway they tend to mar your lens rim.

but I am seriously tempted to buy the chrome 50 summilux asph, I am prepared to have two of my fingers removed for it.

I agree on the 21 3.4 and v1 summicron 35. I had both and think these were the only tabs I really felt OK with. In reality I really like a focusing ring I can grip.

I don't know about the removal of two fingers. What would I put in my nose? Just kidding!!!

 

[shenkerian]

Heh, I'll definitely keep you in mind, but I think I like the scalloped ring too much.

 

[kevin m]

Is that a black chrome MP? Sweet!

 

[x-ray]

Is that a black chrome MP? Sweet!

Yes. I really like the black chrome on the MP vs the black chrome on my old M6. The M6 is almost transparent and shiny with zinc sort of showing through. The MP is a solid mat black and very stelth.

 

[ampguy]

nice comparison. does anyone know the size of the biogon 28? how much larger is it than say a rokkor 40/2?

 

[kevin m]

The MP is a solid mat black and very stelth.

Nice. I saw the black chrome option on the ala carte configurator the other day, but I'd never seen anything but black paint MP's before.

I know everyone loves the black paint M2's and M3's, but the black chrome M4 was always my favorite. You get the build quality off the old Leicas plus the stealthy, more durable finish of the modern black chrome bodies. I think prices on them are a bit high due to collector interest, but it's still probably a bit cheaper than a custom-ordered MP.

 

[ERV]

nice comparison. does anyone know the size of the biogon 28? how much larger is it than say a rokkor 40/2?

I have both and post similar photos later.
The Zeiss 28 is a great lens as well.

 

[ampguy]

thanks Eugene

thanks Eugene

yes, i'm very impressed with photos I've seen taken with the Zeiss 28. Looking forward to seeing your size comparison photos. Thanks.

I have both and post similar photos later.
The Zeiss 28 is a great lens as well.

 

[Turtle]

The 28 Biogon is about the same diameter as the 35 but about 1cm shorter. I have one, along with the 35 biogon and 50 planar. I agree wholeheartedly with X-ray; these lenses are beautifully made, ergonomically very pleasant and perform superbly. The 35 and 50 are basically indetical sizes mounted with the 28 noticeably shorter and the 25 longer than the 50/35 and the 21 longer still. The colour of the markings is such that the black ones match black paint Leicas far better than black anodised leica lenses, so its not a case of giving rise to a mongrel looking set up. I am as pleased as punch with mine. I dont have any Leica wide or std lenses to compare them to (I have a 90 elmarit-M) but can say that they are plenty sharp enough wide open with stunning uniformity of resolution right into the corners. They are very high contrast so in very bright conditions (which I have not shot in yet) might require a reduction in development if coming from older glass (much as Leica ASPHs reputedly have great contrast). I have an MP3 kit on the way and will see how the 50 planar compares with the summilix asph, but wont be getting rid of either.

I find the focus lumps on teh ZM lenses a non issue. I dont think I would ever get used to teh Leica tabs but unless you look for them, the ZM bumps dont get in the way. I just use the barrel like any normal lens.

 

[x-ray]

MY black chrome MP was a la carte. I figures I would buy a couple of new MP's to carry my work for the rest of my life since my M2, 3 and 6 are getting some age on them. Not knowing the future of leica i deceided to get two new ones. If Leica tumbles the used equipment will go completely out of sight and no one but the insanely wealth will be able to buy them.

I went nuts on the two I bought and one is traditional config. with silver chrome, leicavit and red leather. My wife talked me into the red and said it was my fashion statement. This black one is black ostrich with my signature on the back. I thought my son would like this one day.

 

[x-ray]

Turtle:

I'm totally impressed with my 25 and 35 and if I were starting fresh with no lenses I would probably buy all Zeiss with the exception of the 50 asph possibly. I would love to hear your take on the Planar vs the asph summilux 50.

 

[venchka]

For me and my fingers, I see something about the ZM lens that I like. As much as I love my old 50 DR Summicron, my major nit-pick about the lens is the cramped space for the aperture ring. Or more precisely, the closeness of the aperture ring and focus ring.

Since buying the 28mm M-Hexanon, I really appreciate the extra space between the two rings. The ZM Biogon has the same relative spacing. I appreciate that.

Thanks for the side by side comparison! It really helps to see these lenses together.

 

[peter_n]

I find the focus lumps on teh ZM lenses a non issue. I dont think I would ever get used to teh Leica tabs but unless you look for them, the ZM bumps dont get in the way. I just use the barrel like any normal lens.

the tab on the summilux 50 asph is definitely unpleasant!

I also don't like the Leica tabs and have gone out of my way to avoid buying Leica wide-angles until this year. However I got a 35mm Summilux ASPH near the beginning of the year and to my surprise found I could use the tab, and I have slowly got used to it although it changes my normal camera grip. Then I got a 24mm Elmarit ASPH and I don't like the tab on that 1/2 as much. I think it has to do with the diameter of the lens and your particular grip. The Summilux is bigger than the Elmarit and is much more comfortable (for me).

Yeah with hood it looks huge

I think the Leica hoods are over the top too. Wherever I can, I replace them with heavystar hoods from eBay; they are very inexpensive and excellent quality. You don't really need to guard against flare with an ASPH lens anyway! Below is a pic of a heavystar hood on my 35mm Summilux ASPH and you can see it is much more reasonable than the Leica (or Zeiss) hood.

 

[x-ray]

The only way I can tolerate the asph 50 summilux is by using the marginal serated fousing ring and not the tab.

 

[peter_n]

Lens ergonomics is important to me and I have sold perfectly good lenses because they were uncomfortable to use. My 28mm is a Hexanon-M because it has a regular focusing ring. The only lenses I have with tabs are the 35/1.4 and the 24/2.8.

Why don't you get the LHSA 50 ASPH? It has a regular focusing ring.

 

[Turtle]

Turtle:

I'm totally impressed with my 25 and 35 and if I were starting fresh with no lenses I would probably buy all Zeiss with the exception of the 50 asph possibly. I would love to hear your take on the Planar vs the asph summilux 50.

I will prob get my hands on the 50 ASPH Summilux in about a month as I am disappearing on holiday and so it is being held by the dealer (My BP MP3 set was the last available from Leica USA outside of those already sitting with other dealers..so phew!) until I get back. I am between homes too so wont be able to print anything for a while, but can look at negs on a lightbox (not the same I know). I did not get the MP3 set with the 50 'lux because I was in any way unhappy with my 50 planar, but because I wanted that beautiful set and thought the extra stop would be handy as well as allowing even more diffuse backdrops. My Leicas will be something I can hand down to my boys with real pleasure when the time comes.

I too have no regrets about the Zeiss glass. I have not heavily used any of them yet (least of all the 28 biogon) as I have not been able to get out that much lately, but I have used them enough to know that they are they are incredible performers and in relative terms great value. I can imagine that they are really denting Leica's lens sales at half Leica prices. The only non-Zeiss/Leica glass that I have used in 35mm which is on par is my Canon 135 L f2.

 

[Nachkebia]

I just developed tri-x shot wide open with biogon 35mm, I have to admit, after summilux 50 asph it looks bit dissapointing, it might be me, I need to give it another try...

 

[rodneyAB]

great thread...
new MP3 with the 50 lux ASPH...my preference is clip-on hoods and old style focus rings...hope to develop my first roll of TX400 on monday