Funny, but I haven't had CA on my M9 or on the M8 prior. All of my CV lenses do, but not the Zeiss ones. I like the results from the Biogon, but the size is kind of large and the lack of a true focus tab bothers me (either make it with one or not... don't just provide an annoying nub). Finally was able to get an old summicron for an ok price which I prefer for its size and focusing tab. Not sure if I'll sell the biogon yet, but I'm not very happy with its ergonomics.
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bobby_novatron
Photon Collector
My apologies, gentleman re: Zeiss ZM and the CA effect ... this is only something I was regurgitating from memory after too many late nights reading lens reviews. I don't even remember where I read it, so perhaps that was an unfair statement.
Personally, I absolutely love the Zeiss ZM-mount products ... I don't think there's a mediocre lens in their whole line-up. They are all excellent, AFAIK.
I bought a Zeiss 50/2 Planar 18 months ago and I'm constantly blown away by the image quality, even on cheap drugstore film. I'm currently waiting for a C-Biogon 35/2.8 to come from B&H ... can't wait to try it out!
Personally, I absolutely love the Zeiss ZM-mount products ... I don't think there's a mediocre lens in their whole line-up. They are all excellent, AFAIK.
I bought a Zeiss 50/2 Planar 18 months ago and I'm constantly blown away by the image quality, even on cheap drugstore film. I'm currently waiting for a C-Biogon 35/2.8 to come from B&H ... can't wait to try it out!
Glass Addict
Established
This is more the reason to look at Leica 35mm f/2.8 Summaron.
Very small, natural flare resistance due to recessed front element (never needed a hood), Leica's classic rendering (similar to 35 cron ver 1). It's worth a look.
sanmich
Veteran
Not all these lenses are created equal, and there are other differences than optical.
Length of throw, min focus distance (careful with ltm lenses...). I tend to prefer flat lense as they are less intimidating to people when pointed at them at very close distances.
Also, I find the f/2.8 vs f/2 thing very important. 95% of what I shoot can be done with regular inside lighting at f/2 speed 1/30. f/2.8 brings me to 1/15 which I find difficult to get good shots with.
Choices?
at f/2.8, I really wonder if the difference between the skopar and the other choices is worth the very substantial price increase. If I couls live with f/2.8, that would be my choice.
at f/2, a version III cron is small, flat and not overly hyped. The Hexanon is great but big as is probably the Zeiss.
[edit: apparently the version III summicron is also plagued by the recent insanity on gear prices]
Faster? really depends on your pocket's depth. I don't think I could afford anything more than one of the two vc lenses...
Length of throw, min focus distance (careful with ltm lenses...). I tend to prefer flat lense as they are less intimidating to people when pointed at them at very close distances.
Also, I find the f/2.8 vs f/2 thing very important. 95% of what I shoot can be done with regular inside lighting at f/2 speed 1/30. f/2.8 brings me to 1/15 which I find difficult to get good shots with.
Choices?
at f/2.8, I really wonder if the difference between the skopar and the other choices is worth the very substantial price increase. If I couls live with f/2.8, that would be my choice.
at f/2, a version III cron is small, flat and not overly hyped. The Hexanon is great but big as is probably the Zeiss.
[edit: apparently the version III summicron is also plagued by the recent insanity on gear prices]
Faster? really depends on your pocket's depth. I don't think I could afford anything more than one of the two vc lenses...
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MCTuomey
Veteran
You mentioned that you'd like the 35mm to match up well to the 50cron you have today (assuming you mean in terms of imaging, not handling). I would recommend a 35 cron, hexanon 35 (M not UC), summaron 35, or a VC Ultron 35 for consistent imaging alongside the 50 cron.
ItsReallyDarren
That's really me
How often do you shoot color vs black and white? I'm going to second a few others here about mentioning Chromatic Aberrations showing up in CV lenses. They do show up sometimes, its less noticeable on film than digital.
If you plan on mostly shooting black and white then its a non issue.
If you plan on mostly shooting black and white then its a non issue.
perudo
Established
thanks again for the feedback
so to answer your questions:
I only shoot black and white, CA is not an issue for me
size of the lens matters, I want to keep it compact.
So, of course summicron 35 would be my guess, but the prices people ask right now make me want to stay away from the hype....
I will check out those summarons as recommended...
As I said earlier I want my 35 mm lens to render equaly to my 50 cron because I work in series of photos, and pictures done with my 50 cron should match in term of rendering, tonality, sharpness, etc with my 35mm
so to answer your questions:
I only shoot black and white, CA is not an issue for me
size of the lens matters, I want to keep it compact.
So, of course summicron 35 would be my guess, but the prices people ask right now make me want to stay away from the hype....
I will check out those summarons as recommended...
As I said earlier I want my 35 mm lens to render equaly to my 50 cron because I work in series of photos, and pictures done with my 50 cron should match in term of rendering, tonality, sharpness, etc with my 35mm
How about a 35mm Summarit?
perudo
Established
well, I have the oportunity to by a summilux pre-asph. for a correct price.
What do you think?
What do you think?
sanmich
Veteran
there was an old thread about the summilux pre asph.
IIRC, there was a tweak in the optics somewhere mid production, and you better avoid the older design.
IIRC, there was a tweak in the optics somewhere mid production, and you better avoid the older design.
elude
Some photographer
I'm really surprised no one mentioned the 2/40 Summicron-C. It's rather cheap and has the same rendition as the 2/35 Summicron-M pre-asph. Plus, it's the tiniest Leica lens that exists.
Summarons aren't easy to find (I'm looking for one) but they are indeed incredible if you find a good copy (these are 50 years old lenses).
Summarons aren't easy to find (I'm looking for one) but they are indeed incredible if you find a good copy (these are 50 years old lenses).
bastian a.
Well-known
If you don't need f2 take the Leitz Summaron 35/2.8!
bobby_novatron
Photon Collector
Yes the Summarons are not as common as other lenses, but they do show up in the used market occasionally. I think there's one currently listed at KEH. There was also one for sale here on RFF about a month ago.
Another option (just thinking out loud here so please excuse the incongruity -- plus it's late and I should be going to bed!) could be the Rokkor 40/2. Tiny lens, well-made, more of a classic rendering to it. Plus you get that extra F2, instead of F2.8, which could be handy. I find the Rokkor 40/2 really sings when I shoot B&W. Here's a rather mundane illustration of the abilities of this petite lens, using my Leica M6, Fuji Acros 100 in D-76:
Another option (just thinking out loud here so please excuse the incongruity -- plus it's late and I should be going to bed!) could be the Rokkor 40/2. Tiny lens, well-made, more of a classic rendering to it. Plus you get that extra F2, instead of F2.8, which could be handy. I find the Rokkor 40/2 really sings when I shoot B&W. Here's a rather mundane illustration of the abilities of this petite lens, using my Leica M6, Fuji Acros 100 in D-76:
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