Leica LTM 35mm F2.8 Summaron

[Kwreece]

I was wondering if anybody has had any experience using the 35mm F2.8 version and the f3.6 version. Everybody would love the extra stop, but were there any improvements to optical quality?

Thanks in advance. I have an opportunity to pick up a f2.8 At not much more then a clean coated f3.6.

Ken

 

[helen.HH]

There are lots of Threads here on RFf... 35 2.8 Summaron
to feast your Eyes on, make You decide if she is worthy of Your Love , or are You worthy of her

https://rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=2792138

https://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=141787

https://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=111121

https://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=108763

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

I have the f3.5 version and it is INCREDIBLY sharp. The f2.8 version is said to be sharper on the edges wide open than the f3.5, but it usually costs more than twice what the f3.5 does.

If someone is offering you an f2.8 cheap, be sure it has no haze, these lenses are very prone to it. Mine had been professionally serviced and cleaned before I bought it and that makes a big difference in lens performance.

If it is in good condition and is not much more than the f3.5, go for the f2.8

 

[Dralowid]

Is the 2.8 that you are being offered LTM? If so it is not common.

 

[CharlesDAMorgan]

I've had both, and have kept the 2.8.

Frankly, if your 2.8 is in good condition (Chris is as always spot on), it's a no brainer to acquire at not much more than a 3.5. That extra half stop is always useful.

I adore mine. With the ambient light so low and unpushed TriX this was wide open with the 2.8.

 

[Ron (Netherlands)]

Both are quite different, but I like the 2.8 most and had several. They were made in 4 different configurations, M-mount, Ltm-mount, convertible and the M3-version (goggles)
There are even clear differences in the applied coatings over the years:


Summarons and different coatings by Ron (Netherlands), on Flickr

I used them mostly in combination with my zorki's and Feds


New suit and FED 2 by Ron (Netherlands), on Flickr


Zorki 4K repair & cla VI by Ron (Netherlands), on Flickr


Here you'll find a pool with pictures: https://www.flickr.com/groups/1501093@N23/

Oh and they for sure keep their value

Something to read:https://www.dropbox.com/s/wg9l5x63eizfgzr/Summaron.pdf?dl=0

 

[David Hughes]

...I used them mostly in combination with my zorki's and Feds...

That makes a lot of sense to me, far better to put your cash into the lenses than the bodies.

Regards, David

 

[DC1030]

I really had luck with my summaron, i found out that it has a little screw to unlock the m mount, after that it has screw mount. there was a small series where this was possible. so i can use it with my IIIf.... it feels like riding a unicorn.

 

[Emile de Leon]

The 3.5 has the advantage of stopping down to F22 if needed..and is nice in closeup..

 

[CharlesDAMorgan]

My 2.8 also has the advantage of stopping down to 22 and having a minimum focussing distance of just under 0.7m - that's a goggled one.

 

[raid]

I have a small 35/3.5 Summaron that has been barely used.

 

[splitimageview]

"35mm f/2,8 Summaron: Legendary Lens"

This is a pdf of an LHSA Viewfinder article by Seth Rosner, from 2005, which compares the 35/2 version 1 Summicron 8 element, the 35/2.8 Summaron, and the 35/2 Summicron V4 "bokeh king."

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wg9l5x63eizfgzr/Summaron.pdf?dl=0

 

[AlexBG]

I have a goggled version for my m3, I don't like shooting 35mm, I don't like the extra weight of the goggles, I don't like the look of the camera with them on but I have a lot of pictures that I have taken with it that I love and use it a lot.

I'm currently trying to find a 50mm color skopar 2.5 as this seems a pretty close version of this in 50mm.